The Johnson County War Flashcards
In which state was Johnson County?
Wyoming
What was the name of the powerful organisation of cattle barons in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA)
What did the cattle barons claim about the smaller ranchers and homesteaders in Wyoming?
They were rustling cattle
What did homesteader Jim Averill claim about the cattle barons in a letter in the local newspaper in April 1889?
They were land grabbers
What happened to Jim Averill and Ella Watson in July 1889?
They were lynched
What did the WSGA do in 1892?
Drew up a list of 70 men they claimed were cattle rustlers and criminals, hired gunfighters and planned an invasion of Johnson County
How much would the WSGA pay the gunfighters for each “rustler” they killed?
$50
Who supported the WSGA in their invasion of Johnson County?
The acting governor of Wyoming
How did the WSGA stop anyone reporting the gunfighters?
They cut the telegraph wires in Johnson County
The gunfighters were supposed to go straight to Buffalo, but where did they attack first and why?
The KC Ranch
It was the home of Nate Champion, one of the men on their death list
How long did Nate Champion fight off the gunfighters until he was killed?
Almost a day
How many people surrounded the invaders in the TA Ranch after they had been spotted?
300
Who arrested the invaders, preventing more deaths in the Johnson County War?
The US 6th Cavalry
Why were none of the invaders convicted at trial?
The WSGA set aside $100,000 to cover legal fees - the Johnson County authorities could not afford to finish the trial
What did the Johnson County War demonstrate about the cattle barons?
They were powerful and influential enough to hire their own private armies, invade an American town, and pressure the governor to send the US cavalry in to save their gunmen
Why did tensions in Wyoming reduce after the Johnson County War?
Big cattle ranching became less profitable and ranches became smaller
