While W. E. Adams represented the more refined side of Deadwood, a large part of the town’s historic appeal can be attributed to the shady characters that were drawn there. The Mount Moriah Cemetery (605/578-2600, daily) on the hillside above Sherman Street in the southeast corner of town is the resting site of many of Deadwood’s famous and infamous characters.

During the summer, admission (requested donation of $1 adult, $0.50 child) is collected at a ticket booth on-site. A brochure is provided to visitors of the layout of the cemetery. It is possible to access the cemetery after hours. A donation box is set up near the entry gate for contributions to be made on the honor system.

James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok and Calamity Jane are two of the famous residents of the cemetery. Mount Moriah is actually the second resting spot for Wild Bill. Originally interred in the Whitewood Gulch Cemetery, he was moved to Mount Moriah, with the rest of the Whitewood Gulch inhabitants, when the town fathers decided that the relatively flat land of Whitewood was better suited for building than for graves.

It’s actually quite pretty in the cemetery. A short walk to the top of the hill provides nice views of Deadwood and is great for photographs.