DEADWOOD, S.D. – Wild Bill Hickok’s 1876 murder in a Deadwood, South Dakota saloon guaranteed that the town would have a place in history. But over the years, residents have worked hard, not only to maintain that history, but to find ways to enlighten and entertain the many visitors to town.
That is one reason Deadwood is #2 among True West Magazine’s 2020 Top Western Towns. San Angelo, Texas took the top spot. They will be featured in the February-March 2020 issue, on newsstands now..
The Days of ’76 Rodeo, begun in 1924, attracts thousands of cowboys and their fans for five days of fun, including a parade down Main Street. The theme continues at Days of ’76 Museum, with its collection of more than 50 horse-drawn wagons, stagecoaches, and carriages. The firearms exhibit features nearly 100 long arms and 20 handguns, each accompanied by background information and photographs.
Visit Historic Adams House, a Queen Anne-style home built in 1892, to see its beautiful oak interiors and hand-painted canvas wall coverings. Wild Bill Days celebrates the long-haired lawman with a raucous party on Main Street, featuring live music, great food and demonstrations of gold panning. Book a room or stop for a drink at the nicely restored Bullock Hotel, built in 1894. Don’t miss the Trial of Jack McCall, re-created regularly by the talented performing group, Deadwood Alive.
“Deadwood is a small town—just 1300 people live there—but it is a giant in Old West history,” says True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “Not only that, but the residents have done so much to preserve and present that history to the public. Deadwood truly deserves the designation as a Top Western Town.”
This is the 15th year True West has presented this annual award. Editors base their selection on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events, and promotions of historic resources.
True West magazine is in its 68th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit TWMag.com or call 888-687-1881.