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Deadwood, South Dakota, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, grave and tombstone, historic photo

Deadwood, South Dakota, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, grave and tombstone, historic photo

An historic photo of the tombstone and grave of James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, at Deadwood, South Dakota (then Dakota Territory) as it appeared in 1891. Hickok was killed on August 2nd, 1876 by Jack McCall who shot Hickok from behind while he was seated, playing cards. McCall was tried for the murder of Hickok, was convicted (at his second trial), and hanged on March 1, 1877.

Three years after his original burial in 1876, the body of Hickok was moved to the Mount Moriah Cemetery, also in Deadwood, South Dakota. The original grave marker was of wood which was destroyed by those taking souvenirs from it. This was replaced by several different stone monuments which in turn were also destroyed by souvenir hunters.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok", born May 27, 1837 at Homer (now Troy Grove), Illinois; died August 2, 1876 at Deadwood, Dakota Territory, age 39.

This photo is by photographer John C. H. Grabill, 1891. See the second photo below.

Martha Jane Cannary, better known as "Calamity Jane", posing at the grave of James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok

A photo of Martha Jane Cannary, better known as "Calamity Jane", posing at the grave of James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok. Cannary (sometimes spelled Canary) claimed to have been married to Hickok and that he was the father of her child. Though "Wild Bill" and "Calamity Jane" were certainly acquainted, there is little evidence that would substantiate the claim that they were married. After her death, she was buried next to Hickok as she had wished.

This photo by J. A. Kumpf, is believed to be from 1903 which would have been shortly before her death.

Martha Jane "Calamity Jane" Cannary (Canary) born May 1, 1852 near Princeton, Missouri; died August 1, 1903, Terry, South Dakota, age 51.

Deadwood is the county seat of Lawrence County, South Dakota.

Read an 1883 account: Wild Bill Hickok Kills Dave Tutt at Springfield, Missouri (1865)

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