Passion for the Past

Carriages and Parade Collection

The wagon and carriage collection contains over 50 historic horse-drawn vehicles, including the original Deadwood Stage. The collection, called by some, one of the finest and most complete collections of American western vehicles in the country, is a "working" collection, driven and used in the parade every year.

The first annual Days of '76 Parade and Rodeo took place in August 1923, making it the oldest continuing historic attraction in Deadwood. The parade itself is a reenactment of the history of the region, beginning with costumed participants portraying the Louisiana Purchase, through the early fur traders and gold miners, legends such as Wild Bill and Calamity Jane, and ending with modern cowboys.

American Indians were an important part of the celebration from the beginning. Families from surrounding reservations were hired to portray their historic culture. American Indians competed in the rodeo as well, and rodeo continues to be important to both cultures. The historic parade and award winning rodeo are held every summer in Deadwood.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Carriage Gallery

Days of '76 Parade
from the Rodeo Collection

Carriage from the Days of '76 Collection

Photographs and artifacts from the museum collections