10 Real-Life Figures You Probably Didn't Know Had Westerns Made About Them

The Western genre is a staple of American fiction, with countless films and television series made in the immensely popular style, many of which tackle real-life figures. While some names instantly spring to mind when considering the best Westerns ever made – John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Steve McQueen – the 20th century saw so many productions that a number have now mostly been forgotten.

While some Westerns were entirely fictitious, there were a few that centered on real-life figures. Prominent historical players such as Butch Cassidy, Jesse James, and Billy the Kid have frequently inspired well-known features, but several lesser-known Westerns have also been made about other, more niche, characters from real life. Additionally, some figures aren’t particularly associated with the genre but had their stories tackled in great Westerns.

10 Jim Bowie

The Adventures of Jim Bowie, 1956-1958 TV series

James “Jim” Bowie was an American settler and slave smuggler, who spent much of his life in Louisiana, where the 1956 ABC series The Adventures of Jim Bowie took place. One of the most memorable parts of the real-life Bowie was his use of the Bowie knife in the infamous Sandbar fight – although, in the first episode of the TV series, “The Birth of the Blade”, this knife is shown to have been designed by Bowie himself (in real life, it’s not clear whether or not this is the case).

Bringing Bowie’s various exploits – not all true – to the small screen, the series starred Scott Forbes as the pioneer and ran for 76 episodes. It received criticism from many publications for its portrayal of violence, with the most prominent weapon being Bowie’s knife proving controversial with audiences at the time – many of whom were worried that it would encourage children to mimic the scenes they watched. Despite this, the series’ use of dramatized elements blended with historical accuracy helped to cement Bowie’s status as an American folk hero.

9 Bass Reeves (Hell on the Border, 2019 movie)

Born into slavery in Arkansas, Reeves managed to escape to Indian Territory and grew close to several Native American tribes. It was there that he became a law enforcement officer, utilizing his tracking skills and bravery – he made more than 3,000 arrests and killed 14 outlaws in self-defense. His reputation for fairness and justice was well-known amongst his contemporaries, to the point where he even arrested his own son for murder. 2019’s Hell on the Border, written and directed by Wes Miller, stars David Gyasi as Reeves and blends fact and fiction to explore his story.

The excellent cast explores Reeves’s early career as a deputy U.S. marshal, highlighting his determination and resilience in the face of racial prejudice and dangerous outlaws. The story follows Reeves as he teams up with Charlie Storm (Ron Perlman) to track down the notorious outlaw Bob Dozier (Frank Grillo). Showcasing both his skills as a lawman and his unwavering commitment to justice, the film also delves into the challenges he faced as an African-American in a predominantly white society, emphasizing his role as a trailblazer for future generations.

8 Bat Masterson

Bat Masterson, 1958-1961 TV series

Originally born in Quebec, Bartholemew “Bat” Masterson moved to Dodge City, Kansas, and became a sheriff. His name was really made when he took to gunfighting – although later in life Masterson moved to Colorado and took up professional gambling. His exploits were chronicled in Richard O’Connor’s biography, Bat Masterson, which inspired NBC’s series of the same name.

Running for almost three years and over 100 episodes, Bat Masterson was an interesting series for NBC as it took a while for Gene Barry to become fully associated with the character. He had been portrayed by Mason Alan Dinehart just a couple of years before Bat Masterson’s initial release, as a recurring role in ABC’s The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. However, the longevity of Bat Masterson is a testament to Barry’s performance winning the audience over, and the series is a must-watch for fans of classic westerns.

7 Kit Carson

The Adventures of Kit Carson, 1951-1955 TV series

Kit Carson (born Christopher Houston Carson) was a frontiersman, trapper, scout, and soldier. He became a legendary figure in the American West due to his deep knowledge of the landscape and terrain of the area, as well as his ability to navigate and survive in the wilderness. However, unlike a lot of Westerns inspired by real people, when translated to the small screen for the syndicated The Adventures of Kit Carson, much of the historical fact was ditched, the production favoring creative license.

Revue Productions produced over 100 episodes of the show, and it starred Bill Williams as Kit Carson with Don Diamond as El Toro, Carson’s (fictional) Mexican companion. The show was well-received and Revue decided to tailor it more towards children and the younger audience, although Williams described the production as grueling, with long hours and intense shooting schedules. The series was filmed at a rapid pace which is what led Williams to retire from the role as he found the process far too exhausting.

6 Bill Longley

The Texan, 1958-1960 TV series

Bill Longley was an outlaw and gunfighter, and The Texan explored the figure’s various exploits. Rory Calhoun played Longley in the post-Civil War era, and the character is portrayed as a noble wanderer who, despite his fearsome reputation, often finds himself helping those in need and standing up against injustice. This surprisingly nuanced take on the western gunslinger character for a late ‘50s audience meant that the series as a whole had a focus on blending fast-paced action with moral and ethical complexities.

