by Robin
One of the most famous legends of the American West is that of Wild Bill Hickok, a gun-slinging outlaw who met his end in a saloon in Deadwood, South Dakota. What is less well known is that, to this day, visitors to Hickok’s grave leave money on his headstone. This tradition began soon after Hickok’s death, and has continued for over a hundred years. There are a few theories as to why this is done. One is that it is a way of honoring Hickok’s memory. Another is that it is a way of keeping his spirit at rest. Whatever the reason, the tradition of leaving money at Wild Bill Hickok’s grave is a unique and fascinating part of American history.
Why Is Calamity Jane Buried Next To Wild Bill?

Jane moved around after Wild Bill’s death, and she even appeared on Buffalo Bill‘s Wild West show for a few weeks. Her career took off after she relocated to the Black Hills in 1903, where she worked as a cook and housekeeping assistant at Dora DuFran’s Bell Fourche brothel. She died shortly after, after which time she had to leave the country. Her burial plot is located next to that of Wild Bill Hickok.
Agnes Hickok was a supporter of the American Civil Rights Movement, as well as women’s rights and civil rights. She had six children with her husband Daniel Gilmartin, who was born in 1854. Despite his many difficulties, Hickok lived a full and active life. She died of an illness at the age of 81 in 1907 in New Jersey. Her first husband was laid to rest next to her in Cincinnati. She is remembered not only for her activism and work, but also for her achievements.
The Unsolved Mysteries Of Wild Bill Hickok
Who is buried next to Wild Bill? He is buried next to Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny. Was The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring true? Was it true that calamity jane died in his sword? Her interment near him is consistent with her request; there is no evidence to support this. What happened to Wild Bill Hickok’s grave? The first cemetery in Deadwood was built on a hill overlooking the town, but Hickok was buried there until his body was exhumed in 1879 and relocated to Mount Moriah, which was built on the hill.
Was Wild Bill’s Grave Moved?

There are several conflicting reports about whether or not Wild Bill’s grave was moved. Some say that his body was exhumed and moved to Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota, while others claim that his grave is still in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The truth may never be known for sure.
Who Is Buried Beside Wild Bill Hickok?
A man named Jim Kelly is buried beside Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood, South Dakota. Kelly was a friend of Hickok’s and was with him when he was shot and killed. Kelly himself died a few years later.
The Center’s Colt Navy revolver is an excellent example of the type of gun favored by legendary gunfighter and lawman J.B. Hickok. He loved using his favorite guns, two Colt 1851 Navy Model (.36 caliber) cap-and-ball revolvers. This pair of shoes was ornately engraved with the name B. B. Hickok–1869 on the backstrap and was made of ivory and nickel plating. This revolver is a rare and valuable artifact that contains some of the greatest talents and skills of one of the most famous gunfighters in American history. He was a fan of the Colt Navy revolver, which he used to draw quick, deadly shots with a pistol.
The Townsfolk Of Deadwood Get Revenge On Hickok
Hickok and Jane, according to reports, did not appear particularly close, and he had little interest in her. As a result, the townsfolk of Deadwood decided to bury her next to him as a joke, knowing that he would be forced to spend eternity with her. This is a clever way for Hickok to exact revenge on Jane for his lack of respect.
Wild Bill Hickok Grave Colorado
Wild Bill Hickok is buried in the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota. His grave is marked with a simple headstone that is engraved with his name and the years of his birth and death. The headstone is surrounded by a small fence.
Why Is Bill Cody Buried In Colorado?
At the age of 13, he was one of the Colorado Gold Rush’s participants. After leaving Colorado disappointed, many gold seekers, including Cody, left disappointed as well. After that, he traveled to Denver several times to be with his sister until 1917, when he died at her home. When he died, he requested that he be buried on Lookout Mountain, above Golden.
