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...
Bodie, California
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Marshall Trimble
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...
What was Paladin’s first name on Have Gun-Will Travel?
What was Paladin’s first name on Have Gun-Will Travel? Charlie Henshaw Macon, Georgia The show’s creators, Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow, preferred 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 Johnson County War: The Grandaddy of the Old West’s Range Wars
On April 9th, 1892 in Johnson County, Wyoming a column of hard-looking men rode up to within a short distance of the small ranch headquarters just...
How Tough was Longhorn Meat?
How tough was Longhorn meat? Brian Hoare Cape Town, South Africa The amazing Texas Longhorn was born lean and mean, and he tasted the same....
Sneak Attack on the James Farm
During the early morning hours on January 26th, 1875, the Samuel family was again punished for the actions of Zeralda Samuel’s two sons, Frank and...
John Wesley Hardin: The Deadliest of ‘Em All
The greatest of all the storied Texas gunmen, John Wesley Hardin, has been called the "deadliest killer of ‘em all." It’s claimed he gunned down...
Did “Big Nose Kate” Carry a Gun?
Did Big Nose Kate carry a gun? Jim Ramsey Portland, Oregon “Kate did not need a gun. Her wit and cunning words were her best weapon (or worst enemy,...
Why did Cavalrymen Wear their Pistols with the butts Forward?
Why did cavalrymen wear their pistols with the butts forward? Christopher Zimmerman Huachuca City, Arizona When a cavalryman sat in the saddle (or...
The Killing of John Younger: Bad Day in Roscoe, Missouri
In 1873 Jim, John and Bob Younger joined their brother Cole, who along with Frank and Jesse, had formed the James-Younger gang. John was described...
The Youngers of Missouri: Part Two
In June 1862, while returning home from a business trip to Kansas City, Col. Henry Washington Younger was ambushed and murdered. He was carrying a...