True West Blog
Kissin’ Kin

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...

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The First in Phoenix

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...

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Del Potter’s Railroad

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...

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Camels vs. Mules

Camels vs. Mules

In the years following the Mexican War and the Gadsden Purchase, the United States was planning to survey several areas ranging from the Canadian...

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Lane by a Foot

Lane by a Foot

“Clubfoot” George Lane got the nickname because of a bone deformity. In the early 1860s, he allegedly rustled horses in California and Idaho before...

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Brutal Payback

Brutal Payback

Jack Slade ran the Central Overland stage stop at Julesburg, Colorado. His predecessor, Jules Beni (the town was named for him), didn’t like the...

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The Robbery at Castle Gate

The Robbery at Castle Gate

While many gang leaders boasted they were mean enough to eat off the same plate with a rattlesnake, Butch Cassidy is best-remembered as the...

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Vigilante Committees

Vigilante Committees

In San Francisco in the 1850's, there was a vigilante group that called itself the 601. Just in case you’ve wondered where that name came from...

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Boot Hill in Helldorado

Boot Hill in Helldorado

A few years ago I was in Tombstone working with a film crew from the United Kingdom. Naturally, one of the sites they wanted to include was the...

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