Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

What if the legendary figure Dutch Henry Born was more than just an outlaw of the American frontier? Join us as we unravel the tangled threads of his life, beginning with his uneasy alliance as a scout under General Custer, and his moral conflict following the Black Kettle Massacre. Mike King and Brad Smalley dig deep into Born’s transition from military service to buffalo hunting, a shift that marked the onset of his criminal endeavors. We question whether his actions were motivated by personal biases or genuine ethical concerns, and we grapple with the historical inconsistencies that make tracing Born’s true story as challenging as it is fascinating.

Our exploration doesn't stop there. We venture into Born’s possible connections with historical icons like Levi Richardson and Bat Masterson, speculating on whether a bond formed during the Battle of Adobe Walls influenced Masterson's relentless pursuit of justice. Through compelling, albeit circumstantial, evidence, we entertain the likelihood of Dutch Henry's presence at Adobe Walls despite the potential for embellishment in historical narratives. This episode challenges the reliability of historical records and invites listeners to draw their own conclusions about Dutch Henry Born’s enigmatic legacy on the American frontier.

Send us a text

What if one promise could define an outlaw's entire legacy? Discover the audacious life of Dutch Henry Born, a Wild West figure whose bold pledge to never steal a white man's horse captivated the frontier. From leading a daring horse-stealing syndicate across four states to his tense encounters with law enforcement and the military, Born’s story is one of fearless escapades and relentless pursuits. Unravel the intricate web of his criminal network, where thieves and fences operated with precision, and witness the dramatic moments that defined his life, including his capture and miraculous survival in Russell, Kansas.

Join us as we navigate the stormy relationship between Born and the law, exploring his interactions with iconic figures like Charles Goodnight and the 4th US Cavalry. Witness the precarious dance of justice as Born evades capture time and again, challenging the very fabric of law enforcement in the Wild West. Through gripping anecdotes and pivotal confrontations, the episode sheds light on the ripple effects of Born’s actions on local communities and law officials like Bat Masterson. Immerse yourself in the untamed frontier, where the line between outlaw and legend blurs, and explore how Dutch Henry Born’s daring life left an indelible mark on history.

Support the show

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

Step back in time to the rugged frontier of Dodge City, where untamed chaos and colorful characters gave rise to its infamous reputation. Brace yourself for the untold stories of notorious figures like Jack Reynolds and the elusive Black Jack, whose lives and deaths echo the lawlessness of the Wild West. Through the tales of violence and whiskey-fueled antics, we promise an eye-opening exploration of how Dodge City's Boot Hill became a symbol of this lawless era, setting the stage for its eventual transformation.

Discover the turbulent events of 1873 that sparked the birth of law and order in Dodge City. From Colonel Dodge's imposition of martial law to the election of Charlie Bassett as the first sheriff, witness the crucial moments that reshaped the city. As we recount the stark contrasts in law enforcement around the railroad tracks and share the tragic fates of figures like William Ellis, we piece together the gritty reality of a frontier town striving to break free from its wicked past. Join us as we unravel the legacy of Dodge City's notorious beginnings and the community's push toward civility.