City of Deadwood's Sesquicentennial Celebration

The City of Deadwood, South Dakota, will commemorate and celebrate an extraordinary milestone – its 150th anniversary. Established in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Deadwood has played a significant role on American history. The city has captured the imagination of generations with its legendary stories, dynamic culture, and unwavering spirit. Deadwood originated as an illegal settlement on land that had been officially granted to the Lakota people by the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. Despite these outlaw beginnings, the Deadwood quickly evolved into a bustling frontier community. Gold seekers, entrepreneurs, and notorious characters such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane flocked to Deadwood, transforming the city into a symbol of the American West’s promises and perils. Over the course of 150 years, Deadwood has journeyed from a rough-and-tumble mining town to a cherished historic destination. The city is proud of its preserved Historic Main Street, iconic saloons, and annual events to keep the spirit of the Old West alive. Visitors from around the globe travel to Deadwood to witness reenactments, try their luck at casinos, explore museums, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Black Hills region.

For more information please call the city’s Planning and Preservation Department.