4 Cherokee Bill Documentaries That Delve Into His Notorious Career

Exploring the Life of a Wild West Outlaw

Cherokee Bill, born Crawford Goldsby in 1876, was a notorious outlaw who terrorized the Indian Territory in the late 19th century. Despite his young age, he gained infamy for his bold crimes and violent acts, becoming one of the most feared outlaws of his time.

Several documentaries have explored the life and criminal career of Cherokee Bill, shedding light on his background, motivations, and the impact of his actions on the Old West. These films delve into historical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis to paint a comprehensive picture of this complex figure and the era in which he lived.

1) "Cherokee Bill: The Wild West Bandit" by Ken Burns (2012)

Ken Burns' documentary "Cherokee Bill: The Wild West Bandit" offers a detailed look at the life of Crawford Goldsby, better known as Cherokee Bill. The film explores his upbringing in Indian Territory and the circumstances that led him to a life of crime.

Burns employs his signature style, blending historical photographs with expert commentary. The documentary traces Cherokee Bill's descent into lawlessness, highlighting his involvement in train robberies and multiple murders.

The film also examines Cherokee Bill's capture, trial, and eventual execution. It provides context on the racial and social dynamics of the late 19th century American West that shaped his experiences.

Through interviews with historians and descendants, Burns paints a complex portrait of Cherokee Bill. The documentary considers his legacy and place in Western folklore, balancing his notoriety with the harsh realities of his short life.

More information on Ken Burns' documentaries

2) "The Life and Crimes of Cherokee Bill" by PBS (2009)

This PBS documentary offers a comprehensive look at the infamous outlaw Cherokee Bill. Born Crawford Goldsby in 1876, Cherokee Bill gained notoriety for his violent crimes across the Indian Territory.

The film explores Cherokee Bill's mixed-race heritage and troubled upbringing. It details his entry into crime as a teenager and subsequent string of robberies and murders that terrorized the region in the 1890s.

Featuring interviews with historians and rare archival photos, the documentary recounts Cherokee Bill's daring exploits and multiple escapes from custody. It examines his final capture, trial, and execution at the age of 20 in 1896.

The film provides context on the lawless nature of Indian Territory during this period. It also touches on Cherokee Bill's lasting impact on Wild West folklore and popular culture.

More information on Cherokee Bill

3) "Cherokee Bill: America's Most Wanted Outlaw" by American Experience (2022)

"Cherokee Bill: America's Most Wanted Outlaw" aired as part of the American Experience series on PBS. This documentary explores the life and crimes of Crawford Goldsby, better known as Cherokee Bill.

The film examines Cherokee Bill's mixed-race heritage and his upbringing in Indian Territory. It details his transformation from a troubled youth to a notorious outlaw in the 1890s.

Viewers learn about Cherokee Bill's crime spree across the Cherokee Nation and surrounding areas. The documentary recounts his daring robberies, shootouts, and multiple escape attempts.

Expert historians provide context on the social and political climate of the era. They discuss how Cherokee Bill's actions impacted both Native American and white communities in the region.

The film culminates with Cherokee Bill's capture, trial, and eventual execution in 1896 at the age of 20. It offers a balanced look at his legacy and the factors that shaped his short but infamous life.

More information on American Experience

4) "Cherokee Bill: The Raucous Rebel" by History Channel (2009)

This History Channel documentary examines the life and crimes of Cherokee Bill. It traces his early years and the factors that led him to a life of outlawry.

The film features historical reenactments depicting key moments in Cherokee Bill's criminal career. It covers his notorious robberies and shootouts across Indian Territory.

Interviews with historians provide context on the social and economic conditions of the time. The documentary explores Cherokee Bill's mixed racial heritage and how it influenced his experiences.

Expert commentary analyzes Cherokee Bill's motivations and psychology. The film also details the circumstances of his eventual capture and execution.

"Cherokee Bill: The Raucous Rebel" incorporates archival photographs and newspaper clippings to bring the era to life. It offers a balanced look at Cherokee Bill's legacy in American outlaw history.

More information on the History Channel's "Cherokee Bill: The Raucous Rebel"

The Early Life of Cherokee Bill

Crawford Goldsby, better known as Cherokee Bill, had a complex family background and turbulent youth that shaped his future as an outlaw. His mixed heritage and unstable childhood contributed to his eventual turn to crime.

Family Background

Crawford Goldsby was born on February 8, 1876, in Fort Concho, Texas. His father, George Goldsby, was a Buffalo Soldier and sergeant in the Tenth United States Cavalry. His mother, Ellen Beck Goldsby Lynch, was a Cherokee freedwoman of mixed African, Native, and white ancestry. Ellen was a Cherokee Nation citizen born in the Delaware District and listed on the Dawes Rolls.

