Did Wyatt Earp Kill Curly Bill?

For more than a century, writers have identified the site of Wyatt’s shoot-out with the cowboys as having taken place at Arizona’s Iron Springs. Later writers thought that modern maps had changed the moniker to Mescal Springs, which is actually another spring near Iron. Neither site matches Wyatt’s description of the fight.

Bob Boze Bell is known as America's Western Storyteller. He is an artist, author, writer and serves as executive editor of True West magazine. Bell is a popular, sought-after figure in television documentaries about the Old West, appearing as an expert in dozens of Wild West history shows. Bell won an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of the PBS special, Outrageous Arizona, a zany look at the state's centennial, that he also wrote and helped direct. As an author, Bell has brought to life Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok in his best-selling Illustrated Life and Times series. His books Classic Gunfights I, II and III are must-reads about the most important Old West gunfights. Bell’s Bad Men is now in its fourth printing, while his illustrated autobiography, The 66 Kid: Raised on the Mother Road, gives personal insight into the passions that have driven him on his lifelong quest to interpret the history of the American West for audiences around the world.

[monkman]

The truth of history is what's most important. Thanks, my hat's off to all of you.

[posoh-matemonesa]

I have been reading about the wild west and Wyatt Earp's tale for awhile. Thanks for this video. My great-grandmother was Texas Jack Vermillion's cousin. I only found that out about ten years ago. It's such an important time in our history!

[mpwallacemartinwallace]

Been following you since 1977. I moved back to Ohio in '98. But still look for your stories all the time. Thank you.

[dustypendleton]

Your narrative, including all the failed attempts but finally nailing down the spot in Cottonwood Springs; makes me feel as if I'd dragged my old bones along with you. Well done, amigo. well done indeed.

[waynewilson]

Great story. The legend of the Earp's gunfight in Tombstone and Wyatt's vendetta has always fascinated me. It's amazing that 140 years later we can still discover new information about those events.

[thomasallen]

My dad got me interested in reading True West Magazine. He owned grocery stores from January 1950 on until he retired in the 80’s, and all of the stores had magazine and news stands. I can remember going to see relatives in Tucson, Patagonia and Tombstone in the early 50’s through the my last visit in 2016. But my internet in the stories began when I was about 5 or 6. He would read stories that were published in True West and I would fantasize about being there at the different sights we had visited. By the time I was 7 or 8, I was seeking out the magazine when it was distributed to one of our stores. Now that I’m older, much older, I still enjoy the articles and stories along with Bob’s wonderful artwork. I’ve worn boots and a cowboy hat since I could walk, and started riding horses when I was 2. You see, in addition to my dad owning grocery stores and convenience stores, he was a rancher and we raised cattle to butcher and sell in our meat markets. In 2021 my last Quarter Horse, Cash died at 31 and 1/4 years old. And as I said, I’m getting old myself so now I just sit back and enjoy watching your videos and look forward to seeing each new publication of True West. Thanks for a lifetime of enjoyment, I’ve always felt I was born in the wrong century. God Bless!

[gentleoldguy]

Thank-you, this really nails it! There has been much doubt or controversary about the book and you just set the record straight!
Best to ya', , , , !

[steveburd]

Love this story, thanks Bob for buying True West and keeping this history alive

[jaycos]

The History of the West owes a lot to men like you Bob.🔫🤠👍

[depthcharge-lxbt]

I remember listening to Bob on the radio, always a dedicated fan!

[JackJermain]

excellent story, so awsome to see the stories proven out great hard work paying off . thank you for sharing.

[MLukacs]

Thank you, Bob! It’s good that Wyatt Earp’s story was verified, especially by the people you mentioned. It helps a lot when you describe and show the landscape where historical events occurred. Please continue to post this kind of content.

[rolandjohnson]

That last message was a fail. What I was trying to convey is that I have followed you for quite some time, and now you have succeeded in archiving all of the True West magazines (which had to be an enormous task), and I appreciate all that you have done with western history. So, I subscribed for both the digital and hard copy of the magazine. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't subscribed should do so. The work that you have done, as well as that you have inspired, is priceless. Thank you for all of that!

[BillJohnson-sqfn]

Very interesting and truly fun to share your excitement. Thank you!

[pwrprtt]

I'm a fan of historical research! When you discover the actual place where history was made? You turn the legendary myth into reality! Fantastic Story Bob! Thanks!😎

[chadghost]

Fantastic story! To know that guys like you and other top tier old west historians have done the leg work, and verified these priceless pieces of history with your own eyes is very satisfying for those of us who can’t be there ourselves. Thankyou!

[DavidTaylor-txnn]

Bob Boze Bell great to see you you are still standing tall Mr. Blues

[MiguelSanchez-cnmi]

Love the old west History thanks for keeping it alive!

[JuanRodriguez-kwgr]

The old west is alive and well through the well researched stories of True West magazine. Thanks for keeping us history buffs interested in our not too distant past.

[davidfornkahl]

Your Awesome! I could listen to you forever. I'm glad I found you on You Tube. I have seen you on the History Channel before.