Gem Theatre

The Gem Theatre was a saloon and theatre building in Deadwood, South Dakota, with a front bar and stage area plus private rooms at the back. The premises spread across two stories and could hold several hundred guests at once.

Al Swearengen opened the theatre on April 7, 1877, at the corner of Wall and Main streets during the Black Hills gold rush. The building burned down three times, with the final fire in 1899 bringing permanent closure.

The place drew miners who came looking for entertainment after long shifts underground. Combining drinks, gambling and stage acts under one roof reflected the rough mining camp culture of the Black Hills.

The former location sits in central Deadwood at a busy street corner that is easy to reach on foot today. Visitors will not find any original building remains, but modern shops and casinos that recall the town's past.

The site gained renewed attention through the television series Deadwood, where the theatre plays a central role. The show helped revive interest in the town's rough history and now draws fans of the series to Deadwood.

Location: Deadwood

Inception: April 7, 1877

Official opening: April 7, 1877

Address: Lower Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732

GPS coordinates: 44.37800,-103.72900

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:11