One Of The Most Famous Murders In The West Happened Right Here In South Dakota
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
The Black Hills of South Dakota has a rich Wild West history. The gold rush created little towns all throughout western South Dakota, and those towns quickly filled with people hoping to strike it rich. For awhile, the towns were full of gambling halls, saloons and brothels. Local sheriffs did their best to keep lawless thugs under control, but it was a wild, dangerous place to be in the late 1800s. One of the country’s most celebrated heroes was shot and killed right here in South Dakota.
During his lifetime, Hickok had many careers, including farmer, soldier, teamster, stagecoach driver, lawman and professional gambler. During his time as a U.S. Deputy Marshall and Sheriff, he became legendary for apprehending many criminals and is said to have shot and killed at least six men. He briefly appeared in a show with Buffalo Bill Cody, where he showcased his skills as a marksman. Wild Bill moved to Deadwood in March, 1876.
That afternoon, Hickok was playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's, a saloon in Deadwood. The only available seat at the poker table was one where his back was to the door - something he typically avoided. Jack McCall entered the saloon, walked up to Hickok and shot him in the back of the head, killing him instantly.
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He was playing poker with Hickok the day before he shot him, and got agitated when he lost. Wild Bill gave him money to buy breakfast, but McCall was insulted by what he felt was Bill's condescending advice not to gamble if he didn't have the funds to pay his debts.
McCall was brought to trial in Deadwood, but found innocent of the charges. He moved to the Wyoming Territory, but officials there decided that the first court didn't have proper jurisdiction, so McCall was sent to Yankton for a second trail. At the end of that trial, he was convicted of the murder and hanged on March 1, 1877.
McCall was brought to trial in Deadwood, but found innocent of the charges. He moved to the Wyoming Territory, but officials there decided that the first court didn't have proper jurisdiction, so McCall was sent to Yankton for a second trail. At the end of that trial, he was convicted of the murder and hanged on March 1, 1877.
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Another building was erected on the site in 1898, and housed several businesses over the years. In 2013, Wild Bill's Trading Post and Wild Bill's Bar opened. You can get a drink at Wild Bill's Bar, and for a fee, you can tour the basement, which includes a recreation of the set up of the original saloon. You'll find it at 624 Main Street.
You'll find tons of cool memorabilia here, including thousands of photos and even the chair that Wild Bill was sitting in when he was killed. The saloon hosts reenactments and has a huge selection of bourbon, scotch and whiskey. If you want to learn more about the life and murder of Wild Bill Hickok, this is the place to go.
If you haven’t visited Deadwood lately, you should plan a trip soon! Learn more about this unique little town here.
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