Who is the Owner of Gem Saloon on Deadwood?

The Gem Saloon (often called the Gem Theater) is not a modern-day business but a historic establishment from the late 1800s, located in Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming, 601 Main St, Deadwood, South Dakota, USA. It operated during the Black Hills Gold Rush era and was known for gambling, drinking, entertainment, and prostitution—a combination typical of frontier mining towns.

The saloon became one of the most infamous establishments in Deadwood and played a major role in the town’s early economic boom. It was featured widely in books, historical records, and later in HBO’s series Deadwood, which renewed worldwide interest in the Gem Saloon and its owners.

Founded in 1876, the Gem Saloon quickly grew into a major “entertainment” business in the region.

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Ownership Status of Gem Saloon

The Gem Saloon was privately owned, and its most famous and primary owner was Al Swearengen.

Unlike modern companies, the Gem Saloon was not publicly traded, had no shareholders, and did not file any corporate or trading disclosures. It operated as a private frontier business under the control of a single individual.

Major Figures Connected to the Gem Saloon

Name / Entity	Role	Notes
Al Swearengen	Owner / Founder	Opened the Gem Saloon in 1876. Controlled operations fully.
Deadwood Local Officials	Indirect influence	Some officials were rumored to take bribes for protection.
Workers & Entertainers	Staff	No ownership rights; worked under Al Swearengen.

Note: The Gem Saloon had no shareholders or modern corporate structure.

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Key Ownership Highlights

The ownership of the Gem Saloon is most strongly associated with Ellis Albert “Al” Swearengen, a well-known entrepreneur and controversial figure in early Deadwood history.

Some important ownership-related facts:

• Al Swearengen opened the saloon on April 7, 1876, only weeks after arriving in the region.
• He fully controlled the finances, staffing, promotions, and “entertainment services.”
• He frequently paid local law enforcement and officials to allow his establishment to operate freely.
• The Gem Saloon generated massive profits, reportedly earning up to $5,000 per night, which made Swearengen one of the wealthiest men in Deadwood.
• The business model heavily relied on alcohol sales, gambling, stage shows, and prostitution.

HBO’s Deadwood series portrays Swearengen as a central character, further cementing his historical identity with the Gem.

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Recent Developments in Ownership

Since the original Gem Saloon burned down twice (in 1879 and 1899) and ceased operations permanently after the second fire, there is no current or modern owner of the establishment.

However:

• The site where the saloon once stood is part of Deadwood’s historic district.
• The business itself does not exist today, and no company currently uses the original name for commercial purposes in Deadwood.
• In pop culture, the Gem Saloon is “owned” in fiction by Al Swearengen through books, TV shows, and historical portrayals.

There are no shareholder updates or current filings, as the business ended over a century ago.

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FAQs

1. Who is the owner of the Gem Saloon on Deadwood?
The original and only historical owner was Al Swearengen, who founded and operated the saloon from 1876 to 1899.

2. Is the Gem Saloon still open today?
No. It burned down in 1899 and never reopened. The business no longer exists.

3. Was the Gem Saloon publicly traded?
No. It was a privately owned frontier business with complete ownership held by Al Swearengen.

4. Does anyone own the Gem Saloon brand today?
No official modern company holds ownership of the historic Gem Saloon. Its legacy continues mainly through historical records and television adaptations.

5. Who founded the Gem Saloon?
It was founded in 1876 by Ellis “Al” Swearengen.

Deadwood History Organization Site