James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok

Born: May 27, 1837, Troy Grove, Illinois
Died: August 2, 1876 (age 39), Deadwood, Dakota Territory

James Butler Hickok, better known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a figure in the American Old West. His skills as a gunfighter and scout, along with his reputation as a lawman, provided the basis for his fame, although some of his exploits are fictionalized. His nickname of Wild Bill has inspired similar nicknames for men named William (even though that was not Hickok's name) who were known for their daring in various fields. Hickok's horse was called Black Nell, and he owned two Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers.

What do you know about Wild Bill Hickok? Try this Old West Legends Quick Quiz.

1) In 1855 at the age of 18, what future Old West Legend did he meet?

• Buffalo Bill Cody
• Wyatt Earp
• Tom Mix

2) While he was growing up, his father's farm was one of the stops on the Underground Railroad, and he learned his shooting skills protecting the farm with his father from anti-abolitionists.

• True or False?

3) Due to his "sweeping nose and protruding upper lip", what was Hickok’s nicknamed?

• Duck Bill
• Mad Bill
• Buffalo Bill

4) Who was David McCanles?

• First man Hickok killed.
• First man killed during the civil war.
• Hickok’s brother-in-law.

5) On July 21, 1865, in the town square of, Hickok killed Davis Tutt, Jr. in a "quick draw" duel. Where did the gunfight happen?

• Springfield, Missour
• Hays, Kansas
• Abilene, Kansas

6) In 1867, Hickok took a break from the west and moved to Niagara Falls where he tried his hand at acting in a stage play. What was the name of the play?

• "The Daring Buffalo Chases of the Plains"
• "Wild Bill Rides Again"
• "The Last Shoot Out"

6) On October 5, 1871, Hickok had a gunfight with Phil Coe. Abilene Marshall Hickok killed Coe and accidentally killed another man. Who was the man?

• Abilene Special Deputy Marshal Mike Williams
• Abilene mayor Will Jennifer
• A local school boy Willie Moses

7) Who did NOT claim they had married Hickok?

• Calamity Jane
• Agnes Thatcher Lake
• Doris von Kappelhoff

8) On August 2, 1876, while playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon No. 10 in in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory, Hickok was killed by Jack McCall. What was the community’s name?

• Yankton
• Lincoln
• Deadwood

9) Where is Wild Bill Hickok buried?

• Holy Cross Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri
• Boot Hill Cemetery, Abilene, Kansas
• Mount Moriah Cemetery, Deadwood, South Dakota

Wild Bill Hickok Answers

1. Buffalo Bill Cody
2. True
3. Duck Bill
4. First man Hickok killed.
5. Springfield, Missour
6. "The Daring Buffalo Chases of the Plains"
7. Abilene Special Deputy Marshal Mike Williams
8. Doris von Kappelhoff
9. Deadwood
10. Mount Moriah Cemetery, Deadwood, South Dakota

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