The Black Hills Travel Blog

Deadwood: A True Western Town

By Heather • Jan 6th, 2009 • Category: Discoveries

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The city of Deadwood has been recognized for its historic and tourist attracting features.  Deadwood ranks No. among the 2009 Top Ten True Western Towns chosen by True West magazine.

Deadwood has long been known for its historic preservation and restoration.  Just taking a walk down the cobblestone Main Street surrounded by preserved casinos and hotels shows the city’s true Western heritage marked by the days of Wild Bill Hickok and Jack McCall. Many a sightseer or history buff has taken time to witness one of the city’s famed reenactments, such as the 100th anniversary of the last overland wagon run to Deadwood, or one the various gunfights on the city’s main street.

Also worthy of mention are the city’s various celebrations, including that of the Chinese New Year recognizing the city’s past immigrants, and numerous historical sites such as the Adams Museum and House and the Days of 76 Museum.

True West Magazine did its homework when making the decision.  The magazine reveres the fact that Deadwood, with a population of only slightly over 1,200 residents, is putting $7 million into historic preservation, made possible by the 1.5 million visitors who venture to the city every year.

“Deadwood is unique in so many ways—including its dedication to historic preservation”said Bob Boze, the magazine’s editor. “Just as important, the local folks share what they’ve learned with their counterparts from around the country. Deadwood’s work deserves all the recognition and honors it can get.”

The Black Hills’ famed Western city has undoubtedly received deserved recognition for its part in preserving the frontier heritage of South Dakota and the rest of the United States.

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About the Author

Heather is originally from De Smet, South Dakota, where she spent her time giving Laura Ingalls Wilder tours until she moved across the state to the Black Hills area to attend college. She is a recent graduate of Black Hills University, where she received a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in Public Relations and Spanish. On two different occasions Heather has fed her love of travel as an exchange student: a summer in Japan at age 17, and semester in Mexico in spring of 2008. Traveling and sightseeing are things she plans to keep on her agenda, and she's currently working on applying to graduate school. Heather has loved living in the area the past five years. When not working, she is usually spending time with her friends or reading.
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