Cherokee Bill's diverse heritage included African American, Cherokee, white, and possibly Mexican roots. This mixed background influenced his identity and place in society during a time of racial tensions and segregation.

Formative Years

Crawford's early life was marked by instability and family disruption. His parents separated when he was young, and he lived with his mother and siblings in Fort Gibson, Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). At age 12, he was sent to an Indian school in Kansas.

As a teenager, Crawford gained a reputation for having a quick temper and engaging in petty crimes. He began associating with a rough crowd and developed skills with firearms. These early experiences and influences set the stage for his later criminal activities.

By his late teens, Crawford had already started down the path of lawlessness. He committed his first serious crime at age 18, shooting a man during an argument. This incident marked the beginning of his notorious career as Cherokee Bill, the outlaw.

Criminal Exploits and Attacks

Cherokee Bill's brief but violent criminal career left a lasting mark on the American frontier. His notorious exploits included robbery, murder, and evasion of law enforcement across Indian Territory.

Major Crimes

Cherokee Bill's criminal activities began at age 18 when he killed his brother-in-law in 1894. He quickly gained notoriety for a series of bold robberies and shootouts. In June 1894, Bill shot and killed lawman Sequoyah Houston during a confrontation near Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

His most infamous crime spree occurred in 1894-1895. Bill robbed stores, stagecoaches, and a railroad depot. He murdered several people during these robberies, including an innocent bystander at a general store.

Law enforcement struggled to apprehend the young outlaw. Bill's knowledge of the terrain and marksmanship skills allowed him to elude capture for months.

Gang Affiliations

Cherokee Bill partnered with outlaw brothers Jim and Bill Cook in 1894. This alliance kickstarted his criminal career and provided him with experienced mentors in frontier crime.

The Cook Gang, with Cherokee Bill as a key member, terrorized Indian Territory. They robbed banks, stores, and post offices across present-day Oklahoma. Their brazen attacks often resulted in deadly shootouts with lawmen.

Bill's reputation for violence made him feared even among other outlaws. He gained a following of young criminals drawn to his daring exploits. However, his reckless nature and quick temper eventually led to conflicts within the gang.

Capture and Trial

Cherokee Bill's reign of terror came to an end in January 1895. His arrest and subsequent trial marked a significant chapter in Old West history.

Arrest Details

Deputy U.S. Marshal Ike Rogers played a crucial role in apprehending Cherokee Bill. Rogers, a Cherokee Freedman, devised a clever plan to lure the outlaw. He enlisted the help of Clyde Windham, Cherokee Bill's friend, to set a trap. On January 30, 1895, Cherokee Bill was captured at Ike Rogers' home without bloodshed.

The arrest took place in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. Cherokee Bill had been hiding out there after committing numerous crimes. His capture brought relief to many who had lived in fear of his violent acts.

Court Proceedings

Cherokee Bill's trial began on February 26, 1895, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Judge Isaac Parker, known as the "Hanging Judge," presided over the case. The prosecution presented evidence of Cherokee Bill's involvement in multiple murders and robberies.

During the trial, witnesses testified about his crimes, including the killing of Ernest Melton. Cherokee Bill maintained a stoic demeanor throughout the proceedings. The jury deliberated briefly before finding him guilty.

On April 13, 1895, Judge Parker sentenced Cherokee Bill to death by hanging. The verdict was met with approval from many who had suffered due to his criminal activities.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Crawford Goldsby, known as Cherokee Bill, left an enduring mark on American frontier history. His brief but violent criminal career sparked both fascination and fear, shaping perceptions of outlaws in the Old West.

Public Perception

Cherokee Bill's notoriety transformed him into a legendary figure of the Wild West. His mixed ancestry and young age added complexity to his image. Some viewed him as a ruthless killer, while others saw him as a product of his turbulent times.

Cherokee Bill's execution at age 20 generated widespread media coverage. Newspapers across the country reported on his hanging, cementing his place in public memory. His youth and reported calm demeanor before death contributed to a romanticized outlaw mythos.

Influence on Popular Culture

Cherokee Bill's story has inspired numerous books, films, and documentaries. His exploits feature prominently in accounts of Indian Territory outlaws. The 1970s TV series "The Quest" included a fictionalized version of Cherokee Bill.

Several museums display artifacts related to Cherokee Bill, including the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His gun and other personal items attract visitors interested in Old West history.

Cherokee Bill's legacy continues to spark debates about crime, justice, and racial identity in the American frontier. His complex background and short life provide material for ongoing historical analysis and artistic interpretation.