Magic in Mesilla - Furniture & Fine Art Auction Closed (#16594065)

Captain Seth Bullock & Cowboys
Framed Photographic Print

This historic photograph captures Captain Seth Bullock and his renowned group of cowboys, a definitive image that encapsulates the rugged spirit of the American West. Taken in Washington, D.C., on March 4th, 1893, this assembly of frontiersmen commemorates the men who tamed the wild landscapes of the late 19th century.

In the photograph, you can see Captain Seth Bullock himself, the steadfast lawman and entrepreneur, standing prominently with his comrades. The group’s collective strength and determination are palpable, telling a story of the hardships and camaraderie of frontier life.

Seth Bullock, the central figure, was not just a lawman but also a businessman and a conservationist, who formed a deep friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt. His legacy extends beyond his reputation as a sheriff; he was instrumental in the creation of the first national forest in South Dakota.

These men weren't just cowboys; they were pioneers, lawmen, and businessmen. They represented an era of American expansion and the mythology of the West that continues to intrigue us to this day. This photograph is more than a glimpse into the past—it's a timeless narrative of courage, law, order, and entrepreneurship.

Add this historical photograph to your collection and own a piece of the true American West, where each face tells a story of adventure, grit, and the indomitable human spirit. Whether for educational purposes, historical interest, or simply as a conversation piece, this image is a testament to the men who shaped a nation's identity on the open range.

• Washington DC, March 4th 1905

Condition:
Good, As Shown

Size:
Overall: 32" X 41"
Visible: 23" X 32"

Additional Information:

1. Captain Seth Bullock (number 7): He was the first sheriff of Lawrence County and later a U.S. Marshal, appointed by Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Bullock was also a businessman and conservationist who played a significant role in the development of the town of Belle Fourche in South Dakota. He is best known for his friendship with Theodore Roosevelt and for representing the frontier lawman during the Wild West era​​.

2. Tom Mix (number 11): Before becoming a Hollywood star, Tom Mix was a real-life cowboy and horseman. He met Seth Bullock as part of Bullock’s Cowboy Brigade during the inauguration parade for Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. Mix later went on to become a major star of silent films, especially Westerns, where he performed his own stunts and was noted for his elaborate costumes and action-oriented films​​​​.

These two individuals are related through their participation in Seth Bullock's Cowboy Brigade, which paraded in Washington, D.C. during the inauguration of President Theodore Roosevelt, a celebration that underscored the president's cowboy persona and western heritage. Their historical relevance lies not only in their individual accomplishments but also in their embodiment of the American frontier spirit during a time of great change and the closing of the frontier. Their lives and careers symbolize the transition from the real-life ruggedness of the Wild West to its romanticized portrayal in early cinema.

1. George Fuller
2. Frank Smith
3. J.C. Wilson
4. J.E. McLaughlin
5. E. McLaughlin
6. F.J. Conlon
7. Captain Seth Bullock
8. Henry Kieffer
9. Frank Aikman
10. Mack Gillett
11. T.E. Mix
12. Jerome Heitzler
13. Ed Hennicke
14. F.J. Heisler
15. M. Ballantine
16. Charlie Cahill
17. Al Lepley
18. Ed Lemons
19. J.W. McLaughlin
20. Henry Roberts
21. French Keys
22. Will Wiltzius
23. Forrest Holcomb
24. R.F. Collett
25. C.I. Dye Johnson
26. Clarence Smith
27. Bob Johnson
28. Dr. N.E. Hicks
29. Robert Kazmar
30. Jack Hale
31. J.H. Minnick
32. Charles Rana
33. Ed. Casna
34. Thiego Shoemaker
35. Dave Thompson
36. W.H. Holmes
37. W.L. McLaughlin
38. W.R. Bailey
39. J. Hamilton
40. Henry Wittenhack