Sherm McMaster was one of the more interesting characters in the Cochise County War. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois in 1853. Not much is known...
Sherman McMaster: Good Guy or Bad?
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True West Blog
James Ohio Pattie
The first American trappers to enter Arizona, according to the best records, arrived in 1826. The party listed among its members three men destined...
This is how They did it in Texas
The Reds, the Blues and some questionable votes. In 1873, Texas Democratic Party boss Stephen Powers formed the Blue Club, a social organization...
A Feud Over Love
Texas men fought and killed for the sanctity of their homes. In 1911, Lena Sneed of Texas and New Mexico ran off with an old boyfriend, Al Boyce,...
The Gun is Mightier than the Pen
A Texas newspaperman learned a hard truth… William Cowper Brann was a Texas newspaperman who went after his enemies, in print, with relish and tough...
Alfred Packer
Alfred Packer was a prospector, miner and claimed to be a seasoned guide however he never mentioned he was prone to lose his way. During the harsh...
Yucca Roots for Shampoo
What did Indians use for soap, if anything? Or, was it not part of their culture? Usually the natives used plants to provide soap. For example, many...
Who Named the Hole in the Wall?
Figuring out the correct origin of place/names can be difficult to pin down and who named Hole in the Wall is one of them "He says/she says," thing....
What Goes Around, Comes Around
A Wichita hardcase learned the hard way about the danger of gunfights. Billy Anderson is best remembered for being permanently—and...
Shooting off his Mouth
Or—never threaten a man if you’re unarmed. Rowdy Joe Lowe was one of the best-known saloon owners in the West during the 1870s thru ‘90s. When...
Can you Legally Hang a Horse Thief?
That is a very good question because it brings up an important point. Contrary to popular myth, stealing a horse has never been a capital offense...
Love Overcomes All
Rowdy Joe Lowe ended up with a woman hurt in his gunfight. Competing saloon owners Red Beard and Rowdy Joe Lowe (photo) took their enmity to a new...