"One of the most hilarious autobiographies that has come out in a long time, this story of Buckskin Joe will entertain readers of all ages. . . . [Glenn Shirley] has done an excellent job in arranging and editing Hoyt's war diary, penciled notes, and other materials into a readable book. It makes a bully story."—Wayne Gard, Southwest Review In his lifetime Edward Jonathan Hoyt, better known as Buckskin Joe, staged more excitement than Buffalo Bill, Fairbanks and Flynn, Karl Wallenda, and Batman put together. Born in Canada in 1840, he fought in the Civil War, homesteaded in southern Kansas, chased outlaws as a U.S. marshal in the Cherokee Outlet, prospected for gold from Nova Scotia to Central America, and served as a troubleshooter for "Haw" Tabor, the Silver King of Leadville. But essentially he was an entertainer, specializing in fêtes of music and feats of strength and agility. The master of sixteen musical instruments, he played in frontier bands. An acrobat and aerialist, he toured in circuses, once walking a tightrope two thousand feet above the Royal Gorge. His last hurrah, before pursuing his fortune in the jungles of Honduras, was a tour in Pawnee Bill's Wild West show. Glenn Shirley, who edited Joe's journals, is the author of Law West of Fort Smith (also a Bison Book) and many other works on frontier and outlaw history.

Distributed by the University of Nebraska Press for Caxton Press This book features information and travel directions for sixty of Colorado's ghost towns and mining camps. There is an informal history of each town, along with early and contemporary photographs to aid in site identification.

Find out quirky facts and wacky trivia about Colorado.

Depicts the history of more than one hundred Colorado towns abandoned after the end of the mining boom

Caroline Bancroft's 'Unique Ghost Towns and Mountain Spots' is a meticulously researched and insightful exploration of the abandoned settlements and hidden gems scattered throughout the American West. Through vivid descriptions and historical anecdotes, Bancroft brings to life the rich tapestry of these forgotten places, from the remnants of bustling mining towns to the majestic mountain landscapes that have captivated travelers for centuries. Her writing is both evocative and informative, painting a vivid picture of the unique history and culture of each location she explores. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, geography, and folklore in the American West. Caroline Bancroft, a renowned historian and author, has dedicated her career to uncovering the hidden stories of the American West. Her passion for preserving the region's history and heritage shines through in 'Unique Ghost Towns and Mountain Spots', offering readers a glimpse into her deep knowledge and expertise on the subject. Bancroft's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a valuable resource for both scholars and casual readers alike, inviting them to discover the untold tales of the West's most intriguing places. I highly recommend 'Unique Ghost Towns and Mountain Spots' to anyone with a curiosity for the history and folklore of the American West. Whether you are a history buff, a travel enthusiast, or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, Bancroft's book will transport you to a world of forgotten landscapes and untold stories, leaving a lasting impression on your understanding of the region's colorful past.