FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

CONTACT: Wanda Goodman, (605) 773-3301, wanda.goodman@state.sd.us.

Marks of History:  Wild Bill Hickok’s grave at Mount Moriah

PIERRE, S.D. – On August 2, 1876, Jack McCall shot Wild Bill Hickok in the back at the No. 10 Saloon in Deadwood, S.D.  Today, Wild Bill lies to rest at Mount Moriah Cemetery on Deadwood’s historic “Boot Hill”. 

Other colorful characters had frequented Deadwood, and now join Wild Bill in this cemetery.  Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary was known for her rough appearance, but kind heart.  She lived longer than most, and was buried next to Wild Bill when she died.  Potato Creek Johnny was one of Deadwoods most popular residents.  His small stature and great stories made him a child favorite, and the large gold nugget he found undoubtedly made him many friends. 

Characters have come and gone to historic Deadwood, many of whom still remain on Boot Hill.  Take a peek into the lives of these and other pioneers of the Old West at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

The Marks of History series is a project of the South Dakota Office of Tourism designed to highlight historical markers all across South Dakota.  Click on the special “Marks of History” link at www.MediaSD.com to access the complete list of articles.

The Marks of History series is part of Goal 1 of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota and Goal 4 to enhance history and arts as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism in South Dakota.  The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.

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Media Notes:

• Information for this release was obtained from “Brevet’s South Dakota Historical Markers”. 
• The South Dakota Office of Tourism is not responsible for the text included on these markers.  Some of the language used at the time of production may not be appropriate by today’s standards.  Please view the markers at your own discretion.