The Second Battle of Adobe Walls

The Second Battle of Adobe Walls was significant in that it was the beginning of the end of the plains Indian wars of North Texas. Learn about Billy Dixon and his impossible shot that was instrumental in the ending of the battle.

[@themarvelsrockabilly]

My wife and I drove to the Adobe wall battle site about 15 years ago on one of our USA road trips. It took us hours to find the site. But ,I have wanted to visit it for 20/30 years. Just to see the distance with my own eyes. And also to tick off battle site S and cow towns ,bank robbery sites and burial sites we visit when we can get to the USA from the uk. All great stuff. Couldn’t get to USA last year. But we are already booked for September this year. Fingers crossed and happy trails to all you yanks. Angus and Nicky

[@duellarothamel4102]

I hope you can make it! We have been to the UK several times and enjoyed it greatly. And would like to do more but, who knows.

[@ForlornFreddy]

I’ve checked the route and it doesn’t see my to be marked on google maps. How did you find it? Were there signs?

[@guntotinpatriot8873]

These men are legendary. We could use more like them in this day and age.

[@historymore442]

I agree.

[@daviddalton9214]

Both sides.

[@historymore442]

@@daviddalton9214 I agree.

[@jackattack2608]

We have them, they served all over Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

[@jamesgollan8602]

@@jackattack2608 cowards and murderers low lifes really didn't serve in Iraq, they gave no service.

[@johnbenacci2382]

I lived most of my life in Lubbock and this is a solid retelling of an amazing story. Another one to look into is the nearby Battle of Palo Duro Canyon where Ranald Slidell Mackenzie, up from Fort Clark with the Fourth Cavalry, had the decisive battle of the Plains Indian Wars with Quanah's Comanche, along with Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Arapahoe warriors. There are numerous places named for Gen Mackenzie throughout Lubbock. I grew up in Brackettville, and in addition to visiting nearby Fort Clark, I recommend any visitor showing some reverence to the Seminole Indian Cemetery there, too. It's a very small cemetery, but four Medal of Honor recipients are interred there. I know this sounds random, but study the history. It all ties together.

[@MyelinProductions]

GREAT video & History. FYI: Billy Dixon was a U.S. Cavalry Scout & Sniper. He was known for such shooting. He worked a lot for the U.S. 6th Cavalry - Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona. In 1874 he and Bat were "mercenaries" at Adobe Walls. In 1883 Dixon returned to civilian life and built a home near the Adobe Walls site. He was postmaster there for 20 years and also the first sheriff of newly formed Hutchinson County, Texas. He served as state land commissioner and a justice of the peace. ALSO - Bat Masterson was a "hired shootist" - same as Dixon, to provide protection for the buffalo hunters. His work as a hired shootist is what got him into Law Enforcement. ~ Keep the History alive and coming! Peace & Health.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for the information, and thanks for watching.

[@MyelinProductions]

@@historymore442 Thank you & keep the history going! Peace & Health.

[@mr.billofcourse.2893]

I enjoy reading stories like these. Have to get out there some day. Love American history.

[@omagilbreth8256]

An interesting co-incidence: we visited Adobe Walls back in the fifties.There was somebody shooting what sounded like a 22 up on the bluff when a spent bullet hit my father in the forehead. Left a nice bruise for a couple weeks. We called it the Billy Dixon bruise.

[@billturner4427]

That is an amazing story. Glad he wasn't seriously injured.

[@sharonbartlett4307]

I am now reading a book "Empire of the Summer Moon". It's about Quanah' Parker. This is my 2nd time reading it. The first time I read it, it became one of my favorite books. I love the history. I grew up in Oklahoma and I lived in Texas for a while. I am very familiar with the area you commented about. One of my favorite stories. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinsovo5578]

I love that book

[@sharonbartlett4307]

@@justinsovo5578 it's one of my favorites. I love true stories of the west and history in general. Especially Indians, Texas and Oklahoma.

[@ashkash8686]

Just visited the site today. Saw Billy Dixon's grave. Kind of out of the way but still cool.

[@historymore442]

Never been but would like to

[@OldManMontgomery]

From the late Elmer Keith (developed the .44 Magnum among other things, look him up and read about him), "Every long range shot is somewhat dependent on luck. If you practice, your luck gets better."

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching.

[@OldManMontgomery]

@@historymore442 I have known at least the broad facts of the Adobe Wells fight and I stand in respect for Mr. Dixon. The Marine Corps called me a rifleman. I am aware of the difficulty of using 'iron sights' on a rifle at 600 yards on a 36" bullseye. And that on a proper range with a sling and practice. Ah! The benefits of sight picture and trigger squeeze.