Buffalo Bill’s Final Resting Place
Buffalo Bill, the most famous cowboy in history, was laid to rest in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains are among the state’s natural wonders. The spectacular views from Lookout Mountain are stunning, and Buffalo Bill spent many happy hours riding and hunting here. His grave marker, which is a replica of his famous golden wagon, is even available for purchase.
What Outlaw Is Buried In Colorado?
Wyoming, on the other hand, wants to go against the grain. Steve Friesen, director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, stands in front of the Buffalo Bill gravesite on Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colo. “There are three things in life that Steve Friesen knows he can count on: death, taxes, and William F. Buckley,” he says.
The Laws Of Lending: What To Know Before You Borrow
As a result, the legal definition of lending a vacuum or any other object to someone is unclear in Colorado. If you decide to lend your vacuum to a friend, however, you may run into some legal issues. As an example, you may want to inquire if a friend is permitted to vacuum while under the influence of alcohol, as riding a horse while drunk is illegal. Furthermore, rock mutilating is prohibited in state parks, so you should be aware of this before providing your friend with the vacuum. Furthermore, it is illegal to fire missiles at moving vehicles, so you should make certain that your friend understands not to aim the vacuum at any moving vehicle.
Wild Bill Hickok Grave Wild Bill Hickock
In 1876, Hickok was shot from behind and killed while playing poker in a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory. His killers were Jack McCall, who was hanged for the crime, and George Hoyt. Hickok is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood.
Wild Bill Hickok’s Grave: How To Find It And What You’ll See
What are some interesting things to see at the grave of Wild Bill Hickok?
The Cemetery is open to pedestrians, and the grave of Hickok can be seen. Hickok’s body was exhumed in 1879 and relocated to Mount Moriah Cemetery.
How do I get to the grave of Bill Hickok?
To get to downtown Houston, take Sherman St. east at the stoplight and then turn left onto Cemetery St., and then left onto Lincoln Ave./Mount Moriah Drive after crossing the street. The cemetery can be reached via a hill to the right, following the road uphill.
What do you think about Jane Austen being buried next to Wild Bill Hickok?
Jane relocated after Wild Bill’s death and appeared on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show for a few months. She relocated back to the Black Hills in 1903, where she worked as a cook and housekeeping maid in Dora DuFran’s Bell Fourche brothel. Her death occurred several years later. She is buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery alongside Wild Bill Hickok.
FAQs
Did Wild Bill Hickok have a wife? ›
Why is Calamity Jane buried next to Wild Bill Hickok? ›She's buried next to Wild Bill Hickok at Mount Moriah Cemetery. It's widely reported that Hickok, who was married, had little interest in Jane and that's why the townsfolk buried her next to him so she could spend eternity with him and they could play the ultimate joke on Hickok.
Was Wild Bill's grave moved? ›Wild Bill was shot in Deadwood's Saloon #10 on Thursday night, Aug. 2, 1876. Three years after his death and burial in a non-descript cemetery, friends dug him up and reburied him in Deadwood's then new Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Did Wild Bill Hickok have a child? ›Together, they would produce their first child, Oliver Hickok, who was born in May 1830. A second son, named Lorenzo Butler Hickok, was born in October of 1831 but died soon thereafter. The next child, also named Lorenzo Butler Hickok, was born in November of 1832.
What happened to Wild Bill Hickok's guns? ›His belongings were sold to pay his burial costs and other debts. Hickok, whose full name was James Butler Hickok, was undoubtedly carrying at least one sidearm as he gambled in the rough-and-tumble town.
What disease did Wild Bill Hickok have? ›During the next several years he appeared in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, living off his fame as the consummate gunfighter. In 1876, Wild Bill Hickok was suffering from glaucoma. Relegated to making a living through other means than law enforcement, he traveled from one town to another as a gambler.
Did Calamity Jane have Wild Bill Hickok's baby? ›JEAN MCCORMICK - DAUGHTER OF CALAMITY JANE - BORN IN LIVINGSTON - Calamity Jane was keeping a secret that she did not reveal until after Wild Bill Hickok's death. Jane's secret was that she and Hickok had been married and that Hickok was the father of her daughter Jean (shown).
