Death of a Champion

The Wyoming invasion claims its first victim.

April 8, 1892. A small army of mercenaries, hired by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, surrounds the cabin of Nate Champion. It’s the start of the so-called “Wyoming Invasion.” The goal: kill or drive out small ranchers/rustlers. Champion–inside his cabin–holds off the attackers for several hours. But late in the day, the army sets fire to the cabin. Champion runs out with a Winchester in one hand and pistol in the other. He’s hit 28 times.