Wild Bill Hickok becomes marshal of Abilene, Kansas, April 15th, 1871
The citizens of Abilene live in fear each time a herd comes in. Texas cowboys, after months on the trail and with a payoff in their pockets, intend to have fun—and there are plenty of disreputable men and fancy women eager to help them do it. Neither side is about to let honest citizens stop them. Finally, the mayor offers Wild Bill Hickok a badge. Hickok offers advice to potential troublemakers: “Leave town on the eastbound train, the westbound train, or go north in the morning”—“north” meaning Boot Hill. No one doubts his words.