Soapy Smith and Sam Bass’ last holdup. Sam Bass and his gang were planning on robbing a bank in Round Rock, Texas on July 19, 1878. The attempt went...
Witness to History
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Outlaw
A Quick Hand
A lawman used an unorthodox method to stop an outlaw. Fred Lambert was a tough New Mexico lawman at an early age. He was 15 when he became a member...
Bad Luck Baldy?
His stagecoach was an easy mark for robbers. George “Baldy” Green—nicknamed for the obvious reason—was a stagecoach driver between Placerville, CA...
Into the Den of Infamy
The Last Hours of the Notorious King Fisher The hack delivered King Fisher and Ben Thompson to the Vaudeville Theatre within a few minutes, as it...
He Talked His Life Away
Wild Bill Hickok was under constant fear of assassination by glory hunters. He spread newspapers on his bedroom floor at night in case someone tried...
The Big Score
The Reno Gang’s last robbery is their largest. May 28, 1868. Just two months after breaking jail, the Reno Gang makes its biggest score. Some 12...
A Legend is Born
The legend of Wild Bill Hickok was born in 1867, when George Ward Nichols' article in "Harpers Weekly," made Wild Bill Hickok the Old West's first...
The Bandit Bard
How the English-born, Civil War veteran’s career as America’s most prolific poet-stagecoach robber began on the backroads of California’s gold...
A Letter From the Kid
Billy Bonney couldn’t convince the governor to meet with him. March 2, 1881. Billy the Kid sends one of his many letters to New Mexico Territory...
A Deadly Show
Two pistoleers become the focus of attention at a theater. March 11, 1884. Texas gunmen Ben Thompson and King Fisher make a huge mistake. A day of...
Finally, Justice for a Killer
Billy Campbell faced a mob for his crimes. Billy Campbell was a hard-case, often fueled by alcohol and anger. He left dead bodies behind in Texas,...
Tapped Out!
Tap Duncan vs. Bill Hayes “You can have Idaho, but you S.O.B.sbetter not follow me to Arizona.” Maps & Graphics by Gus Walker. Based on the...