CowboySpirit.TV - In this week's collection of old west tidbits, we've got a rare example of a successful Indian treaty, as well as appearances from Doc Holliday and the James-Younger Gang.
July 2
1863: On this day, famed Chief Washakie of the Shoshone tribe signed the first Treaty of Fort Bridger, promising to cease attacks in exchange for an established Shoshone county and some trade goods. This was followed by another treaty in 1868 that officially created a Shoshone reservation, which is still the home of several Shoshone tribes today.
July 3
1876: The Bozeman Times became the first newspaper to report on Custer's defeat at Little Bighorn. The news spread quickly, with the Helena Times getting a longer report out the next morning, but Bozeman still scooped the story with an "Extra" evening edition.
July 4
1876: The well-known African-American cowboy Nat Love earned his nickname “Deadwood Dick” on this day, having won a rodeo held in the famous old west boom town. Born a slave, Love went west following emancipation and had an impressive string of adventures, including rubbing elbows with Billy the Kid and the James Brothers, as well as being adopted into several native tribes.
July 5
1881: On this day, Judge Spicer of Tombstone issued a warrant for famed old west gunslinger Doc Holliday for his part in the murder of Bud Philpot, a stagecoach driver. He probably did kill Philpot, but thanks to $5,000 in bail from Wyatt Earp along with a corroborated alibi, he was released an innocent man.
July 6
1863: Reportedly, this was the day that John Bozeman set out along with John Jacobs to scout out what would be known as the Bozeman Trail. This trail connected Montana, currently in the middle of a gold rush, with the more-established Oregon Trail. It made life easier for miners, but led to a number of conflicts with native tribes whose lands the trail wound through.
July 7
1876: On this day, the James-Younger Gang robbed the Missouri-Pacific railroad of $15,000. This heist would mark the beginning of the end for these outlaws, however. A new recruit named Hobbs Kerry was picked up by police afterwards, compromising the gang's identity and plans.
July 8
1958: And in lighter news, on this day the LP soundtrack to the old west musical Oklahoma! became the first album officially certified Gold, having sold more than one million copies.
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