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Tag Archives: gravesites

Deadwood, South Dakota: “No Law at All” for the Outlaws

20 October 201816 September 2024

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“No law at all in Deadwood?  Is it true?” According to the HBO television series, Deadwood, this was the state of the infamous town, east of the Mississippi.  Set in the late 1870s, this gold mining town of the American West was known for its whiskey, women and western wranglers.   This popular show, airing in 2004, fascinated me with its depiction of the Gold Rush and life in a western town.  While gun fights and debauchery brought noteriety to Deadwood,  Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane would serve as its main characters.    DSC_0293

The US gave this land to the Lakota Indians, by means of the 1851 Treaty of Laramie in an effort to resolve disputes between the Indian tribes and the US Government.  Once it was discovered that gold was in the hills of the Great Sioux Reservation, prospectors invaded the land ignoring the terms of the agreement.  This resulted in war between the Sioux Indians and the settlers in 1866 and a major conflict continued between the two.

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Deadwood continued to grow as a prospectors camp and was eventually established as a city in 1876.  A city that once thrived on prostitution, gambling and the excessive consumption of alcohol, Deadwood’s popularity as a tourist stop was based on its preservation of historical buildings as well as its colorful past.

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With the lack of law enforcement, Deadwood was known for its high rate of crime, including homicide.  Its most notorious murder is that of Wild Bill Hickok by Jack “Crooked Nose” McCall, living under the alias of Bill Sutherland.

The story begins with Hickok playing a game of poker in the Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon (today’s Saloon Number 10)  when McCall, who had lost a fair amount of money to Hickok the night before, shot Hickok from behind.   It was said that Hickok was holding a pair of black aces and eights, which has become to be known as the Dead Man’s hand.

Saloon Number 10 displays the chair where Wild Bill Hickok was shot as well as other historical memorabilia.

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McCall attempted to escape the law, but was apprehended,  He was later sentenced to death in a second trial.   At the age of 24 years old, he was hanged on March 1, 1877.  Today, the Masonic Temple in Deadwood hosts reenactments of the Trial of Jack McCall during the summer months.

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After spending the night at Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun, I awoke early in the morning with one last stop at the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Located on the outskirts of the historical downtown, the burial ground maintains the grave sites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.  Known as Hickok’s girlfriend, Martha Jane Burke, was an outlaw in her own right.  Their resting place is a short uphill walk from the cemetery’s entrance.

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A further jaunt towards the edge of the cemetery is a stunning scenic view of the city of Deadwood.  According to Loretta, the friendly historian at the Welcome Center, Deadwood is very much the same as it was in the 1880s. She also mentioned that the series Deadwood is very true to its historical portrayal of the city as it was during the time of the Gold Rush.    A once thriving city with upwards to around 5,000 residents, today it is a quiet, somewhat laid-back town, quite different to its former reputation.  That is, until the shootout reinactments begin and you’re taken back to the Deadwood of Wild Bill Hickok.

Have you visited Deadwood or other Wild West sites?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading my post about Deadwood and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mount Moriah Cemetery
10 Mt. Moriah Drive
Deadwood, SD  57732
Telephone:  605 722 0837

  • Admission Fee:   There is a $2 admission fee for Mt. Moriah Cemetery
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8AM to 6PM
  • Amenities: The park provides a map that identifies the celebrity graves and other significant locations.
  • Scenic View:  Towards the back of the cemetery is an amazing view of the downtown of Deadwood.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear proper footwear for walking. The cemetery is a sacred place and should be treated with respect.

The Trial of Jack McCall
Telephone:  800 344 8826

Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD  57732
Telephone:  800 952 9398

  • Admission Fee:   There is no fee to enter the saloon.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8AM to 2AM
  • Amenities:  Historical site, restaurant, bar, gambling, entertainment and souvenir shop
  • Scenic View:  See the location where Wild Bill Hickok was killed by Jack McCall and scan the walls for western memorabilia.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour or more depending on if you want to play blackjack and the slots
  • Tips for Your Visit:  When visiting Deadwood, a stop at Saloon Number 10 is a must!  Be prepared for a wild enactment of the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok.  Cigar smoking is permitted in the bar, so there are times when this may deter non-smokers.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun
225 Cliff Street
Deadwood, SD  57732
Telephone:  605 578 7550

Where to Eat:

Gem Steakhouse & Saloon at The Mineral Palace
601 Main Street
Deadwood, SD  57732
Telephone:  605 578 2036

It had been awhile since I had seen Buffalo on a menu so I ordered the Buffalo Salisbury which included a 12-ounce ground Buffalo patty served with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.

Deadwood Social Club Restaurant at Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD  57732
Telephone:  800 952 9398

I decided to dine here before leaving Deadwood continuing my trek out west.  It was a beautiful evening to enjoy the rooftop patio with its twinkling lights strung about against the growing darkness of dusk.  I ordered the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, medium rare with a Crab Hollandaise topping.  The other option which I really wanted to try was the Crab & Pork Belly Carbonara which included the crispy pork belly, snow crab, peas, red bell peppers, fettuccine in a rich cream sauce.  The prices were exceptionally reasonable and the flavors of my steak and crab topping was extraordinary.

What to Eat: 

  • Buffalo
  • Chislic – chunks of mutton on a stick (kabob)
  • Chokecherries – an ancient cherry used to make wine, jam, butter and syrup
  • Honey
  • Hot Beef Sandwiches
  • Indian Fry Bread
  • Indian Tacos
  • Kolache – a polish pastry
  • Kuchen – German cake
  • Lefse – sweet bread made of potatoes of Norwegian-American origin
  • Pasties – hand pies
  • Rhubarb pie
  • Steak 
  • Zebra Donuts – marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts

What to Read: 

  • Deadwood’s Al Swearingen, by Jerry L. Bryant & Barbara Fifer
  • Deadwood, by Pete Dexter
  • Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, South Dakota, by GentleSeas

Movies/TV Shows Based in Deadwood: 

  • HBO Television Series:  Deadwood

Photo Guide for South Dakota:

  • The Badlands
  • Custer State Park’s Annual Roundup
  • Wild Horse Sanctuary
  • Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park
  • Sunflower Fields
  • Spearfish Canyon
  • Falls Park

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Grave Site of Calamity Jane

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The Trial of Jack McCall

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Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

26 June 201431 August 2024

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?  The Cemetery in Arlington

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War.  Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence.  The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war.  We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict.    In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Preparing for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb.  The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1996

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the  service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty.  I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

JFK Tomb

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.   At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds.  It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave.  On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Grave

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Gravesite at Arlington Cemetary

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother.  A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

Arlington Cemetery Headstone

There are a number of  monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant.   They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States.  For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial  (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

Entrance to Arlington Cemetary

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance.  I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers.  It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world.  I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery?  What was the most significant aspect of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery!  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do: 

Arlington National Cemetery
Address:  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone:  877.907.8585
Hours:  Open 365 days per year
Cost:  Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

  • Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
  • MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery.  $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st.  It is closed on December 25th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore.  Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains.   Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Toll Free Number:  866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone Number:  703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat: 

  • Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
  • Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
  • Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
  • Spanish plates at Ser
  • Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
  • Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
  • Filipino food at Bistro 1521
  • Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
  • For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

  • Arlington Cemetery
    • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
  • Air Force Memorial
  • Netherlands Carillon
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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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