The dual nature of the series worked to engage the audience as the show ran for almost 80 episodes and averaged around 12 million viewers per episode. Producers Desilu Productions ensured that The Texan would have high production quality, with careful attention to detail in the set designs and costumes which helped to create an authentic Western atmosphere. One of CBS’s staple Western TV shows, The Texan took a real historical figure and managed to turn him into someone who appealed to audiences across America.

5 Pat Garrett

The Tall Man, 1960-1962 TV series

While everybody’s heard of Billy the Kid, the complex relationship he had with Pat Garrett isn’t as fondly remembered. Born Patrick Floyd Jarvis Garrett, Pat was the sheriff who finally killed Billy the Kid in 1881. In NBC’s The Tall Man, Garrett was played by Barry Sullivan, whose portrayal was nuanced yet determined. The series was set in the late 1870s in New Mexico, a period rife with tension and lawlessness. The series stands out thanks to its focus on the details and nuances of the friendship and eventual rivalry between Garrett and Billy.

This gave audiences a balanced look at their interactions before Billy’s complete descent into outlaw life. The show was helmed by a strong team of writers and directors, including Samuel A. Peeples, who created the series. The Tall Man also features a striking score by Juan Garcíá Esquivel, which adds a unique and memorable aspect to the series. Notable actors (including Martin Landau and Leonard Nimoy) appeared as guest stars, which helped to boost the series’ public image. It remains a hidden gem for Western fans.

4 Gregorio Cortez

The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, 1982 movie

In 1901, thanks to a misunderstanding, Gregorio Cortez shot and killed Sheriff W.T. Morris in self-defense, which led to one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history. Robert M. Young’s The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez adapted this story for the screen, introducing the folk hero to new audiences. Américo Paredes’s book With His Pistol in His Hand served as the basis for the film, which delves into miscommunication and racial prejudice, portraying Cortez as a symbol of resistance against injustice.

The film dedicates itself to telling the story authentically and focusing on Mexican-American perspectives. Edward James Olmos, who plays Cortez and also co-composed the music, was instrumental in bringing this story to the screen, portraying Cortez with both power and poignance, capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability. Focusing on the ethnic fugitive rather than the Anglo lawman, Ballad has been dubbed a “revision Western”, keen to blend historical drama with social commentary.

3 Tom Horn

Mr. Horn, 1979 TV series

Tom Horn was a multifaceted figure in the Old West. He served a huge range of jobs, and in 1979 the two-part CBS miniseries Mr. Horn dramatized his complex story for the small screen. Starring David Carradine as Tom Horn, the series explores his career as a cavalry scout, tracker, and range detective, culminating in the events leading to his execution. The series depicts the Old West authentically, and like a traditional Western focuses on moral complexities.

While the environment is era-accurate, however, the characterization of Tom takes several creative liberties, although Carradine’s performance elevates William Goldman’s script to the peak of TV Western drama, delivering a believable and balanced take on the character. Tom seems very human for someone often seen as a villain, and the show’s focus on internal struggles and the societal forces that shaped Tom’s fate makes it a thought-provoking watch for both fans of Westerns and fans of historical drama.

2 Frank James

The Return of Frank James, 1940 movie

Jesse James is one of the most infamous outlaws from the American Old West, but it’s his brother Frank who Fritz Lang’s 1940 movie focuses on. With Henry Fonda returning to the role, the film was a sequel to the 1939 production Jesse James and follows Frank as he seeks revenge against Bob and Charlie Ford, the men who killed his brother. Justice and retribution are, typically for a Western, the key themes at the forefront of this film, and Fonda’s take on Frank James lends itself to exploring this subject matter.

With high production values – and shot in Technicolor – the film also marked the first feature to include an appearance by Gene Tierney, who would go on to become a Hollywood superstar. With a fast pace, glorious visuals, and the perfect blend of action, drama, and historical intrigue, The Return of Frank James is undoubtedly one of the greatest Western sequels to have been produced, and the focus on Frank allows for insight into one of the forgotten pieces of Old Western history.

1 Abraham Lincoln

How the West Was Won, 1962 movie

Having led the United States through the Civil War and ultimately forming the basis of the abolition of slavery, it’s a surprise there haven’t been more Westerns about Abraham Lincoln. While not the central character, his appearance in the epic Western movie collaboration between Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall, How the West Was Won, highlighted his role during the Civil War and the immense impact that he had on American history.

A sweeping narrative chronicling the entire westward expansion of the United States through the lives of several generations of a pioneer family, Lincoln’s appearance in the film is brief but significant. The movie was one of the biggest films produced at the time, with a sweeping scope and incredibly grand scale. It won three Academy Awards, and the honest portrayal of historical figures like Lincoln grounds the story in real events and personalities. It’s a must-watch for fans of United States history, and as far as Westerns go, it’s one of the most impressive.