On this day, July 21, 1865, Wild Bill Hickok shot and killed cowboy Davis Tutt in what is regarded as the first true Western showdown.
The quick-draw duel, in the town square of Springfield, Mo., launched Hickok to fame as a gunfighter. The quick-draw duel later became a staple in cowboy Western films.
Hickok and Tutt were friends who gambled together, but eventually had a falling out that was said to involve women and gambling debts.
Around 6 p.m., Hickok calmly approached the square, his Colt Navy in his hand. The townspeople scattered. Hickok called out his friend’s name, cocked his pistol and placed it in his holster.
Tutt drew his pistol and they both fired simultaneously. Tutt missed; Hickok didn’t. Tutt was struck in the chest. He called out, “Boys, I’m killed,” and collapsed.
The shootout appeared in Harper’s magazine, launching the legend of Will Bill Hickok, scout, marshal, sharpshooter and bear killer.
— Scott McCabe
