The Sweet Smell of Sagebrush

Latest Episodes:

Asa Mercer and The Banditti of the Plains, Part 2-The Discovery! Nov 01, 2024

Part 2 of Asa Mercer and the Banditti of the Plains. This episode explains the unique discovery of what I have had in my possession for over 30 years and just recently was able to verify what it really was. A very important document relating to the most important and rare book in Wyoming's history! Enjoy!

Asa Mercer and the Banditti of the Plains Sep 10, 2024

The Johnson County War in 1892, was a moment in history that defined what kind of state Wyoming was to become. Would outside big money interests continue to control it or would the smaller homesteaders have a future for themselves. By authoring "The Banditti of the Plains", Asa Mercer created a bombshell. He exposed the powerful people in the state for their role in the invasion of Johnson County. This is part one, introducing you to Mr. Mercer, and the many interesting scemes he was involved in.

Madden/McDermott Murders Pt.2 Jan 10, 2023

After being acquitted in the trial for the killing of his son in Part 1, James McDermott faces another arrest for the theft of the U. S mail and is taken to Cheyenne for another trial. After that the authorities hear about him and have him arrested and taken to Montana for the killing of a Mr. Murane, his wife's lover, eight years earlier, then he eventually finds his way back to Wyoming and has a confrontation with his wife and her newest lover which does not go well.

The Madden/MacDermott Murders Part 1 Apr 01, 2022

James MacDermott had already killed one man in Montana for having relations with his wife and now he is approaching his best friends cabin to bring his wife home to him and the children, but he's met with an angry man with a Colt in his hand.

The Sad Saga of Miss Annie Bruce Feb 08, 2021

Seventeen year old Annie Bruce became the first female inmate at the Wyoming State Penitentiary and the first woman convicted of any form of murder in the state.

She confessed to the murder of her father by poison. Was she guilty or did she take the fall to protect her mother?

You be the judge.

Teton Jackson Nov 05, 2019

In the 1880's, horseflesh was as valuable as the weapon at your side. It was your mode of transportation and your horsepower for your work. And losing them to horse thieves was a serious crime on the range. Learn how Teton Jackson became the most feared of them all.

Spring Creek Raid-Epilogue Sep 06, 2019

The Spring Creek Raid-The Trial Apr 02, 2019

The tables have turned and the fate of the cattlemen lies with the jury. Does justice prevail or does the influence of the Wyoming Stockgrowers again save the day?

The Spring Creek Raid-Gunfire Splits the Night Mar 26, 2019

The Sheepmen made one last camp just 4 miles from their home and as they slept, seven masked raiders approached their camp.

The Spring Creek Raid-Introduction Mar 26, 2019

After years of conflict between Sheepmen and Cattlemen over the range, it came to a head the moonlit night of April 9th, 1909 when masked raiders attacked the sheep camp and killed three sheepmen.

What a Cowboy Means To Me Aug 09, 2018

I was asked to speak at a National Day of the Cowboy event a few years back and wrote a poem about the kind of Cowboys that I have been fortunate to know. The American Cowboy magazine published it and I'm happy to bring it to you.

The Woman in Blue---Part 3 Aug 09, 2018

After Belle Drewry was killed, the town of Arland dried up and became a ghost town. But a chance discovery in 1978 led to William Gallagher, Blind Bill Hoolihan, and Belle Drewry to live again and have their stories told.

Woman in Blue---Part 2 Jul 31, 2018

Follow the lives and deaths of William Gallagher, Blind Bill Hoolihan, and Belle Drewry as the drama unfolds in the 1890's Wyoming Cowtown of Arland.

Woman in Blue, Part 1 Jul 31, 2018

Arland, Wyoming, was established in 1884 on Meeteetse Creek, 20 miles south of present day Cody, Wyoming by Vic Arland at the request of neighboring ranches to supply them with goods and merchantile. It became one of the wildest and lawless Cowtowns of it's day. Join me in Part 1 and learn about the man and his town.

The Last Plains Indian Chief Jun 19, 2018

Chief Joe Medicine Crow was the last remaining chief of the Crow Indian tribe. I spent a day with this extraordinary man at a Crow camp outside of Meeteetse, Wyoming in 2011. He told me his remarkable story on how he became a chief of his tribe. Joe was the first Crow to obtain a Master's degree in anthropology, and he enlisted in the Army in 1943 and fought the Germans in France. This is his story as he told it to me.

The Wonders of the Big Horn Basin May 25, 2018

The Big Horn Basin in northern Wyoming is a very special area, completely surrounded by mountains, it is the largest amphitheater in the world! It's prehistory researched by Dr. George Frison, a world renowned archeologist and native to the basin, makes it one of the most important archeological sites in North America. Find out why, and listen to Buffalo Bill's comments about this magnificent place.

Introduction to: The Sweet Smell of Sagebrush May 24, 2018

I'm Clay Gibbons and welcome to my first podcast! In this you will hear a preview of topics that I will cover as I take you for a trip through Wyoming history, some known and some little known stories that I think you will find of interest.

Throughout the years as I traveled the area telling stories, I have continually been asked if I have written a book. Well, I haven't because I didn't know if I could write well, and their reply was to just write it like I told it. Now that I have been introduced to the world of podcasts, I have found an outlet that allows me to tell the stories for your entertainment. I hope you enjoy them, and leave comments!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Sweet Smell of Sagebrush

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected