Did Chief Red Cloud have anything to do with the death of Crazy Horse? Joe Manriquez (Whittier, California) Red Cloud was among the...
Black Bart, Buffalo Robes and Outlaw Hideouts
What were buffalo hides used for? Pat McManus Cave Junction, Oregon Often, they were used for coats or blankets—both by Indians and Whites. In the...
Garbage, Bowie Knives and Captain Jack
What did American Indians do with captives? John O’Connor (Phoenix, Arizona) The taking of captives varied with the various tribes, but generally,...
Pocket Guns, Ned Kelly and The Kid
I’ve read the transcript of Wyatt Earp’s testimony at the inquest following the gunfight at (near) the O.K. Corral, and it seems he drew his...
Virgil Earp, Tombstone and a Shot of Whiskey
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...