Con Stapleton – Deadwood, South Dakota Marshal
The story of Con Stapleton, the marshal of Deadwood, South Dakota, is one that is often overshadowed by the more flamboyant characters and events that defined the town’s tumultuous early years. While the HBO series Deadwood portrays him as a rather simple card dealer who lucked into his position, the reality, as often happens with historical figures, is far more nuanced. Stapleton was not a creation of Al Swearengen’s whim; he was elected by the miners of Deadwood, a testament to their desire for order in a chaotic environment. This article delves into the life and times of Con Stapleton, exploring his journey to Deadwood, his brief but eventful tenure as marshal, and his ultimate fate.
To understand Stapleton’s story, it’s crucial to appreciate the context of Deadwood itself. In 1876, Deadwood was a burgeoning boomtown nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, fueled by the discovery of gold. It was a magnet for prospectors, gamblers, outlaws, and those seeking fortune or a new beginning. This influx of people created a volatile atmosphere, where law and order were often secondary to personal ambition and survival. Into this melting pot stepped Con Stapleton, an Irish immigrant seeking his own piece of the American dream.
Born in Ireland, Stapleton immigrated to the United States in 1871. By 1876, he found himself in Montana, likely drawn by the mining opportunities that the territory offered. However, the whispers of a significant gold strike in Deadwood soon reached his ears, prompting him, like so many others, to pack his belongings and head south in the spring of that year. The journey to Deadwood was arduous, but the promise of riches was a powerful motivator. Upon arrival, Stapleton would have been greeted by a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells – a town teeming with life, opportunity, and danger.
One of the most infamous events in Deadwood’s history, the murder of Wild Bill Hickok, is intertwined with Con Stapleton‘s story. On August 2, 1876, Hickok was shot in the back by Jack McCall while playing cards at Nuttall & Mann’s Number 10 Saloon. Stapleton was present at the saloon, participating in the card game alongside Charles Rich, Carl Mann, and Captain Willie Massie. This places him at the very epicenter of a pivotal moment in Wild West lore.
The immediate aftermath of Hickok’s murder saw McCall apprehended by enraged citizens. A hastily arranged trial was held just days later, where McCall claimed revenge for his brother’s death at Hickok’s hands. Shockingly, McCall was acquitted, a decision that was later deemed illegal. This initial failure of justice highlighted the desperate need for a formal system of law and order in Deadwood. The community recognized the pressing need for someone to enforce the law, leading to the first marshal election.
On August 5, 1876, the men of Deadwood elected Isaac Brown as their first marshal. However, Brown’s tenure was tragically short-lived. Just two weeks later, on August 20, he was ambushed and killed along with Reverend Smith and two other men, Charles Mason and Charles Holland, while traveling between Crook City and Deadwood. This act of violence underscored the perils faced by those who sought to maintain order in the lawless camp and left the marshal position vacant once again.
With the death of Isaac Brown, the miners’ court reconvened on September 16, 1876, to elect a new marshal. This time, they chose Con Stapleton. This election marks a significant point in Stapleton’s life. He was entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law in one of the most dangerous towns in the American West. While his time as marshal would be relatively brief, it was filled with challenges and incidents that offer insight into the realities of frontier justice.
One of the most widely publicized events during Stapleton’s tenure involved a man named Tom Smith and a saloon patron named David Lunt. On January 14, 1877, Smith entered Al Chapman’s saloon brandishing a pistol and making threats. When Smith approached Stapleton’s group, the marshal attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the pistol discharged, narrowly missing Stapleton and striking Lunt in the forehead. Miraculously, Lunt survived the initial shooting, seemingly unfazed by the bullet wound that penetrated his head. Stapleton arrested Smith for shooting at an officer, and although Smith was found guilty, he was soon released and fled to San Francisco.
David Lunt, despite the severity of his injury, continued his life as usual for over two months. However, on March 22, 1877, he began to suffer from severe headaches and eventually succumbed to his injury. An autopsy revealed that the bullet had carried a bone fragment deep into his brain, causing a fatal abscess. This bizarre and tragic incident highlights the unpredictable nature of life and death in Deadwood and the limitations of medical care at the time. Following Lunt’s death, a new warrant was issued for Tom Smith, this time for murder. He was re-arrested in California and extradited to Yankton, Dakota Territory, to stand trial.
Beyond his official duties, Con Stapleton was known for his involvement in organizing wrestling matches, often held at the Gem Theater. He would sometimes participate as a wrestler or serve as a referee, showcasing a lighter side to his personality. These events provided a form of entertainment and camaraderie in a town often defined by its harsh realities.
As Deadwood gradually transitioned from a lawless camp to a more established community, the need for a town marshal diminished. In March 1877, Seth Bullock was appointed the Lawrence County Sheriff and gradually assumed many of Stapleton’s responsibilities. Ultimately, on November 7, 1877, the position of city marshal was eliminated. This marked the end of Con Stapleton’s tenure as a law enforcement officer in Deadwood.
By 1878, many of Deadwood’s residents began to migrate to Colorado, drawn by the allure of a new boomtown in Leadville. Stapleton followed suit in February 1878, leaving behind the town where he had briefly held a position of authority. Whether he engaged in prospecting in Leadville remains unknown. Sadly, Con Stapleton‘s life was cut short. He reportedly died in Denver, Colorado, on September 10, 1879, at the young age of 31.
The story of Con Stapleton is a reminder that the history of the American West is filled with individuals whose contributions may not be as widely celebrated as those of legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok or Calamity Jane, but who nevertheless played a role in shaping the towns and communities that emerged during this era. His brief time as marshal of Deadwood, though marked by challenges and tragedy, reflects the efforts to establish law and order in a wild and unpredictable environment.