The beginnings of the present-day Mineral Palace extend to Deadwood’s early days. In 1876 a shrewd and cunning entrepreneur named Al Swearengen arrived in rowdy Deadwood and the following year he established The Gem Theatre on the site now occupied by the Mineral Palace. It seems that the term “theatre” was loosely used, because the Gem was actually a house of prostitution. Always packed with fortune-hunters, the Gem survived fires, floods and wild patrons to become one of Deadwood’s most venerable and longest-operating entertainment establishments. Legend has it that in its prime the Gem was an immensely profitable venture, taking in at least $5,000 on most nights, and $10,000 on some. Unfortunately, Al Swearengen died penniless. He departed Deadwood soon after an 1899 fire, and was killed not long after that while trying to hop a train in Denver’s rail yard.

In 1990, not long after gambling was legalized in Deadwood, the community’s Ford dealership was transformed into a complex of three casinos named Cousin Jacks, The Livery and Carrie Nation’s. Together, the three were collectively known as “Three Of A Kind.”

Construction on the grand and gracious Mineral Palace began in 1992, and a formal opening was held in March, 1993. The 75-unit hotel combined with the Gem Steakhouse and Saloon and the three casinos was called Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming. The facility also offers a liquor store, gift shop and free on-site parking.