Back in the days that the west was still considered wild, South Dakota was host to many notorious criminals and heroes alike. These figures had nicknames known for miles around, and took part in infamous shootouts, robberies, and acts of vigilante justice. During the gold rush, many of these people were drawn to South Dakota. Towns like Deadwood were known for this and still hold that history today.
One place you can visit in Deadwood is a cemetery like no other. The resting place for some well known names of the west is here, and it’s known as Mount Moriah Cemetery.
The cemetery was the first in Deadwood and has been around since 1878.
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It is perched on the hills overlooking Deadwood with a mesmerizing view.
Family E/Tripadvisor
Though many people are buried here, there are “celebrity” graves that draw the attention of hundreds who visit every year.
Dawn L/Tripadvisor
James “Wild Bill” Hickok and his acquaintance Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary are the most well-known figures resting in this cemetery.
Larry W/Tripadvisor
Wild Bill was a well known vigilante, gambler, spy, gunfighter, and lawman, among many things. Calamity Jane was a professional scout and fighter. They rest side by side.
LaDonna S/Tripadvisor
Another important man that lies here is Seth Bullock, the first sheriff of Deadwood and proprietor of the Bullock Hotel, still in use today.
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If you visit, it’s interesting to read every gravestone you can, other than just the celebrity graves.
Sasha R/Tripadvisor
When people visit the cemetery, many say they feel an eerie, haunting feeling - as if being watched. But many also feel it is a beautiful resting place that is interesting to see for its historical importance.
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We don’t know if any of these spirits may still be lurking here, but it’s certainly full of the stories of the men and women who lie here. It’s a must if you are planning to visit Deadwood, so if you are interested in more information about Mount Moriah Cemetery, click here.
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Family E/Tripadvisor
Dawn L/Tripadvisor
Larry W/Tripadvisor
LaDonna S/Tripadvisor
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Sasha R/Tripadvisor
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The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood is known to be haunted. Read more about it here along with more haunted spots in South Dakota.
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