Just last year, in our April 2014 edition, we saluted Gus Walker on this page. Gus passed on November 23, 2014, after a brief illness.
We called him the “Mapinator,” and for good reason.
Gus could take the most complicated history—whether it was the 1893 Doolin-Dalton Gang gunfight in Ingalls, Oklahoma, or a Renegade Roads adventure—and boil the facts down to the essentials. He did so all while retaining the compelling imagery and clarity of vision that were the hallmarks of a Mapinator map.
As an example, check out the locator map (top right) for Mattie Earp’s grave. Marvel at all the site information, presented cleanly and simply. To get a full taste of Gus’s accomplishment, Google a map of the Superior, Arizona, area to see how complicated it is in its raw form. Then add to that the knowledge of history required to determine places no longer represented on modern maps.
In addition to being a talented coworker, Gus is remembered by all of us here at True West Magazine as a gentle soul and a great friend. Gus, who came to us after 38 years at The Arizona Republic, was also respected in the national media. Here’s Dave Walker, of The Times-Picayune in New Orleans: “Gus was the nicest guy who ever lived and brilliant at his work. It was so cool he got a third professional act, and a wide following, at True West. Thanks for that.”
Our editor, Meghan Saar, put it best: “I can’t imagine True West without Gus. Our family is not the same without him.”
Visit TWMag.com for a slideshow of more Gus Walker images.
Photo Gallery
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.1; Sam Bass Gang vs The Texas Rangers –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.1; Harry Morse vs Juan Soto –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.1; Billy the Kid & Pat Garrett Vs A Las Vegas Mob –
Gus Walker, eight, came west from Batesville, Arkansas, in 1948.
– From the October 2001 issue of True West magazine –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.2; Earp Exodus –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Billy Thompson vs Chauncey “Cap” Whitney –
– From the May/June 2001 issue of True West magazine –
Gus admires an early-day Arizona map.
Gus’ 3-D illustrations added some depth to a street fight. The caption to this illustration reads: Hickok and Tutt step into the street, face off and hurl vocal insults. A moment later, they go for their guns.
– From Classic Ginfights Vol. 1; Wild Bill Hickok vs Dave Tutt –
“Soon as the firing ceased, several citizens went to the house, where a horrible sight met their gaze—dead and wounded in every room and blood over the floors, doors and walls. One little child, seven years of age, was literally bespattered with clots of human gore. The agonizing groans of the wounded, the death rattle of the dying mingled with the hysterical screams of the females made a sight that no one would care to see the second time.”
—The Apache County Critic, September 10, 1887
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.1; Commodore Perry Owens vs The Blevins Boys –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Bill Doolin vs The Dunn Brothers & Heck Thomas –
A fabulous composite of maps, graphics, photos and text.
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.1; Butch and Sundance vs An Uyuni Posse –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Custer and the Seventh Cavalry vs 2,000 Indians –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Custer and the Seventh Cavalry vs 2,000 Indians –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Custer and the Seventh Cavalry vs 2,000 Indians –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Custer and the Seventh Cavalry vs 2,000 Indians –
Gus’ love of good graphics and solid, clean maps gave us a clarity that has always made us proud. Above is a typical Mapinator map, showing the way to Mattie Earp’s grave.
We will miss Gus’ perspective.
– From the July 2001 issue of True West magazine –
Gus could also pack a whole lot of information into a small space—the mark of a great information graphic artist.The caption to this map reads: Historians believe Hardin killed approximately 20-50 men. Every life event seemed an opportunity for carnage—this cattle drive produced eight corpses.
– From Classic Gunfights Vol. 3; John Wesley Hardin vs Constable John Selman –
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.3; Uncle Sam vs Mormon Outlaws –
The Earp party detrains in front of the brand new Southern Pacific depot (1), then walks to the Porter Hotel (2) for supper. Ike Clanton and Frank Stilwell are standing under the veranda on the southeast corner (3) next to the garden. The shooting takes place on the tracks northwest of the hotel (4).
– From Classic Gunfights Vol.2; Wyatt Earp vs Frank Stilwell –
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