The Summer of 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West

Legends of the Old West podcaster Wimmer debuts with a fascinating, multiangled account of a consequential season in the history of America’s western frontier. In a 90-day period from mid-June to mid-September 1876, three major events happened: the Battle of Little Big Horn, the murder of Wild Bill Hickok, and the Northfield Raid by outlaw Jesse James and his gang. Weaving these threads into a cohesive and entertaining narrative, Wimmer contends that 1876 was “the beginning of the end” for Crazy Horse, Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and other Indigenous chiefs fighting the U.S. Army, and discusses how the advent of the telegraph turned Custer’s death at Little Big Horn into national news. Also making headlines was the James-Younger Gang, who terrorized bank tellers and stagecoach drivers across the West until they were hunted down by policemen and vigilantes in Minnesota. Wimmer vividly describes Deadwood, S.Dak.; Dodge City, Kans.; and other boomtowns where lawmen including Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson made their names, and even takes note of the launch of the National League of Base Ball Clubs, precursor to the modern MLB. Though Wimmer’s brisk pace leaves little room for digging into the details, he is an amiable and well-informed tour guide of the Old West. All readers have to do is saddle up and enjoy the ride. (June)