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Wild Bill Hickok

Hickok was born in Troy Grove, Illinois. He left his father's farm in 1855 to be a stagecoach driver on the Sante Fe and Oregon Trails. His gunfighting skills led to his nickname. In 1861, he became a town constable in Nebraska. He became well-known for single-handedly capturing the McCanles gang (through the use of a ruse).

After the American Civil War, Hickok became an army scout and a professional gambler. In 1867, his fame increased from an interview by Henry Stanley. In 1871, Hickok became marshal of Abilene, Texas. He toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in 1872-1873, where he was romantically linked to Calamity Jane. He was fired from the show due to drunkenness.

In 1876, while playing poker in Deadwood, South Dakota, Hickok was shot dead by Jack McCall, who thought that Hickok shot McCall's brother in Kansas. At the time of his death, Hickok held a pair of Aces and a pair of eights, which has since been known as a dead man's hand.

 
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Wild Bill Hickok
A biography of the western hero.

Brian's Drive in Theater: Guy Madison
Biographical information and photographs of this actor, best known for "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok."

Mendota Museum and Historical Society
Preservation of local history including a display of Wild Bill Hickok memorabilia at the Hume-Carnegie Museum. The Union Depot Railroad Museum has displays of the CB and Q, Milwaukee and Illinois Central items.

MSN Learning & Research: Hickok, Wild Bill
An Encarta Encyclopedia article on James Butler Hickok.