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Rocky Mountain Steve Papers
98.198  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Conditions Governing Access
  • Biographical Note
  • Preferred Citation
  • Scope and Contents
  • Conditions Governing Use

  • Contributing Institution: Library and Archives at the Autry
    Title: Rocky Mountain Steve Papers
    Identifier/Call Number: 98.198
    Physical Description: 23 items
    Date (inclusive): 1890-1920
    Abstract: Collection relating to the life of cowboy and sharpshooter Stephen Hicks, also known as "Rocky Mountain Steve."
    Language of Material: English .

    Conditions Governing Access

    Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives  and fill out the Researcher Application Form.

    Biographical Note

    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.

    Preferred Citation

    Rocky Mountain Steve Papers, 1890-1920, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; 98.198; [item number] [date].

    Scope and Contents

    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.

    Conditions Governing Use

    Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian 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.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    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