Wild West Podcast

Unmasking Wild Bill Hickok: Debating His Legend, Kansas Criticism, and the Hickok-Tutt Gunfight

Subscriber Episode Michael King/Brad Smalley

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Was Wild Bill Hickok a larger-than-life hero or a product of wild exaggerations? This episode promises to uncover the truth behind Colonel George Ward Nichols' controversial portrayal of Hickok in Harper's New Monthly magazine. You'll hear about how Kansas newspapers didn't hold back in criticizing Nichols' hyperbolic claims and learn about the unfiltered character of journalism during that period. We also discuss Springfield, Missouri's transformation post-Civil War and how Union veterans influenced the town's atmosphere, bringing to light the simmering tensions and lasting resentments that defined the era.

Step back in time with us as we dissect the romanticized legend of Wild Bill Hickok, exploring his personal sense of honor and the complex relationships that shaped him. We delve into the infamous Hickok-Tutt gunfight—the pivotal event that catapulted Hickok into Western legend. And don’t miss our examination of the archetype of the Western lawman, highlighting how Hickok set the gold standard for future lawmen in Kansas cow towns. From a historic gunfight to the enduring mythos of Western law enforcement, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the man behind the legend and his lasting impact on American history.

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included.

"Edward Masterson and the Texas Cowboys," penned by Michael King, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the American West, focusing on the lively and gritty cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas. This thrilling dime novel plunges into the action-packed year of Ed Masterson's life as a lawman, set against the backdrop of the chaotic cattle trade, filled with fierce conflicts, shifting loyalties, and rampant lawlessness. You can order the book on Amazon.

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