Did Bill Hickok love Calamity Jane? ›Calamity Jane never married Wild Bill Hickok. They traveled to Deadwood, South Dakota, together and were acquaintances, but there is no evidence of a romance (especially on his part).
What was Wild Bill holding when he died? ›This time, McCall was found guilty and executed. The legend of "Wild Bill" Hickok had come to an end. The poker hand he held at the moment of his death, of aces and eights, became known as Dead Man's Hand.
How much does it cost to get into Deadwood? ›We are open year-round and there is no admission fee to visit Deadwood.
What was Wild Bill Hickok's hand when he was shot? ›
Q: What is the Dead Man's Hand? A: Two Pair: Aces and Eights. This is the hand that “Wild Bill” Hickok was holding during a 5-card stud game in 1876 when he was shot in the back of the head. He died instantly at the table.
Why is Buffalo Bill buried on Lookout Mountain? ›In 1917 Buffalo Bill died while visiting his sister's home in Denver. According to his wife Louisa, it was his choice that he be buried on Lookout Mountain overlooking Denver and the plains.
Why did Jack shoot Wild Bill? ›Jack McCall is the most infamous murderer in Deadwood. On August 2, 1876, McCall walked into Nuttal & Mann's Saloon #10 and point blank shot Wild Bill Hickok in the back of the head while Hickok was playing a hand of poker. McCall claimed he killed Wild Bill to avenge his brother's death.
How do you spend a day in Deadwood? ›- Take a Walk Along the Deadwood Historic Main Street.
- Go For a Drink at Wild Bill Bar.
- Take a Tour to Broken Boot Gold Mine.
- Visit Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort.
- Visit the Adams Museum and Historic Adams House.
- Visit Days of 76 Museum.
- Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery.
In Wild Bill's last letter to Agnes, he promised her that if “we never meet again, while firing my last shot, I will gently breathe the name of my wife — Agnes — and with wishes even for my enemies I will make the plunge and try to swim to the other shore.”
How old was Bill Hickok when he was shot? ›Wild Bill Hickok | |
---|---|
Born | James Butler HickokMay 27, 1837 Homer, Illinois, U.S. (now Troy Grove, Illinois, U.S.) |
Died | August 2, 1876 (aged 39) Deadwood, Dakota Territory, U.S. |
Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
Resting place | Mount Moriah Cemetery, Deadwood, Dakota Territory |
Wild Bill Hickok owned a couple of horses that he liked: Black Nell, a mare that died in 1870, and Buckshot. (Interestingly, Buckshot was also the name of actor Guy Madison's appaloosa in the popular 1950s' TV series Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok.)
What was Wild Bill Hickok's favorite pistol? ›His former commanding officer, General George Armstrong Custer, said: “Wild Bill always carried two handsome ivory-handled revolvers… he was never seen without them.” Yes– his favorite gun was the Colt . 36-caliber, six-shot, 1851 Navy revolver.
How much is Wild Bill Hickok's gun worth? ›One of the legendary guns of the Old West, historians believe Hickok carried a Smith & Wesson the night he was shot and killed in Deadwood, South Dakota on Aug. 2, 1876. The pre-auction estimate for Wild Bill's Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old Army Revolver ranges between $150,000 - $350,000, according to the release.
Was Wild Bill Hickok a fast draw? ›Though many gunfighters were remembered to be dangerous with a pistol during the American frontier, only a few known historical individuals have been noted by historians as "fast", such as Wild Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, John Wesley Hardin, Luke Short, Tom Horn and Billy the Kid.
What was Wild Bill Hickok last words? ›
Hickok was losing by the time Jack McCall slipped into the saloon. McCall moved down the bar, and stopped a few steps behind Hickok, as if to look at the hand Bill had been dealt. Not noticing him, Wild Bill said to Massie, “The old duffer – he broke me on the hand,” the last words he was ever to speak.