[@historymore442]

@@OldManMontgomery Thank you for your service.

[@charlieswearingen500]

I knew Elmer Kieth when I was a young man in Salmon, Idaho. I worked trails on horseback and wanted a hip gun because there were lots of rattlesnakes living down on the Salmon River. You couldn't even go to bed without first shaking out your bedroll checking it for snakes. Both my dog and horses had been bitten. Anyway, I met him when I was buying a small-caliber revolver at the hardware store. He took me under his wing and talked me into buying a larger .44 caliber six-shooter. Then we went down on the banks of the Salmon River near town and shot floating pine cones. The last time I saw Elmer was at Milt Sparks holster shop in Idaho City, Idaho sometime in the mid-1970s...

[@OldManMontgomery]

@@charlieswearingen500 You have been more fortunate than me in that regard. I still read his stuff and follow his concept of large, heavy and flat fronted bullets.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I’m in New Mexico but most of my ancestors came by way of SW Oklahoma and the area around Adobe Walls, or so I was told as a child. Very interesting video!

[@rayray8212]

Very interesting! "Empire of the Summer Moon" is a great book on the history of the struggle of the white man with the Commanches and other tribes on the southern plains.

[@SenorTucano]

Yes an excellent book!

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

One thing about the 2nd Battle of Adobe Walls - was that the Indians were attacking a large group of Buffalo Hunters - people who made their living with the accuracy of their fire ... Having already had some experience with that accuracy - seeing one of their leaders killed at such a distance might well have convinced the Indians that what they were trying to do - was a mistake. .

[@richardjohnson7563]

It reminded me of John Sedgwick who was a general in the Union Army in the American Civil War. After being warned to get down, his statement "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance" was his last.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

@@richardjohnson7563 Yeah. .

[@markknivila8383]

Great video! I always found the second battle of Adobe Walls one of the stand out stories of the old west. Even today, with all of our modern rifles and optics, a 1000 yard shot is still quite something to marvel at! Again, great video!

[@historymore442]

Thanks Mark.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

The Army also was somewhat sceptical of the Sharps 50/90 cartridge. So they tested it and at a 30 degree angle the rifle shot 2 miles in distance. Using the same rifle with the same sights and ammunition the shot was taken at this same sight and the rifle hit the mark at 1538 yards every time. It is by no means an easy shot but it has been proven that the rifle was certainly capable of the shot claimed. Remember Billy called it a lucky shot himself.

[@joelonzello4189]

Wow ! Just read about this test. Had no idea !!

[@justinsovo5578]

I love your short history lessons. Funny you mention loansome dove my uncle gene play ermoke the Kiowa renegade that wore the blue coat in the movie. Keep em coming

[@claytonlowry1280]

Yur uncle shuda taken out blue duck ..he cuda had Lorie to himself..moved somewhere ..raised rugratz ..lived happily everafter

[@karlchandran4631]

I remember the scene in "Lonesome Dove". I had read that, this battle was historically significant because it led to the Red River War , resulting in the final relocation of the Southern Plains Indians to reservations in what is now Oklahoma. As usual, a totally enjoyable video.

[@scottmcconnell1296]

Thanks for taking the time to record these historically significant stories !

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Scott.

[@mikefranklin1253]

Quanna Parker, who was there leading some Commanche, said that the warrior Dixon shot recovered but the shot put much fear in the raiders.

[@bhud1972]

You have some great videos! This one caught my eye because of the reference to Adobe Walls, and the fact that I’m such a fan of the Lonesome Dove mini-series. You didn’t disappoint when you mentioned that scene when they were playing cards in the ruins during that hard rain storm. Thanks for you work. I enjoyed it.

[@davidlard8490]

That was a very accurate presentation of the Adobe Walls battle. Along with the buffalo hunters was the famous Bat Masterson. This began his claim to fame in western culture. Nice going.....

[@gpozdol7912]

Excellent Sir. Thank you.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching.

[@nelsondrennan7108]

Lived in Amarillo TX for 5 years,worked in Canyon TX at the Hospital there. Great area, good people. Have been to Adobe walls 3x when I was a child and a adult. Entire area is rich in history.

[@historymore442]

For sure Nelson.

[@walterbeech]

I went to Adobe Walls last weekend. Very interesting drive to the site and when they put a 15mph speed limit sign up, they really mean it! Great video, thanks!

[@timgladden1012]

I grew up not far from there. Visited the area a few times over the years. Lovely country.

