Dr. History's Tales of the Old West

Orphaned at age 14, Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary was left to care for five siblings. A dishwasher, cook, waitress, nurse, army scout, she dressed as a soldier, was compassionate to the sick and needy. Buried in Deadwood next to Wild Bill Hickok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two stories: Bitten by a rattle snake, Jack chopped off two fingers. He continued mining and made but lost a fortune. Willie Chamberlain was attacked by a rabid wolf, his only chance, go to Paris and seek treatment from Louis Pasteur. It worked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Left an orphan, he herded cattle, was attacked by Indians, fractured legs and nursed back to health by Indians, nearly starved and frozen to death, his crew successfully brought the herd in after a 6,000 mile journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a blood brother to Cochise and considered the only honest Indian agent. As treaties were made and broken, both Jeffords and Cochise could see the end of Indian life as they knew it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He didn't swallow a wagon wheel but did single-handed rob stage coaches. He nearly got away by using disguises and putting horse shoes on backwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hunting trip with twenty eight wagons, oxen and horses, a personal cook and three waiters. Nice tent with heating stoves, brass bed, bathtub, oak table, fine dinnerware, a French rug, and most important, a fur-seated commode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He organized the world’s longest transcontinental mail line. He bought horses, mules, wagons, hay and grain, way stations, dug wells, hired surveyors, drivers and blacksmiths. Mail was delivered in 25 days and linked East and West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shotgun messengers faced dangers, few took as many risks as Tovey. After 23 years guarding for Wells Fargo, being wounded twice, he was killed in the line of duty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It began with "Buck" Rogers discovery of gold. The cursed treasure left a trail of dead men and is still there, perhaps being guarded by the dead miners whose remains are still there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a soldier, geologist, professor, scientist and explorer. Facing dangerous rapids, he floated the Green River in Wyoming down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and after three months and 900 miles finished his first expedition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 1300 native civilizations called North America their home. The Indians had a close spiritual understanding of the creation of the earth and a belief that they were put here by a “Creator”, "Great Spirit”, “Master of Life”, or Wakan Tanka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

His first revolving six-cylindered pistol model was carved from wood, This led to the creation of a working rifle and pistol. Along with the Colt .45 "Peacemaker" were the Walker Colt, the "Texas" Patterson, the Dragoon, and the Model 1851 Navy .36 caliber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Judge Parker was a cheerful outgoing man, loved by children and devoted to his job. He tried more than 13,000 people, three fourths were convicted, 344 carried the death sentence of which 88 died on the gallows. George Maledon was the very efficient hangman who made sure the job was done right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The oft forgotten black soldiers served faithfully in the Indian wars, risked their lives and proved to be hard working, dedicated and brave. Some received the Congressional Medal of Honor defending stage stations, forts and fighting Indians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Always on the move, they roamed a vast territory fighting and raiding other tribes. Freedom-loving, foxy, and deeply religious, they could outrun on foot the cavalry horses. Among their friends were Generals Howard and Crook, Tom Jeffords and Al Seiber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brigham Young organized the exodus in 1847. They came by ship, wagon trains and handcarts to settle in the Great Basin. Immigrants heading west were able to replenish supplies and worn out stock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Organized in 1830, the Mormon church claimed to have modern revelation, a prophet, and new scripture in the form of The Book of Mormon. These, along with the slavery issue and polygamy resulted in them being driven from Missouri and Illinois. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most dangerous street in America known for the Lincoln County War with Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett. More than 50 lives ended due to accidents, revenge, violence and questionable frontier justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Native American women played an important role in the spiritual ceremonies of the tribe. They saw the forces of creation and offered prayers of thanks for food, good health and protection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hundred miles in any direction made Jackson Hole the ideal place for a rendezvous where furs and supplies could be traded. Jim Bridger, John Colter, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Jedediah Smith, William Sublett are among the great explorers and trappers who spent time in Jackson Hole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yes, he wrote Tarzan but he also served in Troop B, U.S. 7th Cavalry stationed in Arizona Territory and joined in the search for the Apache Kid. This experience helped as he wrote, “The War Chief” and “Apache Devil". