The Myth of Outlaw Takeovers in the Old West

In popular films and literature, one might believe that outlaws and gangs could easily take control of entire towns in the Old West by simply eliminating the local sheriff. However, this depiction does not match the historical records. Let's delve into the complexities and realities surrounding such scenarios.

Historical Context

Firstly, it's important to clarify that sheriffs in the Old West were not employed by towns but by counties. Municipal lawmen, or town marshals, and police chiefs fulfilled similar roles but were not appointed by the townspeople. Despite this, towns people in the Old West were not as passive as they might seem in movies like High Noon.

Real-life examples such as the James Gang in Northfield, Dalton Gang in Coffeyville, and the Sam Bass Gang in Hutchins, demonstrate how citizens defended their communities against outlaws and protected their local law enforcement.

Modern Analogues

The scenario of an outlaw gang taking over a town and killing the sheriff is not a thing of the past. Sadly, such incidents still occur in small towns across America today, although the methods of control can be more subtle. Instead of outright killing the law enforcement, these criminals might simply buy them off.

A poignant example comes from Portland, Oregon, in 2020, where a gang of individuals, described as homosexual perverts, drug addicts, and other troubled individuals, took over several city blocks, including a police station, for several weeks. Their control was ultimately thwarted when they realized they couldn't sustain their lifestyle and they retreated to temporary living situations.

Public Response and Preparedness

The myth of easy takeovers overlooks the fact that many citizens in the Old West were veterans who had experience in shooting and fighting. This factor would likely deter any outlaws from attempting to gain control. Additionally, the lack of significant financial resources meant that such groups would struggle to maintain their control indefinitely.

Outlaw gangs predominantly targeted large sums of money, such as those transported by trains, and often engaged in train robberies. They would not find it feasible to sustain themselves by hassling the local population. As a result, these outlaws would attract the attention of the former townspeople, now armed and experienced, who would seek to root them out.

In conclusion, the Old West was not a passive, lawless territory where outlaws could easily exert control. Both the historical and modern realities demonstrate that citizens were prepared to stand up for their communities, and the challenges faced by outlaws in gaining and maintaining control would be considerable.