Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast

In this episode of Ricky’s Historical Tidbits Podcast, dive deep into the shocking history of bull and bear fights in 1850s California—how they started, where they happened, and why they eventually disappeared. Through vivid storytelling, follow an eight-year-old boy witnessing his first fight, feel the tension of the crowd, and experience the brutality of the final showdown. Then of course I'll share some fun facts and an interesting Historical Tidbit!

Prefer to read? https://www.rickyshistoricaltidbits.com/articles/the-sport-too-brutal-for-the-wild-west

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

You’ve heard of Billy the Kid and Jesse James, but have you ever heard of Elfego Baca? This guy didn’t just survive one of the most insane shootouts in Wild West history—he went on to become a sheriff, a lawyer, and somehow got mixed up with Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. From taking on Texas cowboys to representing revolutionaries and stealing Villa’s prized rifle, Elfego lived a life packed with grit, guts, and plenty of near-death moments. In this episode, we dive into the Frisco War, where Elfego faced down 80 men and survived over 4,000 bullets, the wild jailbreaks, and Elfego’s epic scheme to collect a bounty on his own head. This story has everything—gunfights, revolutions, politics, and even a courtroom drama. So, grab a drink and listen in as we uncover the wild and lesser-known tale of Elfego Baca.

Prefer to read? https://www.rickyshistoricaltidbits.com/articles/the-legend-of-elfego-baca-shootouts-law-and-the-mexican-revolution

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Get ready to saddle up for one of the most jaw-dropping outlaw stories from the Wild West that you’ve probably never heard of—Hank Vaughan. He wasn’t just some two-bit criminal. No, this guy was a horse-rustling mastermind, a daredevil gunslinger, and somehow, he managed to cheat death more times than should be humanly possible.

In this episode, I take you through Hank’s chaotic life—from his days of selling horses at 12 years old to his life as one of Oregon’s most notorious outlaws. We’ll cover his infamous shootouts, his wild escape off Pilot Rock, and how he turned horse thievery into an art form. If you’ve ever wanted to hear a story about an outlaw who truly lived life on the edge (and then some), you’re in the right place.

So, grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the wild ride that is the story of Hank Vaughan. Trust me, you won’t believe half of what this guy pulled off!

🔹 Highlights:

* Hank’s early years and how he got into horse thievery

* The insane Pilot Rock jump that left a posse speechless

* His notorious Missouri Duel, where close range had a whole new meaning

* Hank’s final years, filled with bar stunts, practical jokes, and one last tragic ride

🎙 Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts!

#OutlawLegends #HankVaughan #WildWestPodcast #OregonHistory #WesternStories #GunfightsAndRustlers #OldWestOutlaws

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In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, we will explore the surprising story behind the California Camel Experiment and its connection to the Virginia City Camel Races. From the mid-19th century trials of camels in the American Southwest to the whimsical camel races in Nevada today, I'll take you on a journey through this quirky slice of history. Learn about the ambitious camel experiment, the camels' unexpected successes and failures, and how these animals ended up racing in Virginia City. Join me for a blend of fascinating history and fun tales that highlight this unusual chapter of America's past!

(Video version will go live at 6am on 8/6/2024)

Read the blog version

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“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”

“Carpe Diem”

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying.”

What do all of these sayings have in common?

They can describe the city in California nearby Sacramento that boomed for just a month. The people knew it wouldn't last, but at the time Sacramento was uninhabitable so they did the most American thing there is and shook the mud off their boots rose to the occasion and made the most of a bad situation. What city am I talking about?

Hoboken, and this is no jokin'

Click here to read

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Queho was and is known for being Nevada's first serial killer who was never caught.

To read click this link

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Butch Cassidy is a famous outlaw so this episode I share the story of one of his “Wild Bunch” a guy known as News Carver

To read the Article version Click here

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Calaveras County in Northern California Absolutely loves frogs, they are obsessed. Frog murals, frog statues, frog plaques, a frog walk of fame and of course they have the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee where they have the annual Jumping frog competition. So why is Calaveras County, Angels Camp in particular, frog obsessed? To the point there was a court case that went to the Calaveras Supreme Court about a frogs and toads? Well To answer that question You need to watch/Listen/Read this episode.

link to read

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Yankee Jim was the victim of mistaken identity, there were two criminals back in the early 1850's known by the name Yankee Jim. Both were tall, both were criminals but one more so than the other. Nowadays most don't know there were two and make the same mistake the court in San Diego made and combine the two men into one. Intrigued?

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Could I have stumbled upon THE John from the Irish folk song John Kanaka? Come along with me and learn the story of a Kanaka who was never supposed to be and his adventures in California.

Prefer to read? Click here

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com