Miners knew how to create order through miners' meetings. They set up a mining district and laid out rules. Those who broke the rules were tried in miners' court. Some men came to Deadwood because they saw no law and order. They learned the miners' court worked as well as any other. There were mistakes and disputed decisions, but people seeking justice could find it.

Related items from the collections

Minutes from a miners' meeting held for the purpose of forming a district and making laws at Bear Gulch, February 1876.

Sentence handed down to Charles W. Hunt for murder by Lawrence County District Court, June 11, 1878.

Act from the 15th Dakota Territorial Legislature amending the punishment for murder within the territory, approved February 21, 1883.