Wild Bill Hickok and Western Americana

On August 2, 1876, Jack McCall forever immortalized himself and Wild Bill Hickok when said McCall shot and killed Wild Bill in Deadwood, southwestern Dakota Territory. Since then, any number of statues have been created to memorialize and deify Hickok. In Deadwood today, at least as of July 2012, there are numerous signs and busts of Hickok. His heroic and tragic story was popularized even further by the HBO series Deadwood (this is similar to the how Shakespeare popularized the story of Julius Caesar, too). Below is some of the Hickok iconography throughout Deadwood, South Dakota:

Wild Bill Hickok’s grave site at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Offerings at Wild Bill Hickok’s grave in Deadwood, South Dakota.

The “Dead Man’s Hand” at the base of Wild Bill Hickok’s grave in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Saloon #10 signage in downtown Deadwood.

Bust of Hickok in downtown Deadwood.

A 19th century bronze Hickok greets 21st century motorists entering Deadwood, South Dakota.