11/02/2026
Apparently, Deadwood was internationally famous before it even had a marketing department.
This 1921–1922 Fairmont Hotel brochure claimed, “Should you say ‘Deadwood’ in Constantinople, Port Said, London, or Hong Kong, anyone knows the town you mention.”
Room rates, railroad schedules, local sights...this little brochure covered it all and made it into a very confident sales pitch.
Thanks to former owner Ron Russo for donating this piece of Fairmont history. Over a century later, we’re still giving people something to talk about.
The print is tiny, and our eyes aren’t from 1921 either. We’ve typed out a few sections below so you can spare yourself the squinting.
DEADWOOD
“Should you say ‘Deadwood’ in Constantinople, Port Said, London, or Hong Kong, anyone knows the town you mention; perhaps the best known small city in the world. Its history carries the charm of romance and adventure and brings a suggestion of the wild days without law, without homes; of the days of gold lust, of easy living and quick fortune. It is the city which started in an Indian reservation on forbidden land and could not come under civil law had there been anyone able to enforce it. But law and order came thru the decision of the citizens, the necessities of the occasion and determination of outstanding Americans.”
DEADWOOD BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS
“Deadwood is the commercial center of the Black Hills, with two strong banks, five hotels (the best of which in rates, accommodations, etc., is the Fairmont, located on Main street), seven restaurants, two daily newspapers, three women’s outfitters, four men’s clothing stores, three drug stores, two hardware stores, nine garages, as well as tailor shops, machine shops, several grocery stores and meat markets. In fact every known retail business is represented in this city assuring visitors prompt service in their needs.”
WHERE THE FAIRMONT HOTEL IS LOCATED
AN IDEAL PLACE FOR A HOME
“From a historical gold camp, the city has developed into a city of homes, a delightful climate, neither hot in summer nor cold in winter. Taxes are not high and real estate and property can be obtained at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a place to make your home or to obtain work, you will find no better place than Deadwood.
“DEADWOOD, South Dakota, is today one of the livest, growing cities in the West. It is located in the heart of the wonderful gold mining region of the Black Hills. The Homestake Mine, notable as the world’s greatest mine, is situated close by. Around the gold mining industry clusters the romance and historic interest of this famous city. Deadwood is today enjoying an era of prosperity and expansion of a marked order.
“The business men of Deadwood are enterprising and progressive, and are ever willing to help in the cause of upbuilding the city. As a desirable spot for manufacturers to locate, there is none better in South Dakota, and those desiring a new location where the future is certain, should pay a visit to this enterprising city.
“WE’RE ALL BOOSTERS HERE”
