James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, one of the most legendary figures of the American Wild West
He was indeed shot and killed while holding what became known as the "Dead Man's Hand." His death and the circumstances surrounding it are steeped in the lore of the Old West.
### Background on Wild Bill Hickok:
- Career and Reputation: Wild Bill Hickok was a frontiersman, lawman, and gambler known for his sharpshooting skills and larger-than-life persona. His exploits as a lawman in towns like Abilene, Kansas, and his participation in various skirmishes and gunfights contributed to his legendary status.
- Gambling: In addition to his lawman duties, Hickok was an avid gambler, often seen participating in poker games in the saloons of the West.
The Fatal Incident:
- Date and Location: Hickok was killed on August 2, 1876, in Deadwood, Dakota Territory (present-day South Dakota), a gold rush town that attracted many fortune seekers and outlaws.
- The Shooter: He was shot by Jack McCall, a drifter and gambler who had lost money to Hickok the previous day. McCall approached Hickok from behind while he was playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon No. 10.
- Circumstances of the Shooting: Hickok typically sat with his back to the wall to avoid being ambushed. However, on this occasion, the only available seat had him facing away from the entrance, leaving him vulnerable.
The "Dead Man's Hand":
- Legendary Hand: At the time of his death, Hickok was reportedly holding a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights, with the fifth card's identity remaining a mystery. This hand has since become known as the "Dead Man's Hand," symbolizing bad luck or impending death in popular culture.
- Cultural Impact: The story of Hickok's death and the hand he held has become an enduring legend of the Wild West, often referenced in literature, film, and television.
Aftermath and Legacy:
- Jack McCall's Fate: McCall was initially acquitted of the murder in a miners' court, but was later retried and convicted by a federal court. He was hanged on March 1, 1877.
- Hickok's Legacy: Wild Bill Hickok remains a symbol of the Wild West, embodying the era's lawlessness.