You’ve seen the hit HBO show. Now explore the amazing town that inspired its.

In the fall of 1875, gold was discovered in Deadwood Gulch, Dakota Territory. By 1876, about 10,000 people had turned their camp into an instant city — one gritty enough to inspire an HBO series.

Early Deadwood’s Main Street was crowded with gold seekers. The lucky ones got to spend their earnings in the town’s array of bars and brothels. Today's Deadwood is tamer, but it’s still easy to have fun.

Next: Downtown today.