[@historymore442]

Lots of interesting history there.

[@rathaventerriniel8162]

The first time I ever drove down into Adobe Walls historical site the rancher had mountain lions hanging on the fence about 25 years ago. The Boy Scouts Council for the area were named after that site. There are quite a few nice little museums in the surrounding areas Perryton, Lipscomb, and Canadian. No matter if it was luck or skill it was one hell of a shot and it prolonged lives on both sides of the story.

[@StevenKeery]

Interesting as usual. I think Sitting Bull had the same dream about warriors being impervious to bullets. Sad, that so many treaties were broken. I don't suppose it left the native people with too many options.

[@historymore442]

Yep Steven. Thanks for watching.

[@possumpopper89]

Years ago I traveled to the Nra Whittington center at Raton New Mexico. Black powder cartridge rifles are used at their silhouette range. Targets are placed as far as 500 m from the firing line. Beyond the firing line at a distance of over 1200 yards is a life-size steel buffalo target. Those old style rifles with tall rear sights routinely ring the steel of the Buffalo target at 1200+ yards. 1538 yards, while a lucky shot accuracy wise, is definitely within killing range of the “Big Fifty” Sharps rifle Dixon used.

[@historymore442]

I agree.

[@rogerchristmas9606]

Know the story well. Love the way you tell it. Good stuff.

[@historymore442]

Glad you enjoyed it Roger.

[@mohammedcohen]

...Lucky shots have a way of becoming accepted fictional truth...as the line in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" goes...When Fact becomes legend...Print the Legend"...Billy Dixon is a hero to many modern practitioners of long range shooting with single shot cartridge rifles...both black and smokeless power classes...

[@richardtroell6407]

My great great grandfather was, at that time, a buffalo hunter and was at Adobe Walls and in the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. Frank J. Brown would survive and go on be one of the founders of Estacado Texas (now a ghost town) and later relocating to and founding the city of Friendswood south of Houston Texas. It is interesting how historians remember a buffalo hunter later turned sports writer, but ignore men who founded and built cities and towns and built a state out of a wilderness.

[@jamesgollan8602]

so your great grandfather just ignored the Treaty, guess he was a mongrel

[@jamesgollan8602]

There was a Treaty, go learn the real history

[@richardtroell6407]

@@jamesgollan8602 Ok, it may be a fine point but a treaty which was never ratified was never a "treaty." Then add to that the even finer point, that treaty (one of two or three all confusingly referred to as "the" "Medicine Lodge Treaty") even if it had been ratified only applied to portions of Kansas, Oklahoma and was silent as to whether or how far west it extended. Legally it could not extend into Texas or even into New Mexico and Colorado. Unfortunately under the Border Act of 1850 the larger Compromise of 1850, in exchange for ceding its claim to New Mexico and portions of Oklahoma and Colorado (under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo), the United States established the western boundaries of Texas as it entered the Union, to include that part of the panhandle containing and lying north of the Canadian River, ceding that land to Texas. So, Gen. Hancock could not have bound the land in Texas in 1867. In fact that was the whole purpose of Kansas Buffalo Hunter going to Texas. The southern buffalo herds were present between the Arkansas and Canadian rivers and could have easily been hunted from Kansas but there was no question the Army would have intervened, but in Texas the Treaty was not recognized as the State of Texas had never ratified any of the several Medicine Lodge Treaties. Was the state of Texas right or wrong in that belief? Well, all I can go off of is the results, the federal government forced the Plains Tribes back into Oklahoma. I happen to know a thing or two about this history which you clearly do not.

[@jamesgollan8602]

@@richardtroell6407 It was a Treaty negotiated agreed upon then broken..plain and simple

[@richardtroell6407]

@@jamesgollan8602 No, the tribes never ratified the treaty (and specifically Quanah Parker's tribe, the Kwahadi band of the Comanche Nation' refused to sign it but why worry about details, right) AND as I posted, a 1867 Treaty could not have overridden an 1850 Treaty (which was actually signed and ratified) which ceded jurisdiction of the lands of Texas to the newly admitted former nation.. It was legal under the Compromise of 1850, for hunters in Texas to hunt buffalo anywhere in the state of Texas. Sorry friend but you are just as wrong as wrong can be.

