Ask the Marshall
Cowboys, Shotguns and Hackamores
Where did Cowboys like John Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius live? Walt Serefin Shawnee, Kansas They spent much of their time in Galeyville, Arizona...
Wild Bill, Bearded Indians and Banks
Can you tell me why Wild Bill Hickok wore his guns backwards? Bob Hite (Kinship Productions Pine Island Sound, Florida) Many successful...
Cattle Queens, Dragoons and Rangers
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...
Breakenridge, Breweries and Rattlesnakes
I was reading some stories about Tombstone; some historians have speculated that Billy Breakenridge may have been gay? Is this true? Paul Gortarez...
Billy the Kid, Gunfighters and Rewards
During a film class on Western films it was observed while watching the film The Gunfighter a main character was wearing one spur throughout the...
The O.K. Corral, 40-Rod Whiskey and Geronimo
I live and work in Tombstone. I was asked by a visitor, ”What is the cultural significance of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral—other than everyone...
Bison, Brushy Bill and Barroom Brawls
How athletic is the American buffalo? R. Wayne Bramble (Walhalla, North Dakota) Bison are amazing animals. Despite weighing as much as a ton, the...
Rattlesnakes, Renegades and UFOs
Were Wayne Brazel—involved in the killing of Pat Garrett—and Mac Brazel—involved in the 1947 Roswell UFO incident—related? True West Maniac...
Frontier Privies and Cowboy Cooks
Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. His latest book is Arizona Oddities: Land...
The Trails and Tales of the Old West Go on Forever
What event marked the end of the Old West? Daniel Proctor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) That’s hard to say precisely because the Old West covered...
The Baron, the Cow-boys and the Trail Boss
I’ve read more than one article (including items from your books) about James Addison Reavis, the so-called “Baron of Arizona.” Which side did he...