The story
The Franklin opened June 4, 1903, funded partly by financier Harris Franklin, who matched community contributions after the project stalled. Built in Greek Revival style for roughly $100,000, it was startlingly modern — elevator, steam heat, electric lights, telephones, and private baths in half its 80 rooms. Over the decades its guests included Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, John Wayne, Buffalo Bill Cody, Babe Ruth, and John L. Sullivan. After 1989's gambling legalization it merged with the adjoining Silverado into the Silverado Franklin complex.
Everything that was here
- 1903–present
Historic Franklin HotelHotel
Deadwood's first grand hotel opened in 1903 with an elevator, electric lights, and telephones — and hosted two future presidents, John Wayne, and Babe Ruth.
See the map in 1904 →
Did you know?
Connected places
St. Louis Coliseum
Hyperion Theater
Temple of Music (Pan-American Exposition)
Hotel Schenley (William Pitt Union)
Black Cat Cafe
Wohl's Hungarian Restaurant
Explore the full web of connections on the map.
Nearby history
The Midnight Star
Homestake Slime Plant (Deadwood Mountain Grand)
Deadwood Main Street Historic District
Adams Museum
Old Style Saloon No. 10
Mollie Johnson's Brothel
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