The Shooters
July 8, 2025
The gunfighter portrayed by Hollywood is a myth. There were shootouts, people died, but the gunfighter only shot when the odds were in his favor. The fast draw did not exist. Murder was far down the list of crimes, most were drunkenness, assault, larceny, thievery, vagrancy, gambling and burglary. The gunfighter influenced literature, was a romantic figure and is the stuff of legends.
4th of July - Request to My Listeners
July 1, 2025
Today is the 4th of July, we honor our founding fathers and those who fought and died for our freedom. Also, a request to you my listeners regarding the continuing of the Dr History Podcast.
Native American Medicine - Part Three
June 24, 2025
Over hundreds of years, tribes discovered the use of food and herbs to promote health and healing. They were skilled at treating bullet and arrow wounds. They set and immobilized fractures. They had little difficulty with childbirth. The introduction of European diseases killed millions as they had no immunity.
Native American Medicine - Part Two
June 17, 2025
The medicine man or Shaman was honored and respected second only to the chief, and sometimes was the chief. Some women were allowed to become shamans. It took seven years to become a shaman in the Blackfeet tribe. Herbs played a huge part for the shaman. There were at least 138 species of plants used for medicine and food.
Native American Medicine
June 10, 2025
Thousands of years of trial and error, humans found ways to treat wounds and illnesses. The Indians had some methods better than the Europeans. They performed amputations, treated fractures and snakebites, removed arrows, used herbs and sweat lodges. Each family had a medicine bundle with special objects needed for a healthy survival.
The Country Doctor
June 3, 2025
They practiced with little help and resources. No hospital, a laboratory or X-ray equipment, only the strongest and most courageous could endure the long nights, bad weather, home visit for little or no pay. He carried all his equipment in a bag including what limited medication available in those days. "May the family doctor never be completely eliminated" (Montana Medical Association)
The Shoshone Tribe
May 27, 2025
The Great Shoshone Nation ranged from Wyoming to Boise to Salt Lake and included Ute, Gosuit, Piute, Hopi, Comanche, Kiowa and the Aztec.They were hunters and gatherers, expert at basketry. Food included wild game and insects. Rabbit drives were for the skins which were used for clothing, blankets and saddle blankets. Tattooing and ear rings were common. Horses were traded to the Shoshone by the Comanche and Kiowa and were considered the best horses.
William W. Mayo
May 20, 2025
William W. Mayo immigrated in 1846, married and moved to Minnesota Territory. He was a surgeon in the Union Army in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1864 he opened his first medical practice. He was joined by both sons. They cared for survivors of a tornado, and with the help of Mother Alfred Moes and two hospitals formed the Mayo Clinic. Now, over 7,300 physicians and scientist, they saw 1.3 million patients in 2022.
Widzhebue
May 13, 2025
While picking berries, she was captured by Assiniboine raiders, dreaded enemy of the Shoshone. She was taken to Northeastern Montana. Given to a warrior as a second wife, she found the first wife intended to kill her, so she planned her escape. She hid in a hole in a river bank for three days, then made her way over 1200 miles back to her family on the Raft River. She was the mother of Chief Pocatello.
Rocky Mountain Stage Drivers - Part Two
May 6, 2025
Not all drivers were honorable. Some had partners rob their own stage, others died defending their passengers. They were cramped, bored, lacked sleep, some even went crazy. Plenty of good food at times to poor quality if any. Buffalo hunters, scouts and adventurers could provide exciting stories.