Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane

Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity JaneDeadwood, Dakota Territory - July 1876 Historical Bio: One of the most famous legends of the American frontier was JamesButler Hickok, also known as “Wild Bill”. Through his many exploits, Hickok became known as the premier gunfighter of the American West. Lawman Wyatt Earp once said, “Bill Hickok is regarded as the deadliest pistol shot alive, as well as being a man of great courage”. James Hickok was born into a large family on May 27, 1837, in Troy Grove, Illinois. After his father died, 18-year-old James headed west into Kansas Territory to begin his life as a frontiersman. From an early age, James had an unusual ability as a pistol marksman. After arriving in Kansas Territory he joined a Jayhawker militia, and rode against pro-slavery Missourians in the area, honing his skills with a pistol on horseback. For work, he became a teamster and It was during this time that he would meet “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who would become a lifelong friend. With his i