[@papawdan3770]

As a papaw myself, I think that Baxter is helping you do a good job on these videos. I knew about this battle but learned of the First Battle of Adobe Walls (Kit Carson) because of your videos. As a subscriber, I've watched several of your videos and must compliment you on your subject matter. You have shown a lot of great American heroes, including my favorite..Mr. Audie Murphy.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for the kind words Papaw. Nothing beats grandchildren huh? Yeah Baxter is my inspiration. I plan on using the money I make doing this to fund college savings accounts for Baxter and his brother Bennett. I enjoy doing the videos. It's a learning experience for me, and you never get too old to learn new things. Thanks for subscribing and watching the videos.

[@brandonjennings9941]

Thanks for the video, really shows the character of real men. Hope all is well, friend.

[@historymore442]

Good to hear from you Brandon. Thanks as always.

[@craigoldsen1667]

Dixon did indeed knock that warrior off his horse, but only broke his arm. They became life long friends in later years.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Craig.

[@bdlit7165]

I read that it was his leg, and it killed the horse.

[@crzyndncwby]

The KIOWA version, is, it hit close enough to a forward standing "combatant's" horse. That spooked, and bucked over backwards. Broke the riders leg. Probably a femur. So....

[@bdlit7165]

@@crzyndncwby now that you mention it I think I read that one some where as well. History has a lot to teach us if we are willing to learn.

[@crzyndncwby]

@@bdlit7165 I heard the story many times, before I actually read about. I was very proud to learn that others, besides ourselves, knew of the last time our people, had, "fought" with the white man.' As they would say....

[@jonathanholland8133]

"There is no way anyone can hit us from this distance..."

[@historymore442]

Tell that to the multiple witnesses.

[@richardtroell6407]

@@historymore442 He was speaking from the perspective of the indians. (That's why he put it in quotations . . . ) There are far more details to the events leading up to the battle that no one cares about any more, including a bar fight Bat Masterson lost the day before the battle. Like the longhorn cattle droving that would found the Chism, Loving and Goodnight Trails (part of the real history behind the made-for-television pablum fed up by an arrogant entertainment industry) Buffalo hunting was also one of the few lucrative but risky ways unemployed veterans could try to build their fortunes in the post Civil War recession in the south using the skills they honed in places like Antietam and Vicksburg and the "Gettysburg of the West" the Battle of Glorieta pass. Dixon gets credit for a shot which may or may not have occurred but he would have been one of many accomplished shots at Adobe Walls that day.

[@fjb4932]

@@richardtroell6407 RT, I'm a hell of a lot more likely to believe someone who said he did that shot, and with witnesses, than some one nowadays that says he may or may not have. A man's word is his bond ...

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Obviously - this quote was intended to convey the POV of the people being shot at - NOT - as a condemnation of whether or not the shot was made. What this brings to mind for me - was a similar situation in the Civil War where a Union General was up on a hill and said something like that - just before he and (possibly) some of those with him were killed. .

[@tvideo1189]

@@BobSmith-dk8nw It was General John Sedgwick at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. His men were under fire from a distant Rebel position. He walked up and down the line in front of his men accusing them of being afraid of the Confederate sharpshooters. His last words were "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance". Maybe not an elephant John, but they sure as hell got you.

[@rodneyharris99]

Quanah Parker was wounded in this battle. In the Comanche language quanah means odor or scent. In Cherokee it means peach. It's funny to think of a fierce War Chief with the name Peach.

[@GypzyJack]

Such a sweet smelling baby was he!

[@creaturecaldwell9858]

I heard " fragrance " was a description also

[@ralphlivingston762]

Often repeated, is a comment attributed to Dixon, in which he stated that his 45-90 did not have enough reach, so he borrowed a Sharps 50-90 for the shot. Actually, the 45-90 (.45 x 2.4 inch) cartridge was developed in conjunction with the introduction of the 1877 Sharps rifle, and thus did not exist in 1874. I believe that Dixon had a 45-70 or even possibly the earlier 50-70 rifle, either a Sharps or a Springfield "trapdoor" rifle. It would then be logical to assume that neither of these cartridges had the reach of the 50-90.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for that information Ralph.

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Great videos!👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸

[@catherineaiello7136]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Catherine.

[@jerrydalton7710]

Love history. I've read some historical fiction about this fight.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Jerry.

[@charlessistrunk3185]

The canyon museum is well worth the visit, I've been there twice, lot of regional history and old West history which l like.

[@grassroot011]

They at the time called it a "scratch." shot, meaning a try it might work. See? Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[@carlmisuraca2415]

The Comanche very rarely allied with anyone other than a few Kiowa until Isitai united several tribes with prophecies during Sun dances. Isitai's failed medicine and Billy Dixon's shot broke the alliance, turning a 700 warrior force into small bands that continued raiding deep into Texas.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Carl.

