Wild Bill Hickok

Wild Bill Hickok was an American scout, lawman, gambler and performer whose reputation became part of the mythology of the Old West. His documented service and gunfights were amplified by newspapers and stage appearances before his murder in Deadwood, where the cards associated with his death entered popular legend.

Born James Butler Hickok, he served as a scout and law officer and held posts in Kansas cattle towns including Hays and Abilene. A highly publicised 1865 gunfight with Davis Tutt contributed to his national reputation, which was later amplified by dime novels and stage appearances. Hickok was shot dead by Jack McCall while playing poker in Deadwood in 1876, an event that became inseparable from his legend.

Hourly History’s Calamity Jane considers her friendship with Wild Bill Hickok, later appearances in western shows and the autobiographical pamphlet that helped shape her reputation. Hourly History’s Deadwood examines epidemic, fire, crime and commercial consolidation alongside figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Hourly History’s Wild Bill Hickok follows James Butler Hickok from wartime scout and law officer to gambler and western celebrity.