What happens when a corporation, the sheriff and citizens are all in collusion to do something “wholly illegal?” The giant Bisbee Deportation of...
The Bisbee Deportation of 1917
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Don’t Go Wakin’ Snakes
Old West slang was colorful and inventive and often brings a laugh. But they sure got their points across. Consider these: Someone would tell you...
Longeared Lingo
ASS (Equus Asinus): Species commonly known as the domesticated “donkey” in English and “burro” in Spanish. The different sizes of donkeys in the...
Stagecoach Etiquette
Thanks to an 1877 Omaha Herald article, we know how we should have behaved if we'd taken a stagecoach in the old west. First, we were advised that...
Father of the American JACKASS
George Washington is often mistakenly referred to as the “Father of the American Mule.” He is also credited with being the first to bring a jackass...
Mormons Ate Best
Of all the pioneers who settled Arizona Territory—Indians, Mexicans, the military, miners, cowboys—the Mormons ate best. As Daphne Overstreet...
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Enter a 14-foot double glass Victorian door, turn a brass knob to enter a hotel room, or have a cocktail at a behemoth back-bar and you’ll...
Strange Amusements
The 1800s are notable for its fascination with exhibits and strange things. And it didn't lack promoters or hucksters who would take anyone's...
Tom Horn Holds His Head High
The popular image of convicted assassin Tom Horn is of a man who met his fate with courage. Up to and including the time he was hanged on November...
Sheriff With a Deadly Addiction
Francis Joseph Wattron, born February 5, 1861, in Hermann, Missouri, was a small boy when the town’s alarm bells signaled an accident at Stone Hill...
A Bad Call on the Telephone
Sometimes when you're the biggest king on the hill, it's hard to see new kids climbing the slopes, and that's exactly what happened to Western Union...
Lady of the Law
I’m of the opinion that, even in today’s society, the women of the frontier are not given all of the credit that is their just due. Wilting violets,...