[@cameronbooker445]

Thank you History & More, much enjoyed!!

[@dirtyharry2076]

Thankyou! I have enjoyed all of your videos.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great story and that’s a hell of a shot. Most people who shoot high powered rifles with a quality scope are only effective to 400 yards. I’ve always like the area around Amarillo, especially Palo Duro Canyon. Keep up the good work!

[@historymore442]

Good to hear from you nmelkhunter1.

[@chitlika]

Regularly shoot my .3oo win mag Browning A bolt with a simmons whitetail scope at 600 yds no problem I could probably do further but at 600yds I can drive to the firing point 800 yds and further I'd have to walk lugging all my gear and I'm old and lazy. I'm a good shot but nothing to write home about. theres plenty much better than me.

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@chitlika You’re an exception. Congratulations.

[@chitlika]

@@nmelkhunter1 Thats very kind of you to say that ...........I'm not fit to shine Billy Dixons boots

[@normanbraslow7902]

The 1874 Sharps can reach out to over 1,000 yards. Accurately. They have regular "Quigley Shoots" competition at that range.

[@effeojnedib7208]

I believe Dixon hit that shot from a mile. First off, the "rider" was obviously on a horse, making him stand up vertically, above the surrounding terrain. Secondly, that hunk of lead has got to land somewhere. Hitting a vertical target is much more possible than hitting a horizontal target.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching Kevin.

[@wyodutch7992]

Enjoyed this video. Thank You.

[@jameswilliams3241]

Quannah Parker who was present was of Native American and European descent and ironically Billy Dixon of West Virginia was also.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching James.

[@texasyearbooks9733]

Grew up not far from Adobe Walls. Been out there a few times. It is still a fairly remote location. I've also been to both museums mentioned, although it has been several years since my last visit.

[@washingtondale]

instead of venerating Warrior culture apologists might try to understand how in 3 centuries they didn’t adapt written word, the wheel, agriculture. failing to adapt & keep up in obvious & important ways was their undoing.

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Incredible shot even with today's modern rifles and ammunition 1000 yd shot is a challenge that shot changed the minds of the bravest of the braves

[@loudmouthnewyorker2803]

WOWZER, tell Baxter you have 14.4K subscribers! Fifteen Thousand is right around the corner!

[@historymore442]

Yep piling up Born and Raised. Baxter and I are amazed.

[@martinvanek5951]

Really good video. Thanks

[@markwolfshohl6562]

Another great video. If you are ever in the Texas Hill country area, contact me and I Would be proud to buy you a beer. Lone Star or Shiner, of course.

[@historymore442]

Deal Mark. Thanks a lot for the offer and for watching the video.

[@danielalamo2075]

I have heard of the shot by Billy Dixon through my love of old firearms and American west history. Not from history learned in school.

[@edmcconnell2105]

Regardless of the distance 1000 or 1500 yards Dixon's shot was amazing ‼️

[@person390]

Big Like!

[@historymore442]

Big thanks Richard.

[@omagilbreth8256]

My aunt was supposed to have taken piano lessons from Billy Dixon’s widow in either Borger or Pampa - they lived halfway between the two towns, in the thirties. Laughed at the pronunciation of Borger.

[@garymckee8857]

Thanks subscribed. Quality video.

[@historymore442]

Love new subs.

[@ivanwesley8182]

Love your videos

[@historymore442]

Nice of you to say Ivan.

[@johnnymccann5607]

front what I read of news reporter who interviewed Dixon that Dixon stated he used a 40 or 45-75 Winchester lever action. regardless of caliber the shoot was made and measured , and recorded by the U.S. Army at the time. most of us who have made long range modern shots not having a clue how far it was but shot and lucked up and made the mark.

[@historymore442]

The documents I read say Sharps rifle. Not that it matters. The shot was for sure a lucky one. Dixon always said it was lucky.

[@normanbraslow7902]

History & More the sources uniformly say it was a borrowed .50 Sharps, and Dixon always claimed it was lucky. Oddly, I'd say his .45-90 had better long distance accuracy.

[@rayc.1396]

Was this a lucky shot, more than likely, but a buffalo hunter spent their time shooting. I have heard and read this story dozens of times. As for the range being to far, not at all, I shoot a reproduction Sharpe's 1874 rifle in 45-70 with a 550 grain slug, it will shoot out to a mile and beyond without a problem. In an article by Mike Venterino, a past gun writer for many gun magazines, an article was written by him about a trip to a military base at Yuma, AZ where rifles of that era were used to shoot extreme long distances. The projectiles were tracked with radar from firing to landing. A barrel elevation of 5 degrees was used to make the Adobe Walls shot, it traveled 1530 yards. Was the shot possible, absolutely. Of note, a certain round was fired from 35 degrees or so and traveled out over 3000 yards before landing. That projectile was still traveling with a force that would end life. That round also crossed 4000 foot in elevation to go that distance.

