Mount Moriah Cemetery | Deadwood

Information

Landmark: Mount Moriah Cemetery
City: Deadwood
Country: USA South Dakota
Continent: North America

Mount Moriah Cemetery, Deadwood, USA South Dakota, North America

Mount Moriah Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Deadwood, South Dakota. It serves as the final resting place for numerous notable figures from the American West.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery occupies a hillside, with gravestones of varying sizes and materials, including granite, marble, and sandstone. The landscape is characterized by mature trees, primarily pine and deciduous varieties, interspersed with open grassy areas. The terrain is sloped, with pathways winding through the plots.

Location & Access Logistics

Mount Moriah Cemetery is situated approximately 1.5 miles east of downtown Deadwood, South Dakota. Access is via Mount Moriah Drive, which branches off Highway 14A. The drive from the city center takes approximately 5 minutes. A dedicated parking lot is available at the cemetery entrance. Public transportation options to the cemetery are limited; the nearest bus stop is in downtown Deadwood, requiring a walk or taxi service to reach the site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1878, Mount Moriah Cemetery was created to address the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions of earlier burial sites in Deadwood. It was designed to be a permanent and orderly resting place. The cemetery is situated on a natural hillside, with its ecological context being the Black Hills region, characterized by ponderosa pine forests and varied topography.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can locate the gravesites of historical figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. Walking tours are available, focusing on the lives of the interred and the history of Deadwood. Photography of the gravestones and landscape is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available near the main entrance. Limited shade is provided by the trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the cemetery grounds. No food vendors are located within the cemetery; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or utilize facilities in nearby Deadwood.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally late morning or late afternoon, when the sun angle provides more defined shadows on the gravestones. The months of May through October offer the most favorable weather conditions, with milder temperatures and less precipitation. Snowfall can occur from November through April, potentially impacting access and visibility.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the precise placement of Wild Bill Hickok's grave. He was initially buried in the town's first cemetery, but his remains were moved to Mount Moriah in 1879 due to concerns about flooding and vandalism. His current plot is marked by a large granite stone, a testament to his enduring legend.