Smithfield, NC — Tucked away in rural North Carolina lies a treasure trove of American history, grit, and cinematic charm: Wild Bill’s Western Town. Once a bustling replica of an Old West frontier town built from the ground up by actor and cowboy-at-heart William Dallas Drake, the site now faces one of its greatest challenges — survival.
A labor of love that began in 1996, Wild Bill’s Western Town started with a single structure: the Hawk’s Nest Saloon. Over time, it grew into a full-fledged Western village, complete with dusty streets, wooden storefronts, and the kind of frontier spirit that once defined the American dream. Today, as buildings age and maintenance needs grow, the town is in urgent need of support — not just in memory of its creator, but for the generations to come who deserve to experience its magic.
A Man of the West: The Legacy of William Dallas Drake
William Drake wasn’t just a builder — he was a veteran actor, having appeared in classics like Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Later in life, he shifted from Hollywood to the heart of North Carolina, driven by a desire to create a permanent tribute to the Western genre he loved so dearly.
Wild Bill’s Western Town was his vision of keeping the spirit of the frontier alive, both as a tourist destination and a working film set. Drake even produced his own low-budget Western, Justice… the Colt .45 Way, on-site, with the town providing an authentic backdrop. Over the years, several independent filmmakers have chosen the location to shoot Westerns, drawn by its realism and charm.
Drake passed away in recent years, leaving behind not just buildings, but a dream still very much alive. His widow, Kristen Drake, is now leading the charge to restore and preserve the town — and she needs your help.
“This town was his life’s work,” said Kristen. “He built it with his own two hands to honor the West, to give people a place to come and experience something real. I want to keep that dream alive — for him, and for everyone who believes in what it stands for.”
Rebuilding the West — One Board at a Time
Currently, the team is focused on rebuilding the church, with plans to restore the general store next. These structures are more than facades — they are part of an interactive, immersive environment that has hosted everything from community weddings to charity events, historical tours, and film productions.
The town recently raised over $10,000 for veterans and has supported those affected by natural disasters, using its platform not only as a place of entertainment but as a force for good.
Law enforcement officials, including local sheriffs and deputies, often participate in events at the town, adding authenticity and community involvement to every gathering. Families, tourists, and history enthusiasts from all over the world have walked its streets, touched its walls, and taken in the stories behind every nail and plank.
Help Needed: Materials, Manpower, and Heart
But time and weather are catching up. To keep the town open and safe for visitors, Wild Bill’s Western Town urgently needs:
- Tin roofing
- Lumber for rebuilding structures
- Volunteer builders and skilled tradespeople
- Financial donations (every dollar counts)
Whether you’re donating materials, volunteering for a day, or sending $1 through a fundraiser, it all contributes to keeping the dream alive.
“We aren’t asking for a fortune,” Kristen said. “Even a dollar helps. This isn’t just about saving buildings — it’s about preserving a way of life, a slice of Americana that children today may never get to see anywhere else.”
The town is currently open Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and new projects are constantly in the works. An old-fashioned Fourth of July BBQ is being planned to rally the community and raise awareness. Additionally, on September 13, a group of filmmakers from Virginia will return to shoot a new independent Western, keeping the cinematic tradition alive.
Keeping History Alive for the Next Generation
One of the most important missions of Wild Bill’s Western Town is education. William Drake was passionate about teaching children about the Old West — its history, values, and cultural impact. Kristen shares that same vision.
“They don’t teach Western history in schools anymore,” she said. “We want kids to come here and learn it — not from a textbook, but by seeing it, touching it, living it.”
With your help, the town can continue to serve as an outdoor classroom, a working film set, and a living monument to one of America’s most iconic eras.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a contractor, a donor, or a fan of the Old West, there are many ways to support Wild Bill’s Western Town:
- Donate materials: tin roofing, lumber, nails, and construction supplies
- Offer skilled labor: builders, carpenters, handymen and women
- Contribute funds: via GoFundMe, PayPal, or local fundraisers
- Spread the word: share this story on social media and in your community
- Visit and support: tour the town, attend events, book it for special occasions
Contact and Donations:
Location: Wild Bill’s Western Town, Smithfield, North Carolina
Hours: Monday – Friday | 12 PM – 5 PM
To Donate or Volunteer: Tony Manning | 984-204-3312 | www.facebook.com/manningfixall |
Let’s ride together and help rebuild a place where the West still lives, and stories of honor, courage, and community are passed down — one visitor at a time.
