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 the restored 'Old Stoney' building in downtown Sundance.
Sundance is nestled 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!
early sundance
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Established in 1875 in the Bearlodge Mountains (Black Hills) of Wyoming, Sundance was founded as a trading post near the sacred mountain where Native American tribes held Sun Dance ceremonies. Known as the home of the outlaw "Sundance Kid," who was jailed there in 1887, the town served as a key frontier stop for settlers and miners.
Sundance Kid
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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!
Harry & ella
Born in 1867 in Pennsylvania, Harry Alonzo 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'.
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It is believed Harry met Etta Place, his beautiful companion of mysterious origins, between 1896 and 1899. They boarded a steamer bound for South America shortly after posing in a New York studio for this 1901 portrait.
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)