This Week in Old West History - February 20th
CowboySpirit.TV - In the Old West, the week of February 20th included events that changed the course of American history. Battles were fought and won, others were tragically lost, important legislation was passed (and ignored - this was the Wild West, after all), and one of America's most famous Wild West characters was born.
Here's a list of happenings from February 20 - 26.
February 20
1839: U.S. Congress passes an anti-dueling law. As famous Old West gunslingers could attest, this law is largely ignored west of the Mississippi, thank goodness. The Wild West without the Quick Draw Duel would hardly be the same.
February 21
1862: Texas Rangers win a Confederate victory at the Battle of Val Verde in New Mexico. The Rangers are the 2nd oldest state-level law enforcement in the United States and have curtailed notorious out-laws: Bonnie & Clyde and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, to name a few.
February 22
1847: U.S. Troops beat Mexico in the battle of Buena Vista. Considered to be one of the most dramatic fights of the Mexican American War, 5000 U.S. troops, led by Major General Zachary Taylor prevail over 20,000 Mexican troops, led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
February 23
1836: One of the most tragic dates in Old West history, General Santa Anna arrives at the Alamo with approximately 1500 troops. It is the beginning of a 13-day siege that concludes in a bloody defeat for all but two of the approximately 150 American soldiers and volunteers. Old West folklore is robbed of legendary figures such as James Bowie, William Barret Travis, and David Crockett.
1871: A real life "Cowboys And Indians" story takes place when John M Bullard, founder of Silver City, NM is shot and killed in an Apache raid.
February 24
1836: William Travis writes his famous letter, "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World", requesting reinforcements. It stands as a model of patriotic defiance to this day.
February 25
1836: Samuel Colt is granted Patent #9430X for his Colt US Revolver. Although the patent was a modification on Elisha Collier's invention, it allowed Colt to maintain a monopoly on revolver production for over twenty years.
February 26
1846: William Frederick Cody, "Buffalo Bill" is born in Iowa Territory. Undoubtedly one of the Old West's most notable characters, Buffalo Bill was enamored with Cowboy lore and organized/performed famous shows in the U.S. as well as the UK and Europe.
Check back next week to learn more about Old West history.