Haunted Deadwood: A True Wild West Ghost Town

Haunted America

by Mark Shadley, Wennes

The Wild West may be tamed, but Deadwood's notorious past has not relinquished its hold on its corner of the Badlands or its place in popular imagination. And no wonder. If Wild Bill Hickok found its streets a little too rough, it should come as no surprise that the gamblers, gunslingers and general mischief-makers who put down roots at Deadwood's saloons and brothels did so in a ferocious and unforgettable manner. Mark Shadley and Josh Wennes prospect for ghostly activity as industriously as the town's former inhabitants dug for gold--and strike it just as rich. Greet Calamity Jane, Al Swearingen and a host of other characters as ready-made for haunting as they ever were for television.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Tony Kollman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about 85% history and 15% hauntings. It’s fine with me because I do love history and I love the Black Hills. It has the real feel of a locally produced book. It was a fun read, and it’ll be a nice guide the next time I’m in Deadwood. It just wasn’t really what I expected when I picked it up.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Every time I visit a town I make sure to buy a book with local ghost stories. I enjoyed this book because it really delved into the history of the town rather than just providing ghost stories. They went hand in hand and I could tell that there was a considerable amount of research done.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the history of Deadwood SD and all the things that haunt it. The author tries to show different examples of what people have seen while they are in Deadwood. It doesn’t prove anything about it being haunted.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Deadwood many times over the years. It is a town that has a very special energy and history. Every time I make a trip, I purchase a few books while there. Sometimes I come across an excellent selection and sometimes, its a miss. I found this book in the gift shop at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised.

I see mixed reviews on this title and I can understand a little confusion on the part of the reader. It is called "Haunted Deadwood" and many might think it is just ghost stories about the town. In my opinion, it is much more than that as the writers provide some very good history. The accuracy seems very correct as well. This is based on having read many books, visited museums and even a discussion with a local historian just days ago.

I enjoyed this book and the mix of paranormal and history. It is this very reason that I often purchase "Ghost" books because of the research involved. A quick, informative and entertaining read.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, interesting history of Deadwood with stories of events that might lead to haunting, with reports from various people about mysterious sights, sounds and noises. Gives information on various ghost tours and a self-guided walking tour of the town.

[Amy Jacobs · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting. The writing wasn't that great and it wasn't interesting in my opinion. I gave it a 1 star for the 75% I did read.

[Tracey Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have stated, this book is, in fact, more history than hauntings...but that's not a bad thing, in my opinion. I've been vacationing in Deadwood with my husband for the past five years, and we've grown to love the culture and history of this little town. This is why I picked up this book on my most recent trip to the Black Hills. The book does an excellent job of providing an essential background of the key players and places in Deadwood's history. It's up to you to explore them and experience the hauntings on your own. The last chapter is a guide to a walking tour of Deadwood; this was my favorite part of the book. You can bet next summer, when I'm in Deadwood, this book will be with me, and I'll be doing that walking tour step by step to experience the history, haunting, and beauty of this beautiful town.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Deadwood twice and visited some of these places. I like these kinds of books as starters for research for my own novels. It gives lots of facts and a base to start deeper investigation to make a story more accurate.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information about Deadwood. Lots of history here. I knew about some of it, but now I have to go back and see more.

[Toshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of Deadwood

Interesting history of Deadwood. Great stories, focusing more on the history and not as much on the hauntings. Would recommend.

[Muriel Kilmartin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history given about deadwood in this book. I will definitely go back for another visit.

[Kerri Woman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts of Deadwood SD

Yep, read this again and just makes me want to go Back to Deadwood. I was just 11 years old and it was the first and last time I went there. Don't even remember it. Well this book touches on the history of not just the town and some of its most famous characters, but also some of its not so know to maybe a little less obscure people of Deadwood. Along with what they have come across. Awesome book gonna recommend to my cousins who grew up in The Black Hills area.