“If you go into our hunting country, our people will wipe you out.” — Lakota warning to trailblazer John Bozeman Like most trouble, it started over gold. More precisely, it started over a route to the gold. The Bozeman Trail, scouted in 1863 by Georgia prospector John Bozeman and mountain man John Jacobs, was an offshoot of the Overland … [Read more...] about The Bozeman Trail War — Part II — Opening Gambit
The Bozeman Trail War — Part I — Spoils Of Conquest
Blame it on climate change. In the mid-19th century, the Little Ice Age receded, and the ecology of the Great Plains began to change. The rich, buffalo-supporting grasslands grew dry and the herds, already disrupted by the mass emigration of American wagon trains, migrated out of their usual haunts. The Lakota felt the change in their very … [Read more...] about The Bozeman Trail War — Part I — Spoils Of Conquest
The Savage, Sexy West Of Sanjulian
In the heart of downtown Bend is a wonderful “pop culture” store called Pegasus Books. Owner Duncan McGeary is an author and a friend who has managed to make a living and a career out of his youthful enthusiasms. Pegasus Books is something of an anomaly and an anachronism in the hipster heart of 21st Century Central Oregon. He was there long … [Read more...] about The Savage, Sexy West Of Sanjulian
Working The Trapline — July 2019 Part II — Legends; A Mighty Orq; Words From A Bear
* Summer plews don’t shine. This is supposed to be the season when we pull up our traps and head for Rendezvous, there to blow in a season’s labor on a couple of weeks of debauchery. But the trapline keeps delivering prime doings. What can an old Frontier Partisan do but deliver another Working The Trapline? But, please, don’t put off your … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — July 2019 Part II — Legends; A Mighty Orq; Words From A Bear
The Outside Of A Horse
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” That statement is usually attributed to Winston Churchill. He never really said it. He’d have endorsed the sentiment, though — because it’s true. Things have been pretty intense here in the Oregon Territory — just life-is-in-session stuff, but a LOT of it. … [Read more...] about The Outside Of A Horse
Karamojo Bell Rigby
Oh, the glory… My hand and heart yearn for this piece, which is entirely out of my league. Ah, well. I am glad it exists. Here is the Karamojo Bell tribute Rigby Highland Stalker, presented beautifully. Class of the field. From John Rigby & Co. The African big game hunter is celebrated worldwide as an advocate for accurate shot placement … [Read more...] about Karamojo Bell Rigby
Don Lorenzo Hubbell – Iconic Southwest Indian Trader
By Rick Schwertfeger Captain, Frontier Partisans Southern Command, Austin, Texas Kit Carson, The Long Walk, Skin Walkers, The Navajo Witch Purge, alcohol. What do they have to do with this exceedingly pleasant place on a hot day in May? Kit Carson. It is said that the mere mention of his name can elicit a curse on the … [Read more...] about Don Lorenzo Hubbell – Iconic Southwest Indian Trader
Betsy Ross Flag
I spent more time and energy than I could afford on Tuesday morning fuming at the grotesque spectacle of Nike pulling shoes with the Betsy Ross Flag emblazoned upon them because Colin Kaepernick has “concerns” that it is a symbol from the era of slavery. I decided that the appropriate approach is this: Marilyn made this flag when she was … [Read more...] about Betsy Ross Flag
Working The Trapline — July 2019
Played a tipi-raising in Sisters last Saturday. If that ain’t a Frontier Partisans gig, I don’t know what is. Lovely spread that is home to a hemp operation, great food, delightful people, who appreciated the music. Played solo, which is unusual and good for me. * Also had the best round of golf I ever shot on Saturday … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — July 2019
Why Eddie Gallagher Won’t Take the Witness Stand
By Greg Walker (Note: Greg Walker has offered up an op-ed on the controversial war crimes case involving Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Eddie Gallagher. Gallagher has his defenders and his detractors — just as Lewis Wetzel did on the Ohio Valley Frontier in the 1780s, or Breaker Morant did in 1902. For a historical perspective on charges of … [Read more...] about Why Eddie Gallagher Won’t Take the Witness Stand
