Bullock Hotel

In the heart of historic Deadwood, South Dakota, the Bullock Hotel stands as a living testament to the Wild West era, where the stern spirit of its original owner, Seth Bullock—Deadwood's first sheriff—is said to maintain his watchful presence over the establishment he built in 1895, ensuring order prevails even from beyond the grave.

WRITTEN BY

James Sutton

Seth Bullock, immortalized in both history and HBO’s “Deadwood” series, arrived in the lawless gold rush town of Deadwood in 1876, where he was promptly appointed as the town’s first sheriff. Known for his imposing presence and no-nonsense approach to law enforcement, Bullock transformed a hardware store into what would become Deadwood’s finest hotel, the three-story Italianate-style Bullock Hotel.

The historic building, constructed of locally quarried sandstone and brick, represented Bullock’s vision of bringing sophistication to the rough-and-tumble mining town. With its elegant design, featuring a grand staircase, crystal chandeliers, and fine furnishings, the hotel quickly became the most prestigious lodging establishment in the Black Hills, hosting notable guests including Theodore Roosevelt, who was a close friend of Bullock’s.

Paranormal activity at the Bullock Hotel began shortly after Seth Bullock’s death in 1919, and his commanding presence seems to have never left the building. Staff and guests regularly report supernatural occurrences that align with the sheriff’s notorious attention to order and detail:

Documented Paranormal Activity:

Staff members report feeling a stern presence watching them work, often followed by unexplained whistling when tasks aren’t completed to satisfaction
Objects mysteriously moving or being straightened, particularly in the restaurant and guest rooms
The distinct smell of cigar smoke in numerous locations, despite the hotel’s no-smoking policy
Lights turning on and off by themselves, especially in the basement and third floor
The sound of boots walking down hallways when no one is present
Children giggling and running through the halls at night, believed to be the spirits of young guests from the hotel’s early days
Electronics malfunctioning, including cameras refusing to work or capturing unexplained orbs
Temperature fluctuations, particularly in Room 211, believed to be Bullock’s favorite room

Most notably, Seth Bullock’s spirit seems to maintain his role as keeper of order:

Guests report being scolded by an unseen presence for rowdy behavior
Restaurant staff claim dishes are mysteriously rearranged to be more organized
Unmade beds are found mysteriously made with hospital corners
Housekeepers report cleaning supplies being moved to areas that need attention

The basement, which houses “Bully’s Restaurant,” is particularly active with paranormal activity. Staff members have witnessed glasses sliding off shelves, doors opening and closing on their own, and the distinct feeling of someone brushing past them in empty corridors. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Seth Bullock’s nickname and serves as a reminder of his continued presence.

Visiting Information: The Bullock Hotel is located at 633 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732. As a fully operational hotel, visitors have several options to experience its haunted history:

Accommodation:

Reserve a room by calling (605) 578-1745 or visiting their website (www.historicbullock.com)
Request Room 211 for the highest chance of paranormal activity
All 28 rooms are historically themed and modernly appointed

Ghost Tours and Experiences:

The hotel offers regular ghost tours of the property
Paranormal investigation equipment is available for guest use
Staff members are happy to share their personal experiences with visitors
Evening tours provide the best opportunity for supernatural encounters

Dining:

Bully’s Restaurant offers dining with a side of supernatural activity
The restored Victorian-era bar maintains its original character
Reservations recommended, especially during peak tourist season

Accessibility:

Located in the heart of historic Deadwood
Walking distance from other historic attractions
Public parking available nearby
Hotel is wheelchair accessible

Best Times to Visit:

Peak paranormal activity reported between September and March
Ghost tours run year-round
October features special Halloween events and extended ghost tours
Off-season visits offer better rates and smaller crowds

The Bullock Hotel offers a unique blend of Wild West history and supernatural intrigue. Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious traveler, the hotel provides an authentic glimpse into Deadwood’s past, with the possibility of encountering its most famous sheriff still maintaining order from beyond the grave. The hotel’s commitment to preserving its historical character while offering modern amenities makes it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience both the comfort of the present and the mysteries of the past.