The Lost Dutchman is one of the greatest lost mine stories of them all. I've spent years studying and writing about it (even searching for it) and I...
The Death of Dynamite Dick
Dan Clifton—alias Dynamite Dick—was a key member of Bill Doolin’s outlaw gang in the 1890s. He was involved in safe cracking, robbery, and rustling....
An Angus Turned Out
William “Red” Angus made a name for himself during Wyoming’s Johnson County War. He ran a liquor store in Buffalo when he was elected county sheriff...
What’s In a Name?
Not much is known about the Oklahoma outlaw named Dan Clifton. Where and when was he born? How did he become an outlaw? And where did he get the...
Wild Bill Brawls with Fort Hays Soldiers
On July 17, 1870, in Hays City at Paddy Welch’s saloon a couple of drunken troopers from Custer’s 7th Cavalry jumped Hickok, who was back in Hays...
Was General Nathan Bedford Forrest Brilliant or Insane?
Someone asked me the other day if famed Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest brilliant or slightly insane. For those of you who are not...
Train Robberies In The Southwest
As the railroads expanded throughout the West in the 1880s it opened new opportunities for the outlaws. The 1890s saw an epidemic of train robberies...
Sheriff on the Wrong Side of the Law
Dave Updyke was a livery stable owner in Boise City, ID (photo). He was respected enough to get elected the first Ada County sheriff in 1864—but...
Kissin’ Kin
William “Cap” Light was a highly respected lawman in Texas, starting in 1884 when he was just 20. He was quick on the draw, killing at least two men...
The First in Phoenix
Henry Garfias was the first marshal of Phoenix, and the highest elected Mexican-American official in the region. He earned the job during a stint as...
Rooney Puts the Bite on Madam Sadie
Those lawyers on the frontier could be pretty resourceful when it came to outwitting Lady Justice. A Irish lawyer named Clancy in Oro Belle was...
Del Potter’s Railroad
Del Potter ran a little railroad he proudly bestowed the prestigious name, the Clifton and Northern. The line ran from the little town of Clifton...