Cheyenne in Laramie County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Tom Horn

"Killing Men Is My Specialty"

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 27, 2016

1. Tom Horn Marker

Inscription. At this site on January 12, 1902, Cattle Detective Tom Horn was tricked into making a series of incriminating statements that were used as a "confession" to the July 18, 1901, murder of 14-year-old Willie Nickell at Iron Mountain, west of Chugwater and northwest of Cheyenne. Tom Horn had been carousing all night, and was intoxicated at the time.

The conversation took place in the room behind the bay window above this plaque, which was the U.S. Marshal's office. Deputy U.S. Marshal Joe Lefors had hidden two witnesses, one a stenographer, behind a door adjacent to this room. The stenographer took down only parts of Tom Horn's remarks. This so-called confession was the primary evidence in Tom Horn's conviction in October 1902. He was hanged at the historic County Courthouse at 19th and Carey Avenues on November 20, 1903, the day before his forty-third birthday. He was the last person legally hanged in a Wyoming county seat.

Erected by Tom Horn Kick & Growl Historical Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is November 20, 1903.

Location. 41° 7.953′ N, 104° 48.968′ W. Marker is in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in Laramie County. Marker is on West 16th Street (Lincolnway) near Carey

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Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 West 16th Street (Lincolnway), Cheyenne WY 82001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Transcontinental Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Cheyenne's Heritage at a Glance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tivoli Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trolleys / Cheyenne's Street Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1974 Downtown National Historic District (about 300 feet away); Suffrage Tablet (about 300 feet away); The Union Pacific Railroad (about 400 feet away); The first steam-powered locomotive reached Cheyenne on November 14, 1867 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cheyenne.

Also see . . . The Hanging of Tom Horn - Eyewitness to History. From 1895 to 1901, Horn worked as an "enforcer" for the large cattle interests in Colorado and Wyoming. He was charged with the task of tracking down and "dealing justice" to those suspected of stealing cattle or encroaching on their range. Horn’s “justice” was delivered by a bullet fired by his 30-30 Winchester carbine from a concealed position. (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 27, 2016

2. Tom Horn Marker

The marker is below the bay window.

Additional keywords. outlaws & renegades

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 27, 2016

3. Tom Horn Marker

Tom Horn awaits his execution, 1903 image. Click for full size.

4. Tom Horn awaits his execution, 1903

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,734 times since then and 60 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week June 19, 2016. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.