Davy Crockett became one of America’s first celebrities, as Michael Wallis impressively demonstrates in David Crockett: The Lion of the West. With a...
Bloody Bill Longley
Rick Miller’s Bloody Bill Longley peels away the folklore encasing a once-notorious Texas outlaw. More cowardly braggart than badman, Longley...
What do Western novelists mean by “light a shuck?”
What do Western novelists mean by “light a shuck?” Michael J. Graves Belen, New Mexico The phrase means to depart in haste for another location,...
Could a Western gunfighter really shoot accurately without using the sight on the revolver?
Could a Western gunfighter really shoot accurately without using the sight on the revolver? John McFarland Jacksonville, Florida Pistol shooters,...
What does “hook and a draw” mean in the Johnny Yuma TV theme song?
What does “hook and a draw” mean in the Johnny Yuma TV theme song? Jim & Jan Patton Anthem, Arizona I first sang that Johnny Cash song at...
Captain John R. Hughes: Lone Star Ranger
The Texas Rangers have more to offer than just Jack Hays. A ranger who continued his tradition in the late 19th- and early 20th-centuries was John...
What was the “Dodge City Gang?”
In his book The Gunfighters, Dale T. Schoenberger states that Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday and Luke Short were known as the “Dodge City...
Kit Carson: The Life of an American Border Man
Two schools of thought exist on mountain man Kit Carson. He was either one of the great scout/explorers in American history, or he tried to wipe out...
Did Civil War veterans wear military surplus items?
Did Civil War veterans wear military surplus items? Jean Philippe Reynier Montpellier, France We know the veterans returning from the war...
Why did cowboys wear vests?
Why did cowboys wear vests? Dan Cherrington Roswell, Georgia Vests not only kept the torso warm, but they were also pretty handy. At that time,...
What do you know about the Bella Union Opera House in Tombstone, Arizona?
What do you know about the Bella Union Opera House in Tombstone, Arizona? Joe GallagherOntario, California I called Tombstone’s former official...
Who filled up the watering troughs for horses in frontier towns?
Who filled up the watering troughs for horses in frontier towns? Dave Freestone Kingman, Arizona Usually someone in the employment of the town,...