Medora plans to conduct mock executions to lure tourists

49-year old Doug Ellison, the Mayor of Medora in North Dakota has dreamt up a plan to boost tourism in his city – founded in 1883, its population is just100.

He plans to have a 20-minute program of mock public execution which would try to bring back the days of the Wild West when the gun was the law.

Doug Ellison would shoot down a person on the street, a trial would be held, he would be found guilty, and he would walk up to the gallows and be hanged.

Doug has sought permission to erect the gallows in his property.

He would wear a safety harness under his clothes and the rope of the noose would be such that it would not cause any harm to his body.

Public executions used to be a big draw in the days of the Wild West when criminals were punished without any delay. The gallows for death by hanging used to be located in a central place of the city and any execution would have hundreds of witnesses to ensure that justice was meted out.

If his plan succeeds, Doug would be happy.

Situated on the edge of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora has little to offer except an annual music festival the Medora Musical, a 19th century hunting lodge and the Chateau de Mores.