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Old Wrist-Breaker

Old Wrist-Breaker

by | May 14, 2019 | Departments, Shooting from the Hip

The U.S. Cavalry’s first official-issue saber—the Model 1833, although graceful and handsome, was disliked by the troops. Considered altogether too light, difficult to thrust properly, and prone to breakage of the blade, U.S. Ordnance wanted a more substantial saber....
The Reckless Frolics of Curly Bill Brocius

The Reckless Frolics of Curly Bill Brocius

by | May 14, 2019 | True West Blog

The outlaws of Cochise County during the 1880s were a reckless breed and the fact that Curly Bill was one of their leaders says something of his toughness. No known photos of him exist but Billy Breakenridge described him as “fully six feet tall, with black curly...
Who Was The Real George Hearst?

Who Was The Real George Hearst?

by | May 6, 2019 | Features & Gunfights

As students of both broadcast entertainment and Western history should be aware, there are two George Hearsts, and the contrast between them could not be greater. While one is a semi-fictitious villain whose malevolence dominates the HBO award-winning series Deadwood,...
Yellowstone Was Only the Beginning

Yellowstone Was Only the Beginning

by | Apr 8, 2019 | Features & Gunfights

July is the busiest month for Yellowstone National Park, where vacationers find a cool respite from the sizzling heat. The idea of setting aside land for the public’s benefit was revolutionary when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill creating the first national...
The Militancy of the Miners

The Militancy of the Miners

by | Apr 2, 2019 | Departments, Investigating History

Mining was vital to the growth of the Old West—perhaps more so than even the cattle industry. It also led to violent class struggles between mine owners and workers, especially after the miners organized. One of the most important incidents took place in the Coeur...