Seth Bullock
and Sol Star
saw opportunities in Deadwood other than gold when they moved their
hardware store from Helena, Montana in 1876. When the
devastating fire of 1879 destroyed their building, they rebuilt with a
two-story wood-frame store that included a fire-proof warehouse in back.
Unfortunately, the business burned again in 1894, leaving nothing but the
brick warehouse standing at the rear of the building.
Changing tactics,
Bullock
and Star
then decided to build
Deadwood's
finest hotel over the original store and warehouse. Hauling in native pink
and white sandstone from Andrew's Quarry in Boulder Canyon, the work of
building the Italianate style hotel began. When it was complete it boasted
a restaurant that could seat 100 people and offered such delicacies as
pheasant and lobster. The large lobby featured red velvet carpeting,
brass chandeliers, oak trim and a Steinway grand piano. Upstairs,
the 63 rooms were furnished with oak dressers and brass beds, each floor
had a bathroom, and a library and parlor were located off the balcony.
The grand opening was held in April, 1896. In no
time at all, the hotel was the most sought after luxury hotel of its time.
In 1900 a
small building that
adjoined the hotel on the South was obtained by
Bullock
which served as the Gentlemen's Bar.
The pair sold the hotel to George Ayres in
1904, who operated a hardware store on the main floor, and continued
to operate the Hotel as the Hoizner until 1919. Later it was called the
Ayres Hotel.
In
the 1990's, the hotel was completely restored, including the massive
staircase and skylights, and continues to greet guests today.
As
another interesting note, the
Bullock
Hotel is allegedly haunted by none other than
Seth Bullock,
himself. The hotel has been featured on the popular TV show
Unsolved Mysteries and offers a ghost tour for those that want to hear
more of the story and see the places where paranormal activity have
occurred.
Contact Information:
Bullock Hotel
633 Main St
Deadwood,
South
Dakota 57732
(605) 578-1745
(800) 336-1876
