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| True South Dakota Ghost Stories
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Bullock Hotel
Deadwood, South Dakota
Canadian born business man Seth Bullock created a legend for himself in the U.S not only for his reputable businesses but for his hunger to rebel against society. When I first started doing research about the Bullock Hotel it wasn’t my intentions to write about Seth Bullock with so much detail. However, after realizing that Bullock ran that small historic town called Deadwood, I now realize this story is about Seth Bullock. It began July 23rd, 1849 when Seth Bullock was born and right away his parent knew they had a go getter on their hands. Born in a small town called Amherstburg, Ontario, Seth craved more than what this town had to offer. His father served as a British Major and his mom from Scottish descent never let Seth think he stood a chance out in the real world and treated him like a worker rather than their son. Pushed to the limits, when Seth reached the age 16 he decided to move to Montana with his sister but was eventually sent back home to his parents. Seth never let his hunger for the outside world fade and at 18 he took off for good. Back to Montana to start his own life. There Seth got involved in politics but was unsuccessful. He continued with politics and eventually was elected as a member of the Territorial Senate. During his 2 year run, Seth was a huge influence in creating the first ever United States National Park (Yellowstone). Seth eventually left politics and decided to become Sherriff of Lewis and Clark County. Bullock continued to put his mark on American soil and dug his hands into a little bit of everything that Montana had to offer. He became an entrepreneur. He was an auctioneer and began to enter the business world. He bought a hardware business with his lifelong friend Sol Star in 1876. During this time Seth bullock remained loyal to his childhood sweetheart Martha Eccles and the two were married in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1874. Seth’s hardware business began to pick up and he and Sol decided that Deadwood South Dakota was a place they needed to be. Seth sent his wife to Michigan to live for the time being and he and Sol took up home and business in Deadwood, South Dakota. Once settled in Deadwood they started selling equipment and supplies to the highest bidders and that was the beginning of their very successful business. Within the first year they were able to build a store and a warehouse. Seth Bullock knew Deadwood needed him and he continued to be a fixture within the community. With the death of Wild Bill Hickok in 1876 the town was in need of a new sheriff and that is when Bullock got his opportunity to shine once again and bring a greatness that the town needed. He became the first sheriff of Deadwood.
Bullocks business was also thriving it had seen its share of horrible times with two fires hit the store. The 2nd fire was the worst burning the building to the ground and leaving nothing but the bottom bricks. Bullock and Star didn’t see this as a disaster but as another opportunity to build on Deadwood. The two men decided to build the finest hotel over the original store. They used native pink and white sandstone and gave it an Italian style. Once built it housed a restaurant that could seat 100 and offered delicious expensive cuisines such as, lobster and pheasant. Inside it was covered with red velvet carpeting, brass chandeliers and a Steinway grand piano. Each floor came with its own bathroom and rooms made with oak dressers and brass beds. All the details that were incorporated into this hotel made it one of the most popular hotels of it’s time. In 1900 Bullock bought and renovated a small building next door and turned it into the hotels gentlemen’s lounge. During his first year in Deadwood and once the town had cleaned up its rowdy ways, Bullock sent for his wife and she too made her mark in the Deadwood community, making them one of the most powerful couples in the area. For years Seth, Star and Seth’s wife enjoyed their lives in luxury. On September 23rd, 1919 Seth bullock had passed away from cancer at a ranch he owned in Belle Fourche, SD. He was buried on the high trails to White rock above Mount Moriah Cemetery. This is where the new legacy of Seth Bullock begins. Not only in life did he create such a name for himself but also in his death. Dozens of guest and towns people claim that Bullock still manages his hotel. His spirit leaves a strong presence inside several of the rooms and many guests and workers claim they have experienced some sort of paranormal experience while they are there. Bullock’s apparition has been seen on many occasions as well. Never wanting anyone to think he was gone for good and that he still has control over his hotel, he makes sure that all the workers are working hard and if anyone is standing still he will hum a note or you will hear a tune. Workers claim that plates and glasses have floated across the room, or they shake in their places. Lights are turned off and on, showers turn on and things are always misplaced but are recovered later in a spot that isn’t its rightfully home. Not only is Bullock keeping account on his workers he wants to make sure his guest are well taken care of and often guests report hearing their names being called. The reports are endless from whispers to taps on the shoulder and even footsteps being heard when alone. One story that stands out for guest would be one of the antique clocks that hasn’t worked in years, but will often start to chime for no reason. Could Bullock be checking on things to make sure they are up to his standards? One reason Bullock could be making himself known is the possibility that he is unhappy with the renovations his hotel has undergone in its recent years. Maybe he was happy the way it was but whether the 1800s or now, this is a beautiful piece of property.
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