For over 140 years, Bob Ford’s cowardly killing of Jesse James has fascinated historians seeking the truth behind the assassination. “That man is...
One Legit Brit
New research changes the long-accepted story of how Jesse James cashed in his chips. We pride ourselves on telling the true stories of the...
Little by Liddil (Jesse Goes Down)
Wood Hite vs. Dick Liddil Maps & Graphics by Gus Walker. Based on the research of Dr. Sam Palmer and Dan Thrapp. December 4, 1881 James...
The Power of Pictures
The very best historical photographs from our treasured vaults define our idea of the West. In honor of our 70th year, the editors of True West have...
How did Frank and Jessie James Manage to Spend all that Loot?
As with similar stories about Old West outlaws, we hear about the banks and trains they robbed and the amounts of money they stole. Take Jesse and...
Hallowed Ground & Honored Heroes
Across the West, cemeteries, monuments and memorials provide a poignant reminder of the West’s historic past. Across the United States...
How did Bob Ford, the killer of Jesse James die?
Soon after Bob Ford shot Jesse James at Jesse’s home In St. Joseph, Missouri public opinion turned against Bob and Charlie Ford. Bob was seen as a...
A Dry Run for Northfield?
Did Jesse James use another holdup as preparation? July 7, 1876. Members of the James-Younger Gang held up a train outside Otterville, Missouri....
Nobody Believed Him!
A James Gang member couldn’t turn himself in. Jim Cummins was not the most enthusiastic member of the James-Younger Gang. He served with the boys...
Bounties
How was reward money collected in the Old West? Was it paid out by local law enforcement, banks, the court system, or did it come from some other...
What Drunken Mistake led to the Downfall of the James-Younger Gang? Watch Live 7/21
What Drunken Mistake led to the Downfall of the James-Younger Gang? Oh, this is going to be a fun one. You may already know the answer, but not the...
A Funeral Surprise When Charlie Ford was laid to rest, one of the attendees was unexpected.
After the assassination of Jesse James, Charley Ford went downhill fast. By May 1884—two years after the killing—he was living with his parents at...