[@seventhson27]

At that range, a person has to be a darn good shot to even get in the ballpark of "lucky"

[@rayc.1396]

@@seventhson27 Well, not really lucky. Their are guys around now shooting black powder rifles out to and beyond a mile and hitting some targets you wouldn't believe. One fellow shoots regularly at 1000 yards hitting an 8" steel plate. Go check out some of the BPCR sites, they have some good stories and match results for various venues.

[@canoebelue]

Helluva a shot.

[@bigblue6917]

I think the 1000 yards the more likely range as well as at much me then that would bring in to many facts to make it viable. But even at 1000 yards that is more then impressive.

[@historymore442]

Hello big Blue. Yeah 1000 yards is very impressive. Say hello to everyone across the pond.

[@garybennat348]

I’ve been there and I don’t doubt the shot at all. Dixon never said that it wasn’t a lucky shot. I won’t say it’s easy but a thousand yard shot is very doable. I’ve done it many times over the last few years but haven’t yet managed the 1500 yds. I use a Shiloh Sharps 45-90

[@garybennat348]

Doctor Blome , no Buff hunter would shoot at a longer distance than necessary to take a stand, that’s for sure but even after 20 years of shooting Sharps rifles I am still astounded at how accurate a BP cartridge rifle can be at distances unbelievable to most Smokeless shooters. I own one of the remaining 50-90 cartridges used at the Yuma proving ground when Billy Dixon’s shot was proven as possible, a gift from Dennis Barden Shilohs gunsmith at the time. Sadly Dennis is no longer with us.

[@garybennat348]

Doctor Blome Doc, my advise to you is don’t leave this life without the pleasure of owning and using a Sharps. I have been blessed during my life with owning 3 ‘74s, two shilohs and a Pedersoli, and at present the Shiloh no1 sporter in 45-90 a C Sharps 1875 in 45-70 which I keep in the US to compete in The Quigley, a Pedersoli rolling block in 45-70 and an original Trapdoor Springfield in 45-70. They are my most treasured possessions and apart from the ‘75’ I shoot them all regularly here in Australia. it’s been a pleasure corresponding with you

[@garyevans3421]

I live just south of the panhandle and haven’t seen the sight myself, but a friend has. He told me that there are visible white gyp rocks on the side of the bluff just under where the Indians were sitting on their horses. He thought it was very possible that the hunters probably challenged each other with who could hit one and send white powder flying before there was any thought of needing to make such a shot in a fighting purpose. The Comanches were never a hugely numerous tribe, but the main thing that drove them to the reservation was when Col. McKensey hit there winter camp in Palo Duro canyon and killed their huge pony herd. Incidentally, I read that on leaving the Adobe Walls fight, that the medicine man was quirted severely for his false claim of the white man’s bullets would do them no harm!

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

That saved those blokes a lot of grueling torture

[@historymore442]

Most likely Wayne.

[@skchen83]

Excellent job with the video. My wife and I both grew up in that area and the Adobe Wall story is "boiler plate" for us! Just a quick note though; The town in Hutchison county is Borger (with a "ga" sound as in "garage", NOT borjer with a "j" sound).

[@historymore442]

Yeah I have been corrected several times on that. Thanks for watching.

[@rkba4923]

I tend to lean toward the US Army's actual measurement.

[@grassroot011]

Read the Army had a mile marking wagon, had a device for counting off the distance.

[@stephencrowell5923]

Know was the distance a wheel covered in one revolution. They tied a rag to a spoke, counted the number of revolutions and did the math.

[@sharonbartlett4307]

This is a very interesting piece of history and you potrayed it well. One thing I feel that I need to point out is the pronunciation of Borger, TX. The "g" is hard, as in goat. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I am very interested in this part of history. I have a book about Quanah' Parker that I have been wanting to read, but I looked all day today and I can't find it. It will turn up later when I am looking for something else. Anyway, thanks again.God bless.

[@historymore442]

Thanks Sharon.

[@jimtalor9537]

Great video!!

[@historymore442]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim. Thanks for watching.

