Gem Theater facts for kids
The Gem Theater c. 1878. The man in the buggy at left is thought to be Al Swearengen.
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| Location | Deadwood, South Dakota |
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| Owner | Al Swearengen |
| Type | Saloon and theater |
| Construction | |
| Opened | April 7, 1877 |
| Renovated | 1879 (after a fire) |
| Demolished | 1899 (by fire) |
The Gem Theater was a famous entertainment spot in Deadwood, South Dakota. It was owned by a man named Al Swearengen. The Gem was known for its lively shows and was a big part of Deadwood's history during the Wild West days.
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The Gem Theater: A Wild West Entertainment Spot
Al Swearengen opened the Gem Variety Theater on April 7, 1877. It was located at the corners of Wall and Main streets. The theater aimed to entertain the people living in the busy mining camp of Deadwood.
The Gem offered many different kinds of shows. These included exciting acts, comedians, singers, and dancers. Music was also a big part of the Gem. A band played nightly from the balcony, which helped attract crowds.
Running a Popular Venue
The Gem Theater was very successful. It often made a lot of money each night, sometimes as much as $10,000. Al Swearengen became a powerful person in Deadwood. He worked with many important citizens in the town.
Swearengen himself managed the daily activities at the Gem. The front part of the Gem had a bar and the main theater area. The Gem was a busy and sometimes rough place, typical of the Wild West.
The Gem's Fiery End
The Gem Theater faced damage from a fire in the summer of 1879. It was quickly repaired after this incident. However, a much larger fire destroyed a big part of Deadwood on September 26, 1879. The Gem was completely burned down in this major fire.
Even after this, Swearengen decided to rebuild. He opened an even bigger and grander theater in December 1879. People in Deadwood thought it was the best theater the town had ever seen. But in 1899, the Gem burned down one more time. Al Swearengen did not rebuild it again and left Deadwood.
The Gem in TV and Movies
The Gem Theater and its owner, Al Swearengen, are shown in the HBO television series, Deadwood. This show ran from 2004 to 2006. They also appear in Deadwood: The Movie (2019).
In the TV show, the Gem Saloon is already a well-known place when the story begins in 1876. The movie takes place in 1889. In the show, it is suggested that Swearengen passes away in the saloon. The real Al Swearengen, however, died in Denver in 1904.
