How many of you picture the Old West as being lawless? That concept was promoted by movies and pop culture. Perhaps you visualize it as being overrun by gun-slinging outlaws.

The reality was NOT! Yes, there were bank robberies, cattle rustling, and historical records of shootings, but the lawmen of the West had pretty consistent jobs and their positions were prestigious.

Towns just starting up had to establish some semblance of order since there was no formal law enforcement. This led to the rise of strong men like bounty hunters, sheriffs, and marshalls.

These men were hired to defend their communities, but sometimes outlaws were hired to be law enforcement officers because they were fearless and wouldn’t back down to threats. These sheriffs/marshalls were paid a percentage of arrests made or bounties collected. Unless they employed themselves in another job, such as gambling, their pay couldn’t meet their debts. Movies or TV shows didn’t always depict their side jobs.

Sheriffs were elected by county residents Marshalls were appointed by a city council or higher official US Marshalls were appointed by the Attorney General Rangers were appointed by a territory or state legislature Bounty Hunters freelanced

Credit goes to Arizona Ghostriders for much of the above information.

Hope you have a wonderful safe summer. Until next month take care.