M.A. Kleen

High above Deadwood’s storied streets, Mt. Moriah Cemetery holds the secrets of the Wild West, where legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane rest among tales of adventure, grit, and untamed history. Step into this hillside sanctuary and uncover the lives that made Deadwood a frontier icon.

Perched on a hill overlooking the storied town of Deadwood, South Dakota, Mt. Moriah Cemetery is more than a final resting place—it’s a journey into the untamed spirit of the Wild West. This historic cemetery, established in 1878, is the eternal home of some of the Old West’s most legendary figures, including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and madam Dora DuFran.

Walking through Mt. Moriah Cemetery feels like stepping into the pages of a dime novel. Each grave tells a story of adventure, lawlessness, and resilience, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, fans of the Old West, or anyone looking to connect with a bygone era.

Mt. Moriah Cemetery sits high above Deadwood, offering sweeping views of the Black Hills and the historic town below. The cemetery’s location was chosen not only for its beauty but also for practical reasons—Deadwood’s original cemetery, known as Ingleside, was prone to flooding, and its graves were at risk of being washed away. Mt. Moriah became the town’s official burial ground, providing a more secure resting place for its growing population.

Today, the cemetery is a carefully preserved historic site. As you stroll along its winding paths, you’ll find a mix of simple headstones, elaborate monuments, and interpretive signs that share the stories of the people buried there. The air is heavy with the sense of history, and it’s easy to imagine the bustling, chaotic town Deadwood once was.

Perhaps the most famous resident of Mt. Moriah Cemetery is James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, the gunslinger, lawman, and gambler whose name has become synonymous with the Wild West. Wild Bill met his untimely end in Deadwood in 1876, when he was shot in the back while playing poker at the saloon. Legend has it that he was holding the infamous “Dead Man’s Hand” of aces and eights when he died.

Wild Bill’s grave is one of the most visited spots in the cemetery, marked by a bold monument featuring his likeness. Standing there, you can’t help but reflect on his larger-than-life persona and the violent, unpredictable world he inhabited. His grave is a reminder of the thin line between fame and infamy in the Old West.

Buried next to Wild Bill is Martha Jane Cannary, better known as Calamity Jane. A frontierswoman, scout, and storyteller, Calamity Jane was as colorful and controversial in life as she is in death. Known for her rough-and-tumble persona and her claimed friendship with Wild Bill, she captured the imagination of her contemporaries—and continues to intrigue us today.

According to local lore, Jane’s dying wish was to be buried beside Wild Bill, though it’s unclear whether this was out of affection or a flair for the dramatic. Regardless, their side-by-side graves create a fascinating juxtaposition of two very different but equally iconic figures of the Wild West.

While Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are the cemetery’s most flamboyant figures, Seth Bullock represents the steady hand that helped tame Deadwood’s chaos. As the town’s first sheriff, Bullock was known for his no-nonsense approach to law and order. He later became a prominent businessman and a close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Unlike the rowdier graves of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane, Bullock’s resting place reflects his quiet dignity. Located on a hill above the main cemetery, it’s a bit of a hike to reach his grave, but the effort is worth it. The serene location feels fitting for a man who brought stability to a lawless town.

Another fascinating resident of Mt. Moriah is Dora DuFran, a madam who ran one of Deadwood’s most successful brothels. Known as the “Queen of the Black Hills,” Dora was a savvy businesswoman and a beloved figure in the community. Her brothels were reputedly cleaner and more humane than others, and she had a sharp wit that endeared her to locals.

Dora’s grave, though less ostentatious than some, speaks volumes about her unique role in Deadwood’s history. It’s a reminder that the Wild West wasn’t just about gunslingers and lawmen—it was also shaped by women who carved out their own paths in a male-dominated world.

Visiting Mt. Moriah Cemetery isn’t just a chance to pay respects to the famous figures buried there—it’s an opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way. The cemetery brings the past to life, allowing you to walk among the graves of people who helped define an era. It’s one thing to read about Wild Bill Hickok or Seth Bullock in a book, but standing at their graves gives you a visceral sense of their lives and times.

The cemetery’s interpretive signs and guided tours add depth to the experience, providing context and anecdotes that make the stories more vivid. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, Mt. Moriah Cemetery offers an engaging way to learn about the Wild West while enjoying the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

Tips for Visiting

• Getting There: Mt. Moriah Cemetery is located just above downtown Deadwood and is easily accessible by car. Parking is available near the entrance.
• Admission: There’s a small admission fee to help maintain the cemetery, and it’s well worth the price for the upkeep and interpretive features.
• Best Time to Visit: The cemetery is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring.
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes for walking the uneven paths, and bring water if you plan to hike to Seth Bullock’s grave.
• Respect the Site: Remember that Mt. Moriah Cemetery is a historic site and a place of rest. Treat the graves and grounds with respect.

Mt. Moriah Cemetery is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a testament to the people who lived, loved, and struggled in Deadwood’s early days. Each grave represents a piece of the town’s history, from its wild beginnings to its eventual transformation into a thriving community.

For travelers, the cemetery offers a chance to step back in time and experience history in a tangible way. It’s a place where legends come to life, and where the stories of the Wild West feel as real as the Black Hills breeze. Whether you’re a fan of the Old West or simply curious about the people who shaped it, Mt. Moriah Cemetery is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.