Johnson County War

[Shotgun Steve]

"The Invaders" of The Johnson County Cattle War. Photo Taken at Fort D.A. Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming May 1892.

The Johnson County War was a range war which took place in Johnson County, Wyoming, in the Powder River Country in April 1892. The large ranches were organized as the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (the WSGA) and hired killers from Texas; an expedition of 50 men was organized, which proceeded by train from Cheyenne to Casper, Wyoming, then toward Johnson County, intending to eliminate alleged rustlers and also, apparently, to replace the government in Johnson County. After initial hostilities, the sheriff of Johnson County raised a posse of 200 men and set out for the ruffians' location. The posse led by the sheriff besieged the invading force at the TA Ranch on Crazy Woman Creek. After two days, one of the invaders escaped and was able to contact the acting governor of Wyoming. Frantic efforts to save the besieged invaders ensued, and telegraphs to Washington resulted in intervention by President Benjamin Harrison. The Sixth Cavalry from Fort McKinney was ordered to proceed to the TA ranch and take custody of the invaders and save them from the posse. In the end, the invaders went free after the court venue was changed and the charges were dropped.[150]

[Stillwater]

Steve, another great historical photograph.

Bill

[Will Ketchum]

Notice the hat on the Texan in the middle of the back row.  Looks pretty much like a modern cowboy hat doesn't it.


Will Ketchum

[Ranch 13]

 That was a lousy deal, most of the people in that picture should of been hung for murder, the rest should of spent a good many years in prison.
But due to the legal wrangling and the "change in venue" to Laramie County, it nearly bankrupted Johnson county just to pay for the "prisoners" room and board.