It was the worst mining disaster in Colorado’s history. April 22, 1917, at the town of Hastings, where the Victor American Fuel Company had been...
Fire in the Hole!
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Adventures in the Apache Country
John Ross Browne was one of the most prominent writers to visit the West during the pioneer years. His colorful and entertaining narratives inspired...
Americas First “Astronauts”
In February, 1848 the United States secured its “Manifest Destiny” with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ending the Mexican War....
Don’t Look Back
It’s part of Wild Bill Hickok’s legend. The acting Ellis County (KS) sheriff was trying to corral Bill Mulvey, who was shooting up Hays City....
Bodie, California
Gold was discovered in what became Bodie by a party of prospectors in 1859. The discovery coincided with another at nearby Aurora, Nevada and the...
Don’t Take a Beer Mug to a Gunfight
Sam Strawhun and his pals had been wreaking havoc on John Bitter’s Saloon in Hays City, KS, early in the morning of September 27, 1869. Ellis...
A Not So Heroic End
John Kile was a hero who came to a bad end. As a corporal in the 5th Cavalry, Kile won the Congressional Medal of Honor. In July 1869, he and two...
A Voice That Is His Own Derision
“Father and mother he does not resemble, sons and daughters he will never have; vindictive and patient (it is a known fact that he will labor ten...
The Gunfighter: Cool Under Fire
It took more than just the ability to shoot fast and straight to make a real gunfighter. Anyone who practiced long and often enough could learn to...
Wyatt: The Early Years
Wyatt Earp was not considered a legendary gunfighter during his lifetime. Others of his ilk such as Wild Bill Hickock, Bill Cody, Billy the Kid,...
The Return of Doc Holliday
We've all learned a lot since "The illustrated Life & Times of Doc Holliday" appeared in 1993. And, of course, most of it appeared on the pages...
Credit Where Credit is Due
Skookum Jim Mason failed to get credit for one of the great gold finds in the West. Skookum—which means big or strong—was of the Tagish First...