When America’s first Pony Express rider set off on April 3, 1860, from St. Joseph, Missouri, launching a coast-to-coast …
Inside History
Lords of the West The great Western trails of the Hudson’s Bay Company still lead to great adventures.
Birthed in Canada, the Hudson’s Bay Company was founded on May 2, 1670, when King Charles granted a charter to his cousi…
“¡No Tire en la Casa!” Harry Morse vs Juan Soto.
May 10, 1871 Tracking a party of rough hombres, Alameda County Sheriff Harry Morse and San Jose Deputy Theodore “Sam” Wi…
Did Outlaws Shoot Locks Off Strongboxes?
Did outlaws shoot locks off strongboxes? John C. Gieske — Prescott, Arizona. Shooting a lock off a strongbox requires a …
Jack Swilling’s Arizona Adventures: Part II
For a brief time in early 1862 Confederate troops occupied what would soon become the Territory of Arizona. This was par…
Gambling, Gold and Women Deadwood, South Dakota, celebrates its legendary heritage on every corner.
Deadwood has always attracted big names. In 1874, even before the town’s creation, George Armstrong Custer and his comma…
Jack Swilling’s Arizona Adventures: Part I
Jack Swilling is a name that goes almost unrecognized by Arizonans today. Much of what is known about him comes from tal…
A Cochise-led Apache Ambush
It was July 15, 1862, and Union Captain Thomas Roberts led a column of volunteers into Apache Pass in southeast Arizona.…
Marshal Tom “Bear River” Preferred Fists to Guns
Abilene, Kansas Marshal Tom “Bear River” Smith gained a reputation for using fists instead of guns. According to one st…
Did Old West Gunmen Wear Armor?
Did Old West gunmen wear armor? Jeff Mock — Sandy, Utah. Two men come to mind. “Killin’” Jim Miller wore an iron plate s…