Since 1955, he has towered above all Western lawmen—at least those on television. That’s not just because James Arness, better known as Marshal Matthew Dillon, stands 6-foot-7. Arness was nominated for three Emmy awards for his portrayal of the Dodge City lawman, and Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years on CBS, probably will always remain TV’s longest-running Western. Arness, who turned 79 in May, lives near Los Angeles with wife Janet, and works on charity projects and keeps up with fans

October 2012
In This Issue:
Western Books & Movies
More In This Issue
- What kinds of adult beverages were popular in Tombstone at its peak?
- What is hardtack?
- In The Bravados, a professional hangman was brought into town to dispatch four men. Did such a profession exist in the Old West?
- How prevalent was the stampede string on Old West hats?
- How was extradition handled in the 1870-80s frontier West?
- During the Earp-Cowboy confrontation period in Tombstone, did the chief of police (Virgil Earp) share an office with the county sheriff (Johnny Behan)?
- From Western Deserts to Carolina Swamps
- Elevating Western American Art
- Old-Mining Boomtown
- The Last Camel Charge
- October 2012 Events
- 10 for 10: Ruidoso, NM
- Hangtown Fry
- The West’s Most Provocative Artist
- “I Don’t Hold for Anybody!”
- True West’s PBS Special
- Healing Hot Springs
- Patróns of the West
- Remembering Ernest Borgnine
- Dr. Buck Montgomery
- John Moyers
- The Great Artist Duel
- Life-Saving Buffalo Robes
- Sleeping in a Dog’s Head
- A Rich Visual Playground
- They Called Me Janey
- 53 Statues You Need to See Before You Die
- The Last Hash Knife Cowboy
- The Bravest Lawman You’ve Never Heard Of