Did Wild Bill Hickok have a sidekick? ›Synopsis. The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok starred Guy Madison as the legendary Old West lawman (in real life, also a gunfighter) United States Marshal James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, and Andy Devine as his comedy sidekick, Jingles P. Jones.
Was Bill Hickok buried with his guns? ›Journalist Leander Richardson, who had met Hickok just days earlier, recalled the scene at the funeral: "The body was clothed in a full suit of broad-cloth, the hair brushed back from the broad forehead, and the blood washed from the pallid cheek. Beside the dead hero lay his rifle, which was buried with him.
Who was Wild Bill Hickok's best friend? ›Charles H.
"Colorado Charlie" Utter (March 14, 1838 – July 3, 1915) was a figure of the American Wild West, best known as a great friend and companion of Wild Bill Hickok.
Famous lawman, James “Wild Bill” Hickok, was shot while gambling at the Saloon #10 in Deadwood, South Dakota. His shooter, Jack McCall, who was able to get away with the shooting by claiming that Hickok had murdered his brother.
Did Doc Holliday know Calamity Jane? ›In real life, Calamity Jane (Martha Jane Canary) never met 'Doc' Holliday: she actually was in love and pursued 'Wild Bill' Hickock. Doc Holliday did have a bad cough, as suggested in this episode, from his tuberculosis. He died in 1887.
Why was Jane called Calamity? ›Some claim that Jane's parents died when she was only eight years old and the event led to her nickname “Calamity,” but serious historians have never found any solid evidence for any of these legends.
Is Deadwood a real place? ›Deadwood (Lakota: Owáyasuta; "To approve or confirm things") is a city that serves as county seat of Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It was named by early settlers after the dead trees found in its gulch.
What became of Calamity Jane's daughter? ›This daughter was given up for adoption for unknown reasons. She brought another girl with her to Deadwood who she claimed to be her daughter, and the town had a fundraiser to give the girl a good education, but Jane spent most of the money on booze as soon as she received it.
What is the fifth card in a dead man's hand? ›Sometimes the fifth card in a dead man's hand is the five of diamonds, while other times it's either the nine or jack of diamonds. The most important aspect of the dead man's hand is that there are two black aces and two black eights in it.
What is meant by a dead man's hand? ›
Noun. dead man's hand. (poker) A pair of aces and a pair of eights (especially, the black aces and eights), in a player's hand. quotations ▼ (poker) An ace and an eight as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.
Who is the dead man's hand named after? ›For the last hundred years, a hand with a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights has commonly been called the Dead Man's Hand, and been connected with Wild Bill Hickok's death.
Does Kevin Costner have a casino in Deadwood? ›DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — A casino owned by actor and director Kevin Costner has shut down after operating for 26 years in the western part of South Dakota.
How many slot machines are in Deadwood South Dakota? ›If you love slots, you'll love our casino. We have more than 280 of the newest and most popular slot machines.
Can you have open container in Deadwood? ›It is unlawful for any person to possess in any public place other than upon the premises of a licensed on-sale dealer, any glass, can, bottle or other container containing an alcoholic beverage on which the seal has been broken, unless in a container approved by the city commission in connection with a special event.
What is the devils hand in poker? ›8. The Devil's Hand. This is a nickname for the Seven-Deuce hand, considered the worst possible hand in poker. The poker hands odds of this winning are low, so players usually fold when they are dealt it.
What is the best hand in poker? ›Royal Flush
This is the highest poker hand. It consists of ace, king, queen, jack and ten, all in the same suit. As all suits are equal, all royal flushes are equal.
In the event of a tie: Highest rank at the top of the sequence wins. The best possible straight flush is known as a royal flush, which consists of the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of a suit. A royal flush is an unbeatable hand.
