Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies

1. Boone: Patriotism vs. Personal Gain on the Frontier

My footsteps have often been marked with blood, and therefore I can truly subscribe to its original name [The Dark and Bloody Ground].

Boone's Dual Allegiance. Daniel Boone, a quintessential frontiersman, faced accusations of treason despite his contributions to westward expansion and service in the military. This paradox highlights the complex loyalties and moral ambiguities inherent in frontier life, where personal survival often clashed with national interests.

Frontier Life. Boone's life was a constant negotiation between exploration, settlement, and conflict. He served with George Washington, yet understood the Native American perspective, admitting the war against them was intended to “dispossess them of their desirable habitations.” His actions, such as negotiating the surrender of his men to avoid a massacre, were later twisted into accusations of collaboration.

Legacy of a Traitor or Patriot? Despite the treason charges, Boone was acquitted and later honored for his service. He continued to guide settlers, fight for the patriot cause, and serve in the Virginia Assembly. His story underscores the difficulty of applying simple labels to individuals who navigated the treacherous landscape of the American frontier.

2. Crockett: From Backwoodsman to Political Symbol

Be always sure you’re right, then go ahead.

Crockett's Populist Appeal. Davy Crockett, celebrated as "the King of the Wild Frontier," leveraged his backwoods persona to gain political traction, becoming a symbol of the common man fighting against the establishment. His appeal lay in his ability to connect with ordinary people, who saw him as one of their own.

Political Rise and Fall. Crockett's political career was marked by his staunch support for the rights of the poor and his willingness to challenge powerful figures like Andrew Jackson. His opposition to Jackson's Indian Removal Act ultimately led to his defeat and subsequent move to Texas, seeking new opportunities and challenges.

Death at the Alamo. Crockett's decision to fight at the Alamo solidified his status as a national hero, transforming him from a politician to a martyr for freedom. His sacrifice, whether by battle or execution, became a rallying cry for the Texas Revolution and cemented his place in American legend.

3. Carson: Duty, Honor, and the Complexities of the West

I came to this country in 1826 and since then have become pretty well acquainted with the Indian tribes, both in peace and at war. I think, as a general thing, the difficulties arise from aggressions on the part of the whites.

Carson's Warrior Code. Kit Carson, a renowned mountain man and Indian fighter, embodied the warrior's code of the frontier, seeking vengeance for his tribe's losses while also living peacefully among Native American tribes. His life reflects the brutal realities and moral compromises of westward expansion.

Manifest Destiny. Carson's role in fulfilling the dream of Manifest Destiny placed him at the center of conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. While he fought against Indians, he also advocated for their rights, serving as an Indian agent and negotiating treaties, highlighting the complexities of his position.

Legacy of a Complex Figure. Carson's involvement in the Navajo relocation, despite his earlier advocacy for Native Americans, remains a controversial aspect of his legacy. His story underscores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught between duty, honor, and the often-conflicting demands of a rapidly changing nation.

4. Black Bart: The Gentleman Bandit's Code of Deception

I’ve labored long and hard for bread, For honor and for riches But on my corns too long you’ve tread You fine-haired sons-of-bitches

Bowles's Retribution. Black Bart, the "Gentleman Bandit," was Charles Bowles, a Civil War veteran who turned to stagecoach robbery as a form of retribution against Wells Fargo, whom he believed had wronged him. His crimes were motivated by a sense of injustice and a desire to reclaim what he felt he had lost.

The Gentleman Bandit. Bowles's unique approach to crime, characterized by politeness, solitude, and the leaving of poems at the scene, transformed him into a folk hero. His persona challenged the traditional image of the ruthless outlaw, captivating the public imagination and earning him the moniker "the Gentleman Bandit."

Capture and Disappearance. Despite his success, Black Bart's career eventually came to an end due to a mistake at the scene of the crime. After serving time in prison, he disappeared, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and speculation about his ultimate fate.

5. Hickok: The Price of Fame and Plains Justice

You would not believe that you were looking into the eyes that have pointed the way to death to hundreds of men.