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amid the terror of gunfire, cannons, fighting and death during the Battle of the Alamo, there were women and children that survived. After the battle Santa Anna gave each two silver dollars, a blanket and released them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They were among the first to float the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. They became famous for their photos showing the wonders of the Grand Canyon while guiding tourists on mules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many mentally ill people were imprisoned, beaten, tortured, shackled and exhibited for show. Dorothea Dix dedicated herself for forty years to provide proper treatment and facilities and more accurate diagnosis for these misunderstood people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three Germans found the "Cement Mine" as did a lone prospector and a man named Whitman, all died and it remains lost. A lost Mexican girl and a wandering cowboy found sacks of gold nuggets, but it too remains hidden by the blowing sand in Death Valley. Lots of treasure is still there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paulita Jaramillo was friends with Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. She was interviewed and said there was no romance, just good friends. She was there when Garrett shot and killed the Kid in her brother, Pete Maxwell’s home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joaquin was a forty-niner, a vaquero, gold miner and famous outlaw. His head ended up in a glass jar after Harry Love and the California Rangers tracked him down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chief of the Klickitat Indian tribe kept secret the location of the gold, the secret passed on father to son. The last person who knew the location, a Chief’s daughter, was killed by her drunken French husband, so the gold is still there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Skagway, this 45 mile trail to the Klondike witnessed the worst inhumane treatment of horses, mules and oxen. Over 3000 horses packed supplies and miners to Lake Bennett before being abandoned to die. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Klondike was the "big stampede on 1897". Thousands left Dyea and Skagway to began the "big climb," 1000 feet up the Golden Staircase to the summit, some never made it, buried by an avalanche. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The gun wizard made his first gun at age 13, invented the lever action, pump, gas operated machine gun, semi-automatic pistol, belt fed machine gun, 37 mm cannon, BAR and more. He had 128 patents with guns considered mechanical engineering marvels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hamer was a Texas Ranger, expert rifleman, hunter and tracker. He engaged in 52 gun battles, put away 21 bad guys, trailed Bonnie and Clyde and was there when they met their fate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Communication was essential for military success. The heliograph, a device with moveable mirrors, was used on strategic mountain tops to help the Army follow the movements of Geronimo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He captured the "real authentic" west with his paintings, illustrations and sculptures. He loved horses, dogs, good cigars, was well liked and could drink anyone under the table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Millions of cattle were rounded up in Texas and driven as far as Montana, California and Missouri. Cowboys, Indians, stampedes and ticks carrying "Texas Fever" were all part of the challenge of getting to the end of the trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two young men headed West, they worked together learning how to be cowboys. They crossed paths many times, the last found them standing together on the gallows, one was to hang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No longer a slave, he traveled West and became a trusted important partner in the Loving and Goodnight cattle business. He fought Indians, trailed herds, survived stampedes, raised a family and was honored in the the Texas Trail of Fame and Cowboy Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well respected and wise, he would sing, chant and dance to invoke the "Great Spirit". Herbs, roots, and blossoms were used as well as sweat baths and cold plunges . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For seven years, Robinson, Hoback and Reznor trapped the Missouri, Snake and Madison Rivers and served as guides for the overland Astorians. Their dream of returning to Kentucky ended with their death on the Boise River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Buckley, "Coal Oil Jimmy", was a cold blooded killer. With partner Tom Taylor, they robbed stage coaches until two cowboys collected the $1200 reward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Flogging, solitary confinement, time in the guardhouse or strapped to a ball and chain, punishment could be severe. Deserters often took army property and were seldom caught. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Win or lose, most gamblers never quit, with only a few managing to keep their wealth. Silent Sam won one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in one card game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The horse thieves thought they got away, but they didn't count on expert tracker George Goodhart. By using tact and being quick with a gun, George had never killed any of those he arrested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous song, "Christmas Bells" and how "Silent Night" came to be written and sung. Gate 67 and a Montana Christmas, two examples of the true spirit of Christmas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Corn husk dolls, carved toys, knitted scarves and mittens, a small tree covered with popcorn and cranberries, and the food. A fat goose, roast elk and buffalo, smoked tongue, chokeberry preserves, blackberry duff, what a feast for family and friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a "road" rancher, prospector, horse trader, blacksmith, merchant, civic leader and vigilante. He didn't make a fortune, but was known a "Mister Montana". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a daring female physician, she overcame prejudice and hardship to pave the way for others. She never refused a call, braving storms, floods and other obstacles to serve those in need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who was this beautiful well dressed young woman and how did her lifeless body end up in the river? Miners and Indians came together to give her a proper funeral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some unlucky miners tried their luck at robbing stagecoaches. They didn't count on Nevada City marshal Steve Vernard and his trusty Henry rifle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The treaty was supposed to say, "Camas Prairie", not "Kansas Prairie", which led the Bannock Indians to revolt. An eye witness to the battle described how Chief Buffalo Horn was killed and the battle was over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices