Big Bertha had success outside the law—but not much inside. Big Bertha was the “Queen of the Confidence Women” in San Francisco’s Barbary Coast. Her...
Queen of the Cons
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True West Blog
X Marks the Spot
How a famous ranch got its name. Fred Fritz started a ranch in Arizona in 1885. One day a brand inspector appeared and told Fred he needed to...
A Younger Brother Crosses the Line
John Younger kills a Texas lawman. February 16, 1871. Nineteen-year-old John Younger crosses the line. The day before, he and some pals--all...
Rebels Raid the Bank
Future members of the James-Younger Gang turn to crime. February 13, 1866. A dozen or so former Confederates rob the Clay County Savings Association...
Won’t be Bullied
Luke Short stood up to Longhaired Jim Courtright. February 8, 1887. Two Old West gunhandlers go at it on the streets of Fort Worth. Jim Courtright...
Clothing for the Cavalry…and Other Frontier Soldiers.
Soldiers on the frontier were issued all the clothing essentials, including socks and long woolen underwear. It was of cheap quality and wore out...
Buffalo Bill and the Bison
The showman helped save the species. Buffalo Bill Cody made his name and reputation in killing large numbers of American bison. And yet he also...
All’s Fair in War
Chief Leschi pays a price for an Indian conflict. February 19, 1858. Nisqually Chief Leschi is hanged outside present-day Lakewood, Washington. He...
A Promise Left Hanging
A vow to protect three men from a mob turned out to be hollow. February 5, 1880. Las Vegas (NM) Deputy Marshal J.J. Webb and five men—including...
Bye Bye to Belle
Outlaw Queen Starr comes to a blood end. February 3, 1889. "Outlaw Queen" Belle Starr is gunned down from ambush while riding home near Younger's...
A Child By Any Other Name
A baby girl who was named after a saloon. On Prescott’s Whiskey Row there was a saloon named Cob-Web Hall. One night about closing time, a small...
The Boom and Bust of the Babacomari
The fortunes of the Elias family. Eulias Elias and her brother Ignacio acquired the Babocomari Land Grant in 1832. The 130,000-acre ranch was the...