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