Switching Sides

Dave Rudabaugh—outlaw turned informant.

Dave Rudabaugh’s gang attempted their first train robbery, on January 22, 1878 near Kinsley, Kansas. The robbery was a complete failure, and they came away empty handed. The next day, a posse led by Bat Masterson (photo) captured Rudabaugh and fellow gang member Ed West. The remaining members of the gang were captured shortly thereafter. Rudabaugh took a deal for imamunity and testified against his former gang members. Shortly following his release, Rudabaugh accepted Masterson’s offer to join a group of gunfighters to fight for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe in the Railroad Wars.