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Finding aid of the The Rocky Mountain Steve Papers
98.198
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Table of contents
Title: Rocky Mountain Steve Papers
Dates: 1890-1920
Collection number: 98.198
Creator:
Hicks, Steve, 1870-
Collection Size:
.5 linear feet
23 items
Repository:
Autry National Center. Institute for the Study of the American West
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Abstract: Collection relating to the life of cowboy and sharpshooter Stephen Hicks, also known as "Rocky Mountain Steve."
Physical location: Autry Library
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Collection is open for research. Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/research_application.php
or contact library staff at (323) 667-2000.
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Library, Autry National Center. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Library Director. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the
Autry Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder,
which must also be obtained by the reader.
[Item identification] Rocky Mountain Steve Papers, 98.198. Autry Library, Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA
Purchase, High Noon Western Collectibles 1998
Processed by Sharon Johnson, 1998.
Biography / Administrative History
Steven Hicks, or "Rocky Mountain Steve," was born in Blountville, Tennessee in 1870. His early family life was poor, and so
he left home at the age of 11. He traveled to Texas, where he learned bronco busting and sharp shooting on a large cattle
ranch. At age 21, he left Texas and traveled throughout the West and South, giving sharp shooting exhibitions. He finally
settled in Dallas, where he created a roping, riding and sharp shooting show that drew large audiences. He often performed
with his young son, William. Hicks was good friends with Geronimo and his daughter Eva; he also occasionally participated
in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and Miller's 101 Ranch shows. He acquired his name after spending time bronco busting in
the Rocky Mountains in Mexico.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection of photographs, one program and book relating to the life of cowboy and sharpshooter Stephen Hicks, also known
as "Rocky Mountain Steve." Studio portraits show Hicks and/or his young son Willie posing with rifles used in their sharp
shooting act. Other photographs are of 101 Ranch Wild West Show performers, including Joe Miller, Zach Miller, Tom Mix, Indians
from Holdenville in the Indian Territory, and Pawnee Bill and his wife May Lillie. Also included in the collection is a program
for Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show, and a pamphlet entitled "Life and adventure of Rocky Mountain Steve" with
a sketch of his life, poetry, and recipes for treating various animal ailments.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Rocky Mountain Steve.
Pawnee Bill, 1860-1942.
Stephen Hicks, 1870-
Lillie, May.
Miller Bros. and Arlington 101 Ranch Real Wide West Show.
Wild west shows.
Shooters of firearms--West (U.S.)
Indians of North America--West (U.S.)--Pictorial works.
Photographs.
Programs.
Life and Adventure of Rocky Mountain Steve / by Stephen Hicks