[@bobcosper6785]

I don't recall if you mentioned it or not but Billy Dixon was also the first Sheriff of Hutchinson County where Adobe walls is located. Also, as far as it being a "lucky" shot...if he hit what he was aiming for was it actually lucky? I've shot an original sharps 50 cal. They are very well made and very accurate. On my second or third try I hit a nineteen inch metal plate at 900 yards. The rifle belonged to a friends friend of mine who we were out shooting with in Oklahoma. I rested the barrel on a forked stick to make the shot.

[@chardtomp]

The Plains Indians were never very keen on attacking fortified positions. It just wasn't their style of fighting. That long range shot probably reminded them why they didn't like to do it.

[@jeffw1246]

I remember reading in what I believe was the American Rifleman that some lab coat types with special radar equipment didn't think that rifle could possibly reach that far. Well the radar showed it could easily make it and the lab boys were a little embarrassed.

[@historymore442]

Yeah Jeff everything about that shot and the shooter were off the charts incredible.

[@senorboardhead]

Great !

[@txgunguy2766]

Billy himself called it "a scratch shot". He didn't really expect it to hit. That fact in itself would suggest that it WAS 1,538 yards, not just 1,000, which would have been relatively easy for somebody with Billy's skill. Also, there's the fact that he didn't think his 45-90 had the range. He could have easily made a 1,000 yard shot with a smaller 45-70. The Army measured the shot with a primitive wagon mounted pedometer.

[@12max77]

good content, very interesting

[@historymore442]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jeffhoward4766]

The indians were Commanche lead by Quanah Parker. The initial attack came during the night. The occupants of the small trading post retreated inside the buildings which were built of sod. They couldn't be burned and bullets couldn't penetrate the walls so the residents were safe and were ale to repel the attack. The Commanche warriors retreated to what they thought was a safe distance. Being a buffalo hide trading post, there were many buffalo guns to be had with plenty of ammunition. The trading post men, many of whom were buffalo hunters, started picking off the Commanche warriors, so they retreated even further out to no avail. The Commanche "medicine" had failed them. On the the third day, the famous shot came at such a distance the indians were demoralized and decided it wasn't worth it.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching Jeff.

[@debbielehman5801]

Good video

[@TUCOtheratt]

Never believe the Doc when he says the bullets won't kill you.

[@loudmouthnewyorker2803]

Wow 1,000 yard shot with a 50 caliber rifle. And this time they didn't need a cannon. 13.8K subscribers!!

[@historymore442]

Hey Born and Raised. Was waiting on your comment. Always makes me smile.

[@sawboneiomc8809]

The ranch where it happened at is for sale now.

[@twalk6164]

There are black powder shooters today making 1000 yd shots. A buffalo hunter who made his living off shooting, and had both young eyes and a sitting target, had a very good chance of making such a shot. A handful of such men would be a formidable opposition to any force.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching T Walk.

[@grassroot011]

A mile is 1760 yards, so a tad more than a thousand. 760 yards is a long one too.

[@IMBrute-ir7gz]

You should have mentioned the fact that Quannah (sp?) Parker was there, and went on to become a successful rancher and businessman in the white man's world.

[@historymore442]

You just did it for me. Thanks.

[@chuckstewart7331]

Quannah Parker’s mother, Cynthia Ann Parker was my great (x4) aunt. Quannah rode into heavy gun fire sitting high on his horse to retrieve a wounded Warrior , gaining himself much respect from his people ( Numina) as well as the Kiowa . The even the whites were impressed by his bravery , told tales of a fearless blue eyed Comanche well over 6 feet tall .

[@wbriggs111]

This chief was told he had to bring in his 4 outlaw indians that was raiding in Texas. He jumped on his horse and rode off without any supplies.(only a real indian could do that) 2 months later he caught the band and hog tied them to their horses and brought them back to the agency to be arrested.

[@markusbauer9085]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Who is the artist where most paintings come from? The book "Adobe Walls and the Red River War" written by Albert Winkler Ph. D. tells the different versions of the shot. Dixon himself saw a warrior falling of his horse and the corpse safed by two other warriors. Emmanuel Dubbs said that there was a warrior climbing a rock where he felt down after Dixons shot. Willis Skelton Glenn said that a bullet was removed from a warriors corpse at the hill and they came to the conclusion that Dixon was the

[@markusbauer9085]

the shooter. The reports about the distance range between 800 yard (732 Meter) to 1538 yards (1.406 Meter). The most realistic range is 1.0218 yards (940 Meter). Dixon himself said that it was a lucky shot.

