In the 1840s, gold had officially been discovered in California, and many men made their way out West in search of riches. The early mining camps were dangerous places full of violence and crime. Law and order was needed, and the Vigilante Committee became the first organized deliverer of justice in these turbulent new towns. As more and more people headed out West, and many new towns sprang up, a more official system of law was needed. From the days of the California Gold Rush to the killing of Bill Tilghman, the last of the traditional frontier lawmen, this book discusses the men that shaped law and order in the 'Wild, Wild West'.

Author Biography

Charles M Robinson III is a history instructor at South Texas Community College and the author of twelve books. His book, 'Bad Hand: A Biography of General Ranald S Mackenzie', won the Texas State Historical Commission's prestigious T. R. Fehrenback Award and was honored by a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives. He is a member of a number of historical associations, and he lives in San Benito, Texas.