Mount Moriah Cemetery: Deadwood's Historic Burial Ground

Perched on a hill overlooking the historic town of Deadwood, Mount Moriah Cemetery is the final resting place for several of the most notable figures of the American West. More than a cemetery, it’s a walk through the history of this gold rush town.

Who’s Buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery?

From Wild Bill and Calamity Jane to lawman Seth Bullock, Mount Moriah Cemetery offers a fascinating look at the larger-than-life figures who defined the American frontier.

Wild Bill Hickok

Few names are more closely linked to Deadwood’s history than gambler and gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok. Born James Butler Hickok, the former Civil War Union scout and spy gained notoriety for his involvement in several high-profile shootouts and his time as a Kansas lawman. His growing fame led to stage appearances with Buffalo Bill Cody before he made his way to Deadwood during the Black Hills gold rush in 1876. 

On August 2, 1876, Hickok was shot and killed by James McCall while playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon. According to legend, Hickok was holding two black aces and two black eights — a combination that became known as the Dead Man's Hand. At Old Style Saloon No. 10, you can watch a reenactment of Hickok's infamous final poker game daily from May through September.

Originally buried in Deadwood's first cemetery, Hickok was moved to Mount Moriah Cemetery in 1879. His gravesite, marked by a bronze bust and surrounded by an iron fence, is one of the cemetery's most photographed stops. 

Calamity Jane

Martha Jane Canary, better known as Calamity Jane, remains one of the most enduring characters of the Old West. A frontierswoman, scout, performer and storyteller, her adventures — some documented and others embellished over time — helped cement her place in American folklore. Her association with Wild Bill Hickok, combined with her appearances in traveling Wild West shows, made her one of the best-known personalities of the time.

Calamity Jane is buried beside Wild Bill Hickok at Mount Moriah Cemetery, continuing a connection that has fueled rumors and debate for more than a century. Whether the placement was her final wish or the result of local legend, it's easy to understand why her story still captures imaginations.

Seth Bullock

As Deadwood's first sheriff, Seth Bullock stood apart in a boomtown notorious for its outlaws and gamblers, and his fearlessness helped usher in law and order. He later went on to build a successful career as a businessman, earning a reputation as a respected leader. Before making his way to Deadwood in 1876, Bullock briefly served in the Montana Territory Legislature, where he championed a resolution to preserve Yellowstone, helping protect one of America’s most iconic national parks for future generations.

Seth Bullock is buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery with his wife, Martha, on a hillside above the main burial grounds overlooking the surrounding Black Hills. Bullock chose the location so his grave would face Mount Roosevelt, where he helped erect a monument honoring his longtime friend, President Theodore Roosevelt. 

Learn more about Seth Bullock's legacy at the Historic Bullock Hotel on Main Street, which Bullock built with his business partner, Sol Star, in 1895.

Other Notable Graves

Mount Moriah Cemetery is filled with stories that extend far beyond those of its most famous residents. As you explore, you'll discover the burial sites of influential community members and pioneers whose lives helped define the early days of Deadwood, including:

• John Perret, aka Potato Creek Johnny, a local prospector who gained recognition for discovering one of the largest gold nuggets ever found in the Black Hills.
• Dora DuFran, a well-known Deadwood madam and friend of Calamity Jane’s. She was buried here in 1934 alongside her beloved pet parrot, Fred.
• John McClintock, owner and operator of the Deadwood to Spearfish stagecoach line and one of Deadwood’s early historians. He authored “Pioneer Days in the Black Hills,” a book filled with firsthand accounts of Deadwood events.
• Preacher Henry Weston Smith, one of the Black Hills’ earliest spiritual leaders. Smith was known for preaching in the mining camps on Sundays.
• W.E. Adams, a prominent community leader who gifted Deadwood the Adams Museum.

The History of Mount Moriah Cemetery

Mount Moriah Cemetery was established in 1878, during the height of the gold rush, as Deadwood's official burial ground. Before that, many residents were buried in nearby Ingleside Cemetery. As the town expanded, many graves were relocated to the hillside site visitors see today.

Mount Moriah is sometimes referred to as "Boot Hill," a name commonly used throughout the West for burial grounds where miners, gamblers, outlaws and other frontier residents were laid to rest. Over time, the cemetery grew to include distinct sections for children, members of Deadwood's Chinese and Jewish communities, and veterans of the Civil and Indian wars.

Today the cemetery serves as both a cultural landmark and an outdoor museum, offering a deeper understanding of the people, hardships and ambitions that shaped South Dakota.

Plan Your Visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery

When to Visit

While Mount Moriah Cemetery is open year-round, the best time to visit is between spring and fall. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., mid-May through mid-October, with limited maintenance and access during winter. 

How Long to Spend & Getting Around

Visitors typically spend an hour or two exploring the grounds, interpretive displays and seasonal Mount Moriah Visitor Center. The cemetery's paved roads make exploring relatively easy, though some of the scenic overlooks and historic gravesites require a moderate uphill walk. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Admission Costs & Tours

To support the cemetery’s ongoing preservation and beautification efforts, visitors are asked to pay a cash-only admission fee of $2 per person (free for children 12 and younger). The visitor center offers additional exhibits, interpretive panels and a short video introduction before you begin your self-guided walking tour.

Parking

Mount Moriah Cemetery is located just a five-minute drive from the heart of Deadwood’s historic Main Street, and parking is available near the entrance. RVs, trailers and tour buses are not permitted on the road leading to the cemetery. Visitors with larger vehicles can park in the designated areas along Sherman Street. 

Pets

Pets are not allowed at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Service animals, however, are permitted.

Discover More History in Deadwood

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, Deadwood's saloons, museums and historic landmarks bring the town's gold rush days to life. Read more about its history and legacy, then start planning your visit:

• Things to Do in Deadwood

• Places to Stay 

• Where to Eat

• Casinos