His time in Texas was not what it’s been cracked up to be. In August 19, 1875, a rider—or maybe riders—approached the Bader ranch in Mason County,...
The Lone Star Myth of John Ringo
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old west outlaw
King of the Gunmen
Pistoleer Fisher racked up a long list of kills. Texan King Fisher had a fearsome reputation as a gunman—one that was built in the 1870s. He was...
In the Palm of his Hand
An outlaw learned the hard way that a palm print was strong evidence. Ben Kuhl was caught red-handed—so to speak. He and two pals pulled the last...
Pearl Hart: “The Girl Bandit”
For most of her life Pearl Hart lived in dismal obscurity. She got her chance for fifteen minutes of fame following a bungled stagecoach robbery on...
The Lincoln County War: Armistice Gone Bad
When Lew Wallace was appointed Territorial Governor of New Mexico in 1879 one of the first missions he hoped to accomplish was to stop the killings...
From Outlaw to Horseman
Dick Liddil found a new calling at the race track. Dick Liddil joined the James Gang in 1879, near the end of its run. He eventually was arrested,...
Wyatt Earp: Is He Still a Hero?
Historians and writers share their perspectives on the West’s most famous lawman. In honor of the 140th anniversary of the gunfight near the O.K....
The Saga of Texas Jack
A successful outlaw got out of the game at the right time. Nathaniel Reed was called “Texas Jack”—a bit odd since he was from Arkansas and...
Foot Under Glass
Executed outlaw George Lane’s appendage was nicely displayed. George Lane was nicknamed “Clubfoot” because of a bone deformity. He was in southern...
Revenge – A Dish Best Served Cold
Kid Curry took his time in avenging his brother’s death. January 1896. The outlaw Logan brothers have a beef with rancher Jim Winters near Landusky,...
Fannie Porter
At the turn of the 20th century Fannie Porter was running one of the most luxurious brothels in Texas. She was born in England in February 1873 but...
A Strange Escape King Fisher stole a horse, but got away with it—thanks to the animal’s owner.
Texas gunman John “King” Fisher got into crime in an unusual way. In 1869, when he was 15, Fisher borrowed a horse from a rancher near Florence,...