Hickok's Deadly Reputation. Wild Bill Hickok, a celebrated gunslinger and lawman, was known for his quick draw and deadly accuracy, earning him a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the plains. His fame, however, came at a price, attracting challenges and forcing him to constantly defend his title.

Balancing Act. Hickok's life was a constant balancing act between upholding justice and succumbing to the violence that surrounded him. His actions, such as the shootout with Davis Tutt and the accidental killing of his deputy, highlight the moral complexities of enforcing law in a lawless environment.

Death in Deadwood. Hickok's death in Deadwood, shot in the back while playing poker, underscores the precariousness of life in the Old West and the ever-present threat of violence. His legacy as a legendary gunslinger continues to captivate, even as the circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery.

6. Reeves: The Real-Life Inspiration for the Lone Ranger

Maybe the law ain’t perfect, but it’s the only one we got, and without it we got nuthin’.

Reeves's Unwavering Dedication. Bass Reeves, a black deputy US marshal, served with distinction in the Indian Territory, becoming a symbol of justice and integrity in a lawless land. His life story, often overlooked, provides a compelling counter-narrative to the traditional image of the Old West.

Enforcing the Law. Reeves's ability to speak multiple languages, his knowledge of the territory, and his unwavering commitment to upholding the law made him an effective and respected lawman. He brought thousands of criminals to justice, often facing danger and discrimination in the process.

The Lone Ranger. Reeves's story bears striking similarities to the fictional Lone Ranger, from his use of a Native American sidekick to his commitment to bringing criminals in alive. His life serves as a reminder of the diverse individuals who contributed to the shaping of the American West.

7. Custer: Ambition, Recklessness, and Lasting Infamy

I regard Custer’s Massacre as a sacrifice of troops, brought on by Custer himself; that was wholly unnecessary—wholly unnecessary.

Custer's Rise and Fall. George Armstrong Custer, a celebrated Civil War hero, sought to replicate his success in the Indian Wars, but his ambition and recklessness ultimately led to his demise at the Battle of Little Bighorn. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the importance of sound judgment.

The Battle of Little Bighorn. Custer's decision to split his forces and attack a much larger Indian encampment without adequate intelligence proved disastrous. The resulting massacre not only cost Custer his life but also tarnished his legacy, transforming him from a hero to a symbol of military folly.

A Contested Legacy. Custer's actions at Little Bighorn continue to be debated, with some arguing that he was betrayed by his subordinates and others blaming his ego and ambition for the tragedy. His story remains a complex and controversial chapter in American history.

8. James: The Outlaw as a Symbol of Southern Defiance

For 10 years the radical papers in Mo. and other states have charged nearly every daring robbery in America to the James and Youngers.

James's Transformation. Jesse James, a Confederate guerrilla, became a symbol of Southern defiance in the aftermath of the Civil War, thanks to the efforts of journalist John Edwards. His crimes were romanticized as acts of resistance against Northern oppression.

The Myth vs. Reality. While James was portrayed as a noble outlaw, the reality was far more complex. He was a ruthless killer and robber who used the political climate to justify his actions and gain popular support.

Death and Legacy. James's death at the hands of a fellow gang member marked the end of an era, but his legend continues to endure. His story serves as a reminder of the power of myth-making and the enduring appeal of the outlaw figure in American culture.

9. Oakley & Cody: Selling the Myth of the Wild West

The west of the old times, with its strong characters, its stern battles and its tremendous stretches of loneliness, can never be blotted from my mind.

Cody's Vision. Buffalo Bill Cody, a former scout and showman, capitalized on the public's fascination with the Old West by creating a traveling extravaganza that brought the frontier to life for audiences around the world. His Wild West show played a significant role in shaping the popular image of the American West.

Oakley's Sharpshooting Prowess. Annie Oakley, a skilled sharpshooter, became a star of Cody's show, captivating audiences with her talent and challenging traditional gender roles. Her performances helped to solidify the image of the strong, independent woman in the West.

The Enduring Myth. Cody and Oakley's Wild West show, while entertaining, presented a romanticized and often inaccurate portrayal of life on the frontier. Their legacy lies in their ability to create a lasting myth that continues to shape our understanding of the American West.

Last updated: April 19, 2025