What comes to mind when you think of the Wild West? It might be stories of bank robbers, stagecoach heists, shootouts, and saloons. And usually, these mental images can be attributed to Hollywood's love of embellishing the past. Yet, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. David S. Terry was Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court during the nineteenth century and his story is one of the most wild tales you'll ever hear—complete with duels and one former state Supreme Court justice attacking a U.S. Supreme Court justice. And here we thought 21st century politics were wild. So, let's pony up and head back to California's gold rush era.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was hosted by Bruce Gray, written by Heidi Coburn and produced by Randall Lawrence. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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