Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Monday, November 17th at 7 pm for a virtual presentation by award-winning author Peter Cozzens to discuss his latest book, Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Green in the American West.
Deadwood was not merely a place where outlaws lurked, like Tombstone or Dodge City, but was itself an outlaw enterprise, not part of any U.S. territory or subject to U.S. laws or governance. This gave rise to the gunslinging, stagecoach robbing, whiskey guzzling, rampant prostitution, and gambling that Deadwood is known for. But it also bred a self-reliance and a spirit of cooperation unique on the frontier, and made it an exceptionally welcoming place for Black Americans and Chinese immigrants at a time of deep-seated discrimination.
In this presentation, Cozzens will share the stories of how Deadwood became the stuff of legend, including through figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
This program is part of a series promoting the RIHS fundraising trip in October 2026 to America’s Cowboy Country, which will feature a visit to Deadwood.
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