New Findings Regarding the 1865 Hickok-Tutt Shootout

Local History staff at the Springfield-Greene County Library District have uncovered evidence that contradicts the traditional placement of Wild Bill during the event. 

Two bronze discs placed on Park Central Square in 1975 mark where Hickok and Tutt were believed to have stood, based on limited sources available at the time. These markers assert that Hickok stood in the southeast corner of the square and that the men were 75 yards apart when Tutt was fatally shot. In 1997, archivist Robert Neumann uncovered the records from the 1865 court proceedings at the Greene County Archives. When Local History staff paired these records with other period sources, they discovered new details about the shootout.

Eyewitnesses described Hickok’s movements prior to the shootout in relation to various businesses that were located on the square. Using advertisements printed in Springfield newspapers in 1865, former Local History Associate Claire Porter identified where these businesses were. By cross-referencing these locations with eyewitness accounts, Porter found evidence suggesting that Hickok stood in the southwest corner of the square during the shootout.

Further analysis suggests Hickok and Tutt were likely closer than 75 yards when they fired at one another, although the exact distance is unknown.

“These