Davis Tutt, Jr.

Davis Tutt, Jr. was a gunfighter who lived in what most Americans consider the "Old West." he is not notable for any special historical signifigance, except to note that he was killed by Wild Bill Hickok in a duel on July 21, 1865 in the town square of Springfield, Missouri. The duel was considered to be one of the only recorded shootings in the history of the Wild West that consisted of a one-on-one pistol quickdraw duel in a public place. This sort of duel became iconic in Western films such as Gary Cooper in High Noon and Clint Eastwood in the Dollars Trilogy. The first such story of the shootout was detailed in an article in Harper's in 1867, instantly making Wild Bill Hickok a household name.

The Duel

Hickok's reputation as a gunfighter began when he killed Davis Tutt Jr. The two men had argued over cards and decided to have a gunfight. At 6pm Hickok and Tutt arranged to walk towards each other. When they were about 50 yards apart both men drew their pistol. Tutt fired first but missed. Hickok's shot hit Tutt in the heart. This was the first recorded example of two men taking part in a quickdraw duel. The following month Hickok was acquitted after pleading self-defense.

External Links

Spartacus a UK site with information on the duel