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Events on July 21 in history

Wild Bill Hickok - Davis Tutt shootout
1865Jul, 21

In the market square of Springfield, Missouri, Wild Bill Hickok shoots and kills Davis Tutt in what is regarded as the first western showdown.

The HickokTutt shootout was a gunfight that occurred on July 21, 1865, in the town square of Springfield, Missouri between Wild Bill Hickok and gambler Davis Tutt. It is one of the few recorded instances in the Old West of a one-on-one pistol quick-draw duel in a public place, in the manner later made iconic by countless dime novels, radio dramas, and Western films such as High Noon. The first story of the shootout was detailed in an article in Harper's Magazine in 1867, making Hickok a household name and folk hero.

Wild Bill Hickok - Davis Tutt shootoutWild Bill Hickok - Davis Tutt shootout
Springfield is the third largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 169,176. It is the principal city of the Springfield metropolitan area, which has a population of 462,369 and includes the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, and Webster.Springfield's nickname is "Queen City of the Ozarks" as well as "The 417" after the area code for the city. It is also known as the "Birthplace of Route 66". It is home to three universities, Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University. It has been called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt" due to its association with evangelical Christianity.

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Events on 1865

  • 31Jan

    Robert E. Lee

    American Civil War: Confederate General Robert E. Lee becomes general-in-chief.
  • 13Mar

    African-American

    American Civil War: The Confederate States of America agree to the use of African-American troops.
  • 29Mar

    Appomattox Campaign

    American Civil War: Federal forces under Major General Philip Sheridan move to flank Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee as the Appomattox Campaign begins.
  • 4Apr

    Richmond, Virginia

    American Civil War: A day after Union forces capture Richmond, Virginia, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln visits the Confederate capital.
  • 6Apr

    Appomattox Campaign

    American Civil War: The Battle of Sailor's Creek: Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia fights and loses its last major battle while in retreat from Richmond, Virginia during the Appomattox Campaign.