HBO’s Deadwood – Fact & Fiction
Do you ever find yourself captivated by the gritty drama of HBO’s Deadwood, wondering where the line blurs between historical accuracy and creative license? The series, which aired from 2004 to 2006, drew an impressive audience of around 4 million viewers each week and garnered significant critical acclaim. It masterfully blends real figures and events with fictionalized narratives, making it a compelling, albeit sometimes perplexing, viewing experience.
It’s easy to get caught up in the enthralling storylines and wonder, "Did that really happen?" or, "Is that character based on a real person?" Many viewers find themselves questioning the veracity of certain scenes and character portrayals. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at some of the facts and fictions woven into the fabric of Deadwood, along with historical context on some of the real-life individuals who populated the infamous camp.
While Deadwood provides a glimpse into the past, it’s essential to remember that it’s a work of entertainment, not a meticulously researched documentary. The show aims to entertain, and it does so brilliantly, using history as a backdrop for compelling character arcs and dramatic conflicts. The appeal of HBO’s Deadwood – Fact & Fiction lies in its ability to transport us to a chaotic, lawless era while simultaneously exploring universal themes of ambition, morality, and survival.
One of the intriguing aspects of Deadwood is the inclusion of real historical figures. The writers skillfully incorporated these individuals into the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of characters whose lives intersected in the tumultuous environment of the gold rush. By highlighting the HBO’s Deadwood – Fact & Fiction they create a more realistic and interesting show. Let’s examine some of these figures and explore how their portrayals compare to the historical record.
Real Characters:
Martha Bullock: Played by Anna Gunn, Martha Bullock was indeed Seth Bullock’s wife. According to historical accounts, Martha and Seth married in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1874. After Seth established his hardware business in Deadwood with Sol Star, Martha and their infant daughter, Madge, initially stayed with her parents in Minnesota. Once Deadwood became more settled, Martha joined Seth, and they went on to have two more children. She became a respected and influential member of the Deadwood community.
Seth Bullock: A central figure in both the series and Deadwood’s history, Seth Bullock’s portrayal is largely accurate. Hailing from Canada, Bullock did indeed partner with Sol Star in a hardware business in Helena, Montana, before venturing to Deadwood in pursuit of fortune. He served as a lawman in various capacities, becoming a successful entrepreneur, rancher, and politician. He married Martha, and they had three children. The Bullock Hotel, which he built, still stands in Deadwood today as a testament to his legacy.
Johnny Burns: While less is known about Johnny Burns, the series accurately depicts him as working for Al Swearengen at the Gem Theatre. His role was that of a "Box Herder," responsible for managing the prostitutes working at the establishment. Historical accounts suggest that Burns was known for his harsh treatment of the women.
Calamity Jane: A legendary figure of the Wild West, Calamity Jane’s portrayal in Deadwood captures her spirit, albeit with some embellishments. Known for her marksmanship, penchant for men’s clothing, and colorful language, Calamity Jane was said to have held various roles, including Army scout, bullwhacker, nurse, cook, prostitute, prospector, gambler, and heavy drinker. She arrived in Deadwood with Colorado Charlie Utter’s wagon train, bringing a shipment of prostitutes from Cheyenne. While she claimed to be Wild Bill Hickok’s lover, historical evidence suggests that Hickok was happily married at the time. Nevertheless, Calamity Jane’s request to be buried next to Hickok was honored, and they now rest side-by-side.
Dan Dority: Spelled Doherty in historical records, Dan Dority was indeed Al Swearengen’s right-hand man at the Gem Theatre. He acted as the general manager when the establishment first opened in 1877. Like Burns, he was known for his rough treatment of the women. Later, he partnered with Johnny Cooley to open his own saloon. Doherty married in Deadwood and remained in the camp until the late 1880s before moving to Nevada.
Wyatt Earp: The appearance of Wyatt Earp in Deadwood is a point of contention among historians. While Earp did spend a brief period in Deadwood in 1876, his presence was relatively uneventful. He was a lawman and gunfighter from Missouri who had previously served as a constable in Lamar, Missouri, and as a marshal in Ellsworth and Dodge City, Kansas. After his time in Deadwood, he gained notoriety for his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. While some accounts suggest a confrontation between Earp and Seth Bullock in Deadwood, contemporary newspapers do not support this claim.
E.B. Farnum: The portrayal of E.B. Farnum as a somewhat shifty and opportunistic character is consistent with historical accounts. Before arriving in Deadwood, Farnum lived in Wisconsin with his wife and children. He was one of the first non-mining residents of Deadwood, opening a retail store in 1876. Recognizing the camp’s potential, he secured claims on several Main Street lots and partnered with other businessmen to finance the Deadwood-to-Centennial Toll Road. Farnum was elected mayor of Deadwood in August 1876 and played a key role in establishing the town’s infrastructure and governance. He later served as Justice of the Peace and judge. However, he failed to win re-election and left Deadwood for Chicago, Illinois, in 1878.
Samuel Fields: Known as the "Ni**er General," Samuel Fields was a real character in Deadwood’s history. Described as irrepressible and flamboyant, Fields claimed to have been a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. His antics and pronouncements frequently made headlines in Deadwood’s newspapers. After leaving Deadwood, he worked as a bellhop in Rapid City, South Dakota, before disappearing from the historical record.
George Hearst: A mining tycoon and father of William Randolph Hearst, George Hearst’s portrayal in Deadwood captures his ruthless ambition and business acumen. In June 1877, Hearst acquired the Homestake claim for $70,000, adding it to his vast mining empire. Hearst was known for his love of poker, bourbon, and tobacco. Later in life, he pursued a career in politics, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Hearst publishing empire.
While Deadwood presents a captivating vision of the Old West, it’s important to remember that it’s a fictionalized account. The series takes liberties with historical events and character portrayals to enhance the drama and create a more compelling narrative. Nevertheless, it offers a valuable glimpse into the lives and experiences of the individuals who shaped the history of Deadwood and the American West. The show does a great job with the HBO’s Deadwood – Fact & Fiction concept.
By understanding the distinction between fact and fiction in Deadwood, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the series and its exploration of the complex and often contradictory forces that shaped the American frontier. The blend of historical accuracy and creative embellishment makes Deadwood a unique and thought-provoking television experience. The HBO’s Deadwood – Fact & Fiction aspect makes the show more engaging and thought-provoking, prompting viewers to explore the historical context behind the fictionalized events.