Ask the Marshall Archives

Long Johns, Dirty Dave and the Bird Cage

by | May 5, 2023

What did cowboys wear as underwear? Ethan Cooperrider Coulee City, Washington Long johns were first introduced into England in the 17th century,...

by | Mar 30, 2023

What kind of reception did traveling entertainment groups receive in the West? Gloria Mata Phoenix, Arizona They were very popular in the...

by | Feb 23, 2023

Was Crazy Horse part White? Ronnie Bishop Tulsa, Oklahoma Crazy Horse was born to parents from two different bands of the Lakota division of the...

by | Jan 20, 2023

Can horses really run themselves to death? Marie Johnson (Dallas, Texas) Horses can run themselves to death even without a rider. A...

by | Dec 8, 2022

Did Chief Red Cloud have anything to do with the death of Crazy Horse? Joe Manriquez (Whittier, California) Red Cloud was among the...

by | Oct 30, 2022

What were buffalo hides used for? Pat McManus Cave Junction, Oregon Often, they were used for coats or blankets—both by Indians and Whites. In the...

by | Sep 22, 2022

What did American Indians do with captives? John O’Connor (Phoenix, Arizona) The taking of captives varied with the various tribes, but generally,...

by | Sep 6, 2022

I’ve read the transcript of Wyatt Earp’s testimony at the inquest following the gunfight at (near) the O.K. Corral, and it seems he drew his...

by | Sep 4, 2022

by | Sep 2, 2022

Where did Cowboys like John Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius live? Walt Serefin Shawnee, Kansas They spent much of their time in Galeyville, Arizona...

by | Sep 1, 2022

Can you tell me why Wild Bill Hickok wore his guns backwards? Bob Hite (Kinship Productions Pine Island Sound, Florida) Many successful...

by | Mar 31, 2022

How were Old West hotel rooms heated? Carolyn Childs (Houston, Texas) Fires were a menace to those wood structures; they could wipe out an entire...