who was Wild Bill Hickok?

Question

i'm doing a history report on wild bill and i want some insight from the public on this historical figure

Answer 1

Wild Bill Hickok: Pistoleer, Peace Officer and Folk Hero
A legend in his own time, James Butler ('Wild Bill') Hickok was no average Joe when he went head-to-head with his enemies--he reportedly could 'draw and discharge his pistols with rapidity

James Butler Hickok's reputation as the Old West's premier gunfighter or "man-killer" made him a legend in his own lifetime--a distinction shared by few of his gunfighting contemporaries. Thanks to an article in Harper's New Monthly Magazine in February 1867 and some other colorful accounts published in the mid-1860s, Hickok, or rather "Wild Bill," as he was generally called, was soon elevated from regional to national status. And since his death in 1876, he has achieved worldwide fame.
Credited with the deaths of 100 or more badmen, Hickok emerged as perhaps the most prolific man-killer of his generation. But when some of his critics branded him a "red-handed murderer," his reaction was predictable. Hickok admitted his flaws and vices as do most people, but he reckoned that being called a red-handed murderer was going too far. In February 1873, it was widely reported that he had been shot dead by Texans at Fort Dodge in Kansas. Worse, it was suggested that, like all men of his kind, he had died with his boots on. Wild Bill broke his silence of some years and wrote angrily to several newspapers, declaring, "No Texan has, nor ever will `corral William.'" He also demanded to know who it was who prophesied that he and others should die with their boots on. "I have never insulted man or woman in my life, but if you knew what a wholesome regard I have for damn liars and rascals they would be liable to keep out of my way." Two years later, in conversation with Annie Tallant, one of the first white women to enter the Black Hills, Hickok again denied that he was a red-handed murderer, but admitted that he had killed men in self-defense or in the line of duty, adding, "I never allowed a man to get the drop on me."

Answer 2

Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody were two different people. Hickok was a former Pony Express rider who turned gunslinger who turned sheriff. He was shot in the back while playing poker, hence the nickname dead man's hand.

Answer 3

His real name was Bill Coady he was a frontiersman who lived in the real Wild West and made a living/money by bringing the Wild West to the public by live shows similar to modern day circus.

The shows involved gunmanship, horsemanship, whip cracking and mock fights i.e. cowboys and indians skirmishes drawn from his realife experiences.

Not sure but I think that is how Annie Oakly became famous i.e. appearing as a gunshot expert in his shows.

If you really want the lowdown look him upon the web.

Answer 4

He was a gunman and frontierman.