[@historymore442]

I pulled the paintings off the web. The artists were not identified. Thanks for watching. You obviously have lots of knowledge about the event.

[@markusbauer9085]

Thank you. I guess some of the paintings are from Frank C. McCarthy. He made some of the best illustrations of the old West I have ever seen. I just orderd a book with his artwork. The Old West is one of my favorite historical interests. That legendary shot and his outstanding bravery at the fight of Buffalow Wallow some month later made Billy Dixon to that what he deserved: A true hero of the Old West.

[@stonebay2111]

The shot has been successfully recreated multiple time and the Indian struck did not die. He was struck in the arm.

[@kevinnoble6320]

GREAT STORY TRUE AMERICANA

[@billfowler2867]

I love your videos and since it’s obvious you don’t know the Texas Panhandle well, I can forgive your mispronunciation of city names. Stinnett is pronounced StiNet (short “I” and emphasis on net). Borger is pronounced with a soft “g” like in burger.

[@historymore442]

Thanks Bill for helping me out there with the pronunciation of those towns, and thanks for watching the video.

[@jameswittenberg1873]

Very true these men were right ral men

[@historymore442]

Yep James. Thanks for watching.

[@Boclive1]

If the Army measured the shot, I'd believe that. To hit an unnamed individual in a group 9/10th of a mile away is not such a lucky shot. Borrowing the biggest rifle around to start with would have made the difference. Sure enjoyed this video, though.

[@kevinrice4909]

Texas is the bestest... good vid cowboy appreciate it... keep your powder dry

[@mars353]

If an Indian medicine man said that the warriors would be protected but a warrior is killed at a distance that is beyond normal abilities, then they could assume that not only was the medicine man wrong but also that spirits have switched sides.

[@dentonslovacek4932]

I grew up about 50 miles away from Adobe Walls. The conundrum surrounding the shot is that (at least as I understand it) was from the biography his wife wrote about him. There appears to b no other evidence but I could be definetely wrong. Also, one casualty was an accidental death where a rifle accidently went off. Cannot remember the whole story.

[@wbriggs111]

He was a the store owner and he was climbing out of a lookout tower on the roof of his store. His gun went off ,climbing down and blew his head off.Two brothers that haul freight, at the adobe walls ,were sleeping in their wagon and were killed by the indians. Most lot of the hunters were out in the plains and a lot were found and killed by the indians before and after the attack of adobe walls.

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching.

[@jamesburns2232]

Billy Dixon no doubt had to raise the rear peep site all the way to the top of the rail to score that .9 mile kill shot.

[@rlr4294]

Dixon allegedly knocked an Indian warrior from his horse with a single shot at what was latter surveyed to be 1538 yards. Dixon himself said it was simply a lucky shot, while others have said that the event never happened at all, or that the hapless Indian was on a much closer butte about 700 to 800 yards distant. Regardless the Billy Dixon Shot” has been discussed and debated now for well over 100 years. Reply

[@kcinks]

I'm not sure how some of you made it to the site as it is on private land and the land owner doesn't allow visitors.

[@Truly1Tom]

@7:48min that revocation of that medal 🏅 sounds like what I would term as 0CS "Organized Chicken 🐔 Shit! They would have awarded the other two medals 🏅 posthumously because without Billy Dixon with them they would've lost their hair! Waiting 53 years to revoke a CMH?! Unbelievable!!!

[@healdiseasenow]

Do you think they kept him on as their medicine man? They fired him the second that man split in half. Maybe flying body parts killed the medicine man

[@billyblackmon4796]

so i read that a lodge pole broke which had the camp awake when the indians attacked. i also read that two buffalo hunters were out alone saw the indians coming and rode to alert the camp. one in addition I read that repeating revolvers had recently arrived and gave much needed firepower during the initial attack. lastly that Quanah Parker was there. Is all that true?

[@historymore442]

Here's what my research said: Lodgepole broke: yes Two buffalo hunters were asleep in a wagon and were killed. Not sure about the repeating revolvers. Quannah Parker was there.

[@danbenson7587]

“Quanah Parker and the Rise of the Comanche Moon” is a history of Texas Comanche wars. By it, only the Adobe Walls shop keeper was accidentally killed. He is buried with Billy Dixon at Adobe Walls.

[@grassroot011]

Yup, and that at 4:00 AM or so. Early enough to make a difference.

[@bobchauncey63]

That long shot still stands for the Sharps 50 CAL rifle...at 1500 + yards

[@historymore442]

Thanks for watching.

[@razablanco3766]

How is bat Masterson in the middle of literally every wild west story