¿Quien Es? Billy the Kid vs Pat Garrett
For her he took a bullet in the heart.
True West December 2020
To The Point
The Kids Return
This issue marks the return of two of my favorite “Kids.” One is the legendary outlaw who sparked in me a lifetime of research on his short and violent life, and the other is the legendary scholar who, so far, has had a long and peaceful life, interrupted by eloquent tirades against the machine.
- The Apache Kid Escapes
Two lawmen die in the incident. November 2, 1889. Two lawmen are transferring nine prisoners–including the Apache Kid (photo)–from Globe,… Read more: The Apache Kid Escapes - A Brother’s Vengeance
Will McLaury joins the OK Corral prosecution. November 4, 1881. Texas lawyer Will McLaury–the brother of Tom and Frank McLaury–is… Read more: A Brother’s Vengeance - The Jailing of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday
A big moment in the OK Corral hearing. November 7, 1881–day eight of the OK Corral hearing. Judge Wells Spicer… Read more: The Jailing of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday
Features
The Forgotten Founding Father
Daniel Boone and the Birth of the Frontier Movement
Cherokee Bill
Bold, Brazen Bank-Robbing Bandit of the Indian Territory
The Tragedy Of Antelope Creek
In January 1879, the Northern Cheyenne breakout from Fort Robinson ends IN A bloody one-sided victory for the Army.
Capturing Protectors Of Peace
Rare shots of Old West lawmen with firearms—and without.
Go West!
Travel back in time on America's historic western trails and discover where history happened during the building of a nation.
Departments
A Dickens Christmas on the Frontier
Western pioneers brought the yuletide tradition of roast goose to their holiday hearths.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock is a dome of pink granite that rises about 385 feet above the bed of Sandy Creek. Its name comes from folklore; Indians credited the dome with magical powers.
On the Trail to Texas Statehood
Discover the Lone Star State, from Nacogdoches to Austin , 175 years later .
¿Quien Es? Billy the Kid vs Pat Garrett
For her he took a bullet in the heart.
What History Has Taught Me: Gary Goldstein
Gary Goldstein joined the book publishing biz in 1988. This is his first appearance in True West. He cannot promise it will be his last.
Motorized Posses, Deadly Dry-gulchers And Indian Tobacco
Who was the first sheriff to pursue outlaws in a motorized vehicle? Why'd the women of the Donner Party fare better than the men? And more!
December 2020 Western Roundup
As the holidays approach, western communities around the country are celebrating, cowboy style.
Fredericksburg, Texas
German settlers brought unique culture to Texas Hill Country.
The Battle Over Salt
The San Elizario salt flats were the prize in a Texas feud.
Shooting Back
Our readers remind us of the variables and vagaries of historic truths, “well-established” facts, headlines and historical photographs.
The Mystique of the Americas’ First People
Cowan's annual American Indian Art Auction sells out.
They Don’t Make ’Em Like They Used To
But we’re so lucky they once did.
Olive Johnson
A coal camp teacher discovered herself and the world in the Mohrland, Utah, melting pot.
Western Books & Movies
The View Ahead
In the last quarter of the year, publishers are busily touting end-of-the year books and next year’s early releases. From advance copies I have received, I believe fans of Western history and fiction will be busy for the next few months buying and reading a bounty of offerings from publishers, small and large.
The End Of The Trail
Producer Bobby Roberts’ Western ensemble Monte Walsh remains a classic 50 years later.
Blind Pig Bonanza
A new biography on the bonanza-seeking Earps, plus new Western histories and biographies on an Old West rifle, Spanish Texas, a coal war gunman and a Sioux War reporter.