Wild Bill Hickok - David Tutt Shootout [July 21, 1865]

The Wild Bill Hickok - David Tutt shootout was a gunfight that occurred on July 21, 1865 in the town square of Springfield, Missouri. The later famous Marshal and gunfighter, Wild Bill Hickok, had been engaged in a poker game with a local cowboy named David Tutt.

Although they were both gamblers, David Tutt did better that day and won all of Hickok's money. As collateral for a portion of Hickok's gambling debt, Tutt took Hickok's prized gold pocket watch.

Hickok warned Tutt not to wear the watch in public as this was a grave personal insult. Tutt ignored this and wore the watch anyway. Tutt and Hickok walked up to each other in the town square in a manner similar to 1950's cowboy television shows, which actually was unusual in most real gunfights.

The fight became famous due to the distance involved. At a distance of at least 75 yards, they both fired one shot. 

Tutt missed but Hickok's shot found its target in Tutt's chest. Tutt stumbled 20 feet before succumbing to his wound and dying. Although Hickok obviously instigated the gunfight, it was considered a "fair fight", and no charges were ever filed against Hickok.

Dave Tutt's body was buried in the City Cemetery and subsequently moved to the Maple Park Cemetery, where his grave is marked with a gravestone showing a carved pocket watch, playing cards and pistols.

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