Some Western Legends

1813-1890
John Charles Fremont
Nicknamed "the Pathfinder," Mr. Fremont made trail-blazing expeditions west of the Rockies. He later served as one of California's first senators and ran, unsuccessfully, as the first Republican candidate for president in 1856.

1837-1876
Wild Bill Hickok
James Butler Hickok helped bring order to frontier towns as a lawman, and earned a reputation as a top-notch gunfighter. He found wide-spread fame after publications like Harper's New Monthly Magazine gave accounts (some fictionalized) of his exploits.

1848-1929
Wyatt Earp
The lawman and gunslinger is best known for taking part in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, which pit the Earp brothers against Ike Clanton's gang in Tombstone, Ariz. Three of Clanton's gang were killed; the Earps survived.

1860-1926
Annie Oakley
The expert markswoman could hit coins tossed in the air and cigarettes from a person's lips, and became a star attraction in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. (Born in Ohio.)

1902
The Virginian
The title character of the book, by Owen Wister, is considered the first fully realized cowboy hero in American literature. His most famous quote:"When you call me that, smile." The story was made into several films, including a 1929 version starring Garry Cooper.

1907-1979
John Wayne
The "Duke" acted in more than 175 movies, including "The Searchers" and "Red River." His legacy lives on: His name will appear on a home decor line of wooden signs and hat racks.

1911-2004
Ronald Reagan
The former president appeared in more than 50 films, including several stints playing a cowboy - an association he cultivated in his political life, helping him win the election for governor of California in 1966 and, in 1980, the presidency.

1930
Clint Eastwood
Mr. Eastwood first rose to fame on the TV series "Rawhide," and then as the star of Sergio Leone's Western trilogy. He briefly brought his tough image to a political role, serving as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in Calif., in the '80's.