Did Buffalo Bill and Wild Bill Hickok know each other? ›“Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846 – 1917) first met James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok (1837 – 1876) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, when Hickok and Cody (nearly ten years younger than Hickok) worked for the stagecoach and wagon-freighting company of Russell, Majors & Waddell. Hickok became Cody's mentor during this time.
What is the red bar on the Buffalo Bills logo? ›In the letter, Lustig stated he wanted the logo to portray a buffalo accelerating in a forward motion. The modification of a red stripe was put in place to convey that. 1960–1961: The Bills' original logo depicts two football players in Bills uniforms running alongside several buffalo.
What happened at Lookout Mountain? ›
The Battle of Lookout Mountain also known as the Battle Above The Clouds was fought November 24, 1863, as part of the Chattanooga Campaign of the American Civil War. Union forces under Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker assaulted Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and defeated Confederate forces commanded by Maj.
Did Wild Bill know Wyatt Earp? ›Back in the days when the West was young and wild, 'Wild Bill' fought and loved and adventured with such famous frontiersmen as Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp." In reality, Earp was a virtually unknown assistant marshal in Dodge City when Wild Bill Hickok was murdered in 1876.
Did Seth Bullock meet Wild Bill? ›Seth Bullock and Wild Bill Hickok never met.
Contrary to what you may have seen on the HBO series, it was very unlikely that Bullock and Hickok met, let alone became allies. Although the iconic “good guys” did not share time in Deadwood together, both can still be found in the same history books and museums.
The go-to beverage on Deadwood is whiskey, which most characters — particularly Ian McShane's Al Swearengen — drink like water. However, don't grab the nearest bottle of Jack Daniels and try to match the characters drink for drink.
Is the Deadwood trolley free? ›Effective January 14, 2022, the trolley fee is now $2.00 per person. The City of Deadwood offers a transit service that stops at various locations around Deadwood including hotels and casinos. The trolley is not a 24-hour service. The fee for the trolley is $2 per person per ride or one (1) token per person per ride.
Can you get married in Deadwood? ›Weddings, meetings, any event, downtown Deadwood. Muley Hill Family Ranch MULEY HILL LODGE Deadwood's most family friendly attraction is located just one mile from Deadwood's historic main street. Weddings and meetings for all seasons and budgets! Space for 5 – 150 people indoor and outdoor.
Who was Wild Bill new wife? ›Final years. In 1876 in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, Hickok married Agnes Lake Thatcher, a former circus performer. A month or so later, he left their honeymoon in Cincinnati for the goldfields of the Black Hills in the Dakota Territory, where he hoped to make enough money to send for her.
Were Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane married? ›Calamity Jane never married Wild Bill Hickok. They traveled to Deadwood, South Dakota, together and were acquaintances, but there is no evidence of a romance (especially on his part).
What was Wild Bill in jail for? ›William Dathan Holbert (born September 12, 1979), also known as Wild Bill, is a self-confessed murderer, and ex-cartel hitman from Hendersonville, North Carolina. He is currently serving a 46-year sentence for the killings of five Americans in Panama. Hendersonville, North Carolina, U.S.
What did Wild Bill do to John? ›Late in the novel, it is revealed that Wild Bill murdered the two young girls who John Coffey was wrongly convicted of killing.
Who was in love with Wild Bill? ›
Wild Bill also fell in love--multiple times--before marrying the true love of his life, Agnes Lake, the impresario of a traveling circus. He would be buried however, next to fabled frontierswoman Calamity Jane.
Did Wild Bill and Buffalo Bill know each other? ›“Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846 – 1917) first met James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok (1837 – 1876) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, when Hickok and Cody (nearly ten years younger than Hickok) worked for the stagecoach and wagon-freighting company of Russell, Majors & Waddell. Hickok became Cody's mentor during this time.
Was Calamity Jane in love with Wild Bill Hickok? ›In the final act, however, Calamity realizes that her true love all along was in fact her friend, the gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok.