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The Johnson County War
Book of the Year Award, 2005, National Association of Outlaw and Lawmen History
In the early 1890s Wyoming’s northern rangeland was torn by the Johnson County War, a violent western collision that pitted cattle barons and powerful politicians against homesteaders and rustlers. The range war, riddled with lynchings, ambushes, and an invasion by Texas hired gunmen, culminated in a valiant last stand and siege involving hundreds of combatants. These explosive events have captivated novelists, filmmakers, and historians for more than a century, inspiring such classics as “The Virginian” and “Shane.”
“The Johnson County War” is the first comprehensive historical account of the range war in nearly four decades. Western historian Bill O’Neal has reexamined familiar sources and explored new information, while visiting sites from Hole-in-the-Wall to the famous TA Ranch.
Lavishly illustrated, “The Johnson County War” is a fresh account of a major frontier conflict.
In the early 1890s Wyoming’s northern rangeland was torn by the Johnson County War, a violent western collision that pitted cattle barons and powerful politicians against homesteaders and rustlers. The range war, riddled with lynchings, ambushes, and an invasion by Texas hired gunmen, culminated in a valiant last stand and siege involving hundreds of combatants. These explosive events have captivated novelists, filmmakers, and historians for more than a century, inspiring such classics as “The Virginian” and “Shane.”
“The Johnson County War” is the first comprehensive historical account of the range war in nearly four decades. Western historian Bill O’Neal has reexamined familiar sources and explored new information, while visiting sites from Hole-in-the-Wall to the famous TA Ranch.
Lavishly illustrated, “The Johnson County War” is a fresh account of a major frontier conflict.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2004
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About the author
Bill O'Neal
66 books7 followersBill O’Neal is an American historian of the West, author of more than 25 books and hundreds of articles, longtime Panola College professor, frequent documentary contributor, and recipient of the 2003 NOLA Literary Award.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 23, 2021
A very well researched and well written book on the Johnson Country War of 1891-1892. A very brutal episode in Wyoming history, this war pitched the massive political power and corruption of the large cattle ranches and cattlemen against the small ranchers. The small ranchers never had a chance and unfortunately justice was never obtained for the dead or the citizens of Johnson County.
February 27, 2025
Top-notch research and a most pleasing style of writing. Very even-handed.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews