1886 DEADWOOD LETTER, FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE "LAWLESS" GOLD RUSH TOWN

Autograph letter signed by H. Blake, to his brother and sister. Deadwood, Dakota Territory, 22 March 1886. 1 page, 4to, on The Wentworth House letterhead.

An interesting letter written by a young pioneer describing his first impressions of the legendary Western town of Deadwood. In part: “Well I must say few words about Deadwood it is situated in a deep ravine which passes through the HIlls from North to South it is composed of all classes of people who are intent on their business. They are very curt and mind their own business and want every body else to do the same. Indians are a novelty I have seen one since I started.”

Deadwood was first settled illegally in the 1870s on land that had been ceded to the Lakota by the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. In 1874, Lt. Col. George A. Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills and announced the discovery of gold, sparking a fervent Gold Rush that brought an influx of miners and settlers seeking their fortunes. The town became notorious for its lawlessness and has inspired numerous television shows, musicals, and films. The letter here appears to confirm the reputation of its hardened Western settlers.