Wild West Podcast
Welcome to Wild West podcast where fact and legend merge. The Wild West Podcast presents the true accounts of individuals, who settled in a town built out of hunger for money, regulated by fast guns, who walked on both sides of the law, patrolling, investing in and regulating the brothels, saloons and gambling houses. These are stories of the men who made the history of the Old West come alive - bringing with them the birth of legends, brought to order by a six-gun and laid to rest with their boots on. Join us now as we take you back in history, to the legends of the Wild West.
Wild West Podcast
Fairchild's Theatrical Arrival in Dodge City: Bat Masterson's Pranks, Frontier Mischief, and the Legendary 1874 Turkey Hunt
What happens when a flamboyant newcomer meets the unpredictable characters of Dodge City? Fairchild, the not-so-brave Indian fighter, steps into the Wild West with all the theatrical flair of a Broadway show. His garish attire and bold persona quickly make him the talk of the town, but it's Bat Masterson's mischievous streak that truly sets the stage for this comedic tale. Listen as Billy Dixon recounts Fairchild's misadventures, including a memorable nighttime turkey hunt that promises more hilarity than hunting success.
Join us on a whirlwind journey through the lively streets of 1874 Dodge City as we uncover the whimsical antics and camaraderie that defined the frontiersmen of the era. From Fairchild's exaggerated tales of bravery to the clever pranks orchestrated by the legendary Bat Masterson, this episode paints a vivid picture of the motley crew that shaped the Wild West. Through Dixon's captivating narrative, experience the spirit of adventure and the laughter that echoed through the plains, providing a glimpse into a bygone era of bold characters and unforgettable escapades.
In the tales told in Dodge City during the mid-1800s, a larger-than-life character emerged, serving as a scapegoat for all manner of mischief in the community. This figure, luke McGlue, was not just a name but a symbol of the Wild West era, attributed to a host of dastardly acts that shaped Dodge City's history. These cunning exploits were devised by a diverse group of imaginative minds, including frontiersmen, doctors, lawyers, marshals, fraternity members, gamblers and saloon owners. This diverse group's waggish tactics were designed to establish stringent crasteria for outsiders or newcomers seeking to join the ranks of the notorious Dodge City Gang. Wild West Podcast proudly presents Fairchild, the not-so-brave Indian fighter.
Speaker 1:In the eventful spring of 1874, a brave band of buffalo hunters set out on a momentous hunting expedition into the Panhandle region of Texas. The buffalo population near Dodge City was rapidly dwindling, promoting J Wright Moore to pinpoint the Panhandle area as an ideal hunting ground, despite the presence of indigenous inhabitants. As they ventured into the untamed territory, including areas frequented by Native Americans, a diverse party, which included the youthful and robust Bat Masterson, welcomed a newcomer from the East named Fairchild. Fairchild, a daring and eager individual, was enthusiastic about immersing himself in the vibrant yet perilous life of the frontier and pursuing his first encounter with a Native American. Billy Dixon vividly recounted his impressions of Fairchild in the following way it was in March of 1874 when I first laid eyes on Fairchild and I couldn't help but be drawn to his striking appearance. He was dressed in a gleaming broadcloth suit, sporting a cravat that resembled a breathtaking sunset over the majestic Rocky Mountains. Atop his head sat a top hat and he donned a vibrant colorful vest To fully immerse himself in the atmosphere of Dodge. He had secured a horse with a muley saddle for his excursions, confidently riding up and down the streets as if the entire town belonged to him. His confident, stride and striking attire stood out so dramatically in Dodge that it sparked lively discussions and laughter throughout the town. We can envision the impact of such a scene on the frontier town of the early era. We can also picture the unavoidable outcome for a newcomer who displayed such arrogance and self-importance. Dixon illustrates the event of putting the newcomer in his rightful position as his wife, olive Dixon, writes about Fairchild in her book Life of Billy Dixon.
Speaker 1:Since deporting Dodge City, fairchild had been consumed by the thought of engaging in a battle with Native Americans. He boasted about the violent measures he would take if provoked by any member of the indigenous population, he seemed like a force of nature, wild and unyielding, akin to a wolf infected with rabies or a snowstorm amid summer. During our stop at the South Canadian camp, we couldn't help but notice Fairchild's relentless desire to confront and kill an Indian. While we all admired him, his obsession with seeking out conflict with the Indigenous people was concerning, especially since our purpose in that region was not to engage in hostilities with them. A multitude of wild turkeys nested each night in the sprawling grove of cottonwoods just beyond our camp. Fairchild grew increasingly agitated at the suggestion of a nighttime turkey hunt. Nearly unable to contain his excitement, three individuals were chosen to depart from the camp quietly and set a fire at a specific location within the woods. At the same time, another was designated to return and guide the hunting party. On the surface, the guide's role was to lead the hunters to the most prominent roosting spot for the turkeys, but in reality his task was to direct them toward the vicinity of the pre-set fire. Fairchild's anticipation was so intense that it was almost tangible his eagerness to begin the hunt, making it difficult to persuade him to wait until nightfall, when the turkeys had settled a roost.
Speaker 1:Bat Masterson, a lover of practical jokes, was in his element and always ready for a good prank. Bat, one of the three men who had ventured out to start a fire, returned to camp prepared to lead the hunters to an area where he was sure they would find an abundance of turkeys and the campfire. It was decided that Bat, the experienced and confident leader, would take the lead, with Fairchild, the eager novice, closely trailing behind, and Myers, the cautious one, bringing up the rear, closely trailing behind and Myers, the cautious one, bringing up the rear. Bat cautioned Fairchild to keep both eyes wide open and move with utmost care so as not to startle the turkeys. They stumbled upon a blazing campfire as they rounded a bend in the creek, the flames casting eerie shadows on the surrounding trees. Bat gestured for Fairchild to retreat into the timber. The three men then deliberated to determine who had built the fire. Bat was convinced that it was an Indian camp. He had been dreaming about Indians for the past few nights and feared the worst was upon them. Myers tried to reason with him, yet he still appeared on the edge. However, he was willing to wager that Fairchild could take all the Indians in the panhandle if given the chance.
Speaker 1:As they ventured into the wilderness. The tranquility was shattered by the sudden eruption of six gunshots, seemingly aimed at them. The bullets tore through the air, narrowly missing their heads. In a tense and urgent manner, myers took charge, leading them back to the safety of their camp, his voice echoing in the forest, bat, close on their heels, fired his six-shooter intermittently, adding to the sense of impending danger. Fairchild, his heart racing, feared encounter with hostile Indians. Run, fairchild, run for your life, shouted Masterson, his voice filled with urgency and concern. With a surge of adrenaline, fairchild swiftly overtook Myers and charged into camp like a tornado tearing through a forest. He had dashed half a mile ahead of Batt and Myers, who had purposely led him far away to ensure a challenging and strenuous pursuit, a test of his survival skills and endurance.
Speaker 1:Fairchild collapsed onto a heap of blankets, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his eyes wide with fear. We gathered around, deeply concerned, bombarding him with questions about what had frightened him. He couldn't speak for several minutes, appearing as though he were struggling to breathe. Finally, in a hoarse whisper, he managed to say Indians. His dramatic reaction added to the suspense of the situation. Oh man, he must be shot, exclaimed a mischievous hunter. Amidst the chaos, another joker seized a butcher knife and ripped Fairchild's shirt down from the back collar to the tail, frantically calling for water and finding none, another emptied the camp coffee pot down his back.
Speaker 1:This dramatic encounter with the Indians left a lingering tension and fear in the air. Fairchild was recovering by the time. Myers and Masterson and the men who had been at the campfire bounded in panting for breath and began upbraiding Fairchild for abandoning them to the mercy of the Indians. We had asked Fairchild what had become of Battenmeyers and he feebly replied Killed. I guess. How many Indians were there and did you see them? He replied that he couldn't be certain about the number of Indians due to their elusive shooting, but he was sure the woods were teeming with them. He recounted a moment when he heard something whiz past his head, not a bullet but an arrow. Masterson stepped forward with a quivering voice, revealing the alarming news that the entire area around the turkey roost was teeming with hostile Indians.
Speaker 1:Panic spread through the camp as everyone hurried to prepare for a possible attack. The decision that needed to be made was heavy. Each option weighed down with its risks. Some suggested creating a hasty retreat to Dodge City under the cover of night to evade pursuit. In contrast, others advocated for standing their ground. Fairchild was firmly committed to the Dodge City plan.
Speaker 1:Ultimately, a decision was made to fortify the camp with a guard rotation throughout the night. The men were posted at regular intervals around the perimeter, except for the riverside, where the high bank provided natural protection against surprise attacks. Fairchild was assigned the position closest to the river and given strict instructions to maintain a vigilant watch along the edge of the bank, as there were concerns that the Indians might attempt to approach by swimming up the river under the cover of darkness. In the heightened state of alertness, fairchild became so rattled that he failed to notice the campfire left burning, an oversight that could have exposed their location. As tension mounted, the guards gradually returned to camp, except for Fairchild, who remained steadfast at his post. The surprise and amusement were palpable when it was revealed that they had deceived Fairchild into believing the Indian threat. The sudden shift in the narrative was as surprising as the prank itself. Upon realizing the prank, fairchild seethed with anger, sulked and refused to eat breakfast for several days. Despite this, the experience ultimately changed his perspective and he became known as a skilled hunter and a congenial companion.
Speaker 1:That's it for now. We're excited to announce that Wild West Podcast will produce exclusive content offering our listeners a unique opportunity to delve deeper into our shows. This premium content, available by monthly subscription for just $3, will provide you with in-depth analysis and expert opinions on the history we cover. This $3 will go a long way in supporting our show as we strive to tell the true stories of the American West. No-transcript. Thanks for tuning in. Join us next time as we chat with Mike Miller and learn stories of the fabled and famous XIT range.