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"Potato Creek Johnny's" felt cowboy hat and period B&W photo. Potato Creek Johnny born John Perret i

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
 Potato Creek Johnny's  felt cowboy hat and period B&W photo. Potato Creek Johnny born John Perret i
period B&W photo. Potato Creek Johnny born John Perret in 1866 who became one of Historic Deadwood South Dakota's top three famous characters when he found what was considered one of the largest gold nuggets in the Black Hills of South Dakota on Potato Creek near Spearfish. The nugget weighed 7 3/4 ounces making Johnny an instant Deadwood legend. Deadwood business man W.E. Adams bought the nugget for $250 and placed it in the Adams Museum where it is located to this day. Johnny went on to become the face of tourism in South Dakota in the early days, instrumental in helping promote Deadwood as well as playing a large role in the Days of 76 parade. After his death in 1943 Potato Creek Johnny was buried at Mt. Moriah overlooking Deadwood close to Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Preacher Smith and other famous Deadwood Characters. The photo of Potato Creek Johnny wearing the hat which is marked Dunlap Supreme The Toggery Butte Montana, is in fine condition, the original hat band intact as well as matching trim to the brim. A great piece of Deadwood History.