News from Deadwood, Dakota Territory 1877

A volume 1 issue of The Black Hills Pioneer, No. 46, 4pp, 12.75” x 19.75”, Deadwood City, April 28, 1877. Never bound or trimmed. A few small archival mends throughout; intersecting folds with wear and a tiny area of paper loss at one juncture; toning and some scattered foxing; else, in very good plus to near fine condition.

Along with Tombstone and Dodge City, Deadwood City is arguably one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough and tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. This issue is from the heyday of the Wild West. Some of the most celebrated names of the Old West passed through Deadwood, including the folk hero Wild Bill Hickok, who was famously murdered while playing poker in Deadwood just eight months previous to this issue's printing.

Various news items of the day are highlighted on the front page: "Nevada Notions", "Montana Memorandums", "Utah Units" and "Colorado Capitulations". On page two, an article entitled "Jumping of Property and Its Consequences" mentions a shootout over a dispute. An advertisement for "Elegant Rooms and first class beds" at "Gen'l Custer House..Best in the Black Hills" appears on page three. On page four is a full column of "Mining Items" from the locality; also, an article entitled "Lead City" begins with "Lead City is still leading the way in improvements, progression and prosperity. The richness of the lodes surrounding this thriving town has inspired the people..."

Founded June 8, 1876 by A. W. Merrick and W. A. Laughlin, The Black Hills Pioneer was originally published as The Black Hills Weekly Pioneer and was the first newspaper in Deadwood, located in what was then Dakota Territory. The Black Hills Pioneer continues to be printed today, but its offices have moved to Spearfish, South Dakota. Merrick and The Black Hills Weekly Pioneer are portrayed in the television series Deadwood (2004-2006) and the film continuation Deadwood: The Movie (2019).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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