On August 2, 1876, one of the American West’s most iconic figures met his fate in Deadwood, South Dakota. James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok—a man whose name became synonymous with fearless gunfights, law enforcement, and poker tables—was shot in the back while holding what would forever be known as the “Dead Man’s Hand”: aces and eights.

Born in Illinois in 1837, Hickok wasn’t just a gunfighter. He was a lawman, gambler, and occasional scout whose life blurred the line between fact and folklore. His reputation as a sharpshooter was cemented in 1861 when he reportedly killed three attackers in a single gunfight. The tale became national news six years later when Harper’s New Monthly Magazine published a sensationalized account of the encounter, transforming Hickok into a living legend of the Wild West.

Despite the embellishments of dime novels and newspaper stories, Hickok’s exploits were rooted in real danger. He served as a lawman in towns like Abilene and Hays City, Kansas—places where keeping the peace often meant a showdown at high noon. His cool demeanor and reputation with a revolver earned him respect, fear, and no shortage of enemies.

But on that fateful day in Deadwood, even Wild Bill couldn’t escape an ambush. Jack McCall, a disgruntled gambler, shot him from behind while Hickok was deep in a poker game. In that moment, Hickok’s legend shifted from man to myth.

In 1994, the U.S. Postal Service honored his enduring place in history with a 29¢ stamp as part of the “Legends of the West” series (Scott 2869). The stamp shows Hickok in his signature broad-brimmed hat, cards in hand, and the rugged frontier stretching behind him. It’s a tribute to the larger-than-life man whose story continues to capture imaginations nearly 150 years later.

Whether you’re a stamp collector, history buff, or someone who just loves a good Wild West tale, this stamp isn’t just a piece of postage—it’s a piece of Americana.