HISTORY
History and folklore abound in the streets that were made for freight wagons and teams of horses. Sundance is known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Etta Place. Learn all about the town folk and characters of the past at the year-round museum located in newly restored 'Old Stoney'.
Sundance is nested in the valley of the Bearlodge Mountains in Northeastern Wyoming on the west side of the Black Hills. Thousands visit every year due to its abundant wildlife, natural beauty, and history.
Many return annually and some choose to never leave. We think it's because they love our restaurant and bar!
Sundance was horse thief Harry "Sundance Kid" Longabaugh's hometown. A statue of the Kid lounging in his cell is a great photo opp for the young and old!
Born in 1867 in Pennsylvania, Harry Longabaugh was not long in making his way West. In fact, he was only 15 when he began his journey on a covered wagon with his cousin George. By 1887, however, things were not going so well for him. He stole a horse, gun, and saddle from a ranch in Sundance, Wyoming and fled. However, he was captured and sentenced to 18 months in jail. He might have lost his innocence, but he gained a name and a place in history. He became known as 'The Sundance Kid'.
After his release, he went back to working as a ranch hand. Unfortunately, the life of an honest cowboy did not suit him. He was implicated in 1892 in a train robbery, and again in 1897 in a bank robbery along with five other men. Sundance became associated with a group known as the 'Wild Bunch' which included his famous partner Robert Leroy Parker, a.k.a. Butch Cassidy.
Etta Place, Harry's beautiful and mysterious companion who was presumed to have become his wife, was a fine horsewoman and an excellent shot with a rifle. (Couple shown in photo)