Walk in the Footsteps of Wild Bill Hickok in Abilene, Kansas
Long before Abilene became known for presidential history and America’s favorite roadside attractions, it was a Wild West boomtown—alive with the clinking of spurs, the sound of saloon pianos, and the occasional echo of a gunshot. And at the center of it all stood one of the most legendary lawmen of the Old West: James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok.
When Hickok arrived in Abilene in 1871, the town was at the height of its cattle trade. Cowboys fresh off the Chisholm Trail filled the streets, saloons lined the boardwalks, and order was hard to come by. Abilene’s leaders turned to Hickok, a man already famous for his daring gunfights and fearless reputation, to serve as town marshal. Standing over six feet tall with flowing auburn hair, he was as much a showman as he was a peacekeeper—and he was exactly what Abilene needed.
Hickok’s job was no small task. The newspapers of the time described Abilene as wild and woolly, with nine dance halls, gambling houses, and open saloons that never seemed to close. Hickok’s presence, backed by his steady aim and quick reflexes, brought an uneasy peace to town. His mere appearance in the doorway of a saloon was often enough to cool tempers and prevent trouble.
One of his most famous incidents in Abilene was his deadly confrontation with gambler Phil Coe in September 1871, right in front of the old Alamo saloon. The gunfight ended with Coe’s death and, tragically, the accidental shooting of Hickok’s own deputy. It was a defining moment in Hickok’s career—and a sobering reminder of the dangers he faced keeping the peace in a lawless town.
Though Hickok left Abilene after just one year, his legacy here is unforgettable. Today, visitors can explore Old Abilene Town, where reenactments bring the era’s colorful characters to life, and walk the same streets Hickok once patrolled. The Chisholm Trail markers trace the path of the cattle drives that made Abilene famous, while the Dickinson County Heritage Center tells the deeper stories of the town’s frontier days.
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of Old West legends or simply want to stand where history happened, Abilene offers a chance to step into the world of Wild Bill Hickok. Just be prepared—you might leave town with a little more swagger in your step.
Plan Your Wild West Adventure
Start your journey at Old Abilene Town, take in a ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, and end the day with a stroll down our historic downtown streets. Who knows? If you listen closely, you might still hear the echo of hoofbeats and the low murmur of the saloon crowd, just as Wild Bill did over 150 years ago.