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August 24, 2021

Book Signing at the Adams Museum with Dr. David Wolff

DEADWOOD – Deadwood History, Inc. will host a book signing with author and historian, Dr. David Wolff, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at the Adams Museum, 54 Sherman Street, Deadwood. Dr. Wolff will sign copies of his latest book, The Savior of Deadwood: James K.P. Miller on the Gold Frontier. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Dr. Wolff will provide a short presentation. Snacks and beverages will be served. The event is free and wheelchair accessible.

Arriving in Deadwood just days after the death of Wild Bill Hickok in early August 1876, businessman James K.P. Miller found the months-old mining camp in turmoil. By the time of his own death in 1891, Miller had gained a reputation as the “Savior of Deadwood” for his efforts to bring prosperity to the area. Yet, while Deadwood denizens such as Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock became Western legends, Miller faded into obscurity.

After fleeing his native New York in disgrace, Miller sought to redeem himself to his family and strike it rich in the West. Living under an assumed name in Montana Territory, Miller gained valuable experience in the grocery trade. He ventured to Deadwood soon after its founding in 1876 and, using his birth name, opened a successful grocery firm and exchange bank with a partner. The business endured a disastrous fire, a flood, and a series of dramatic economic ups and downs.

Eventually, Miller became the town’s preeminent promoter and developer, advancing several large projects and persuading outside investors to join him. He even played a key role in convincing railroads to build in Deadwood, bringing a permanency that few would have predicted.

Dr. David Wolff is Professor Emeritus at Black Hills State University and chairman of the Adams Museum & House board of directors. Wolff received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University. He has written three books: Industrializing the Rockies: Growth, Competition and Turmoil in the Coalfields of Colorado and Wyoming, 1868-1914 (2003), Seth Bullock: Black Hills Lawman (2009), and The Savior of Deadwood: James K.P. Miller on the Gold Frontier (2021). In 2012, the Mining History Association awarded Wolff the Rodman Paul Award for Outstanding Contributions to Mining History.

This program was made possible by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, Deadwood History, Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, and Dr. David Wolff.

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Photograph available upon request.

We inspire the global community by preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Deadwood and the Black Hills in the context of the American West through exceptional exhibits, innovative educational programs, and access to extensive collections in unique settings.

Adams Museum, Days of '76 Museum, Historic Adams House, Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), and The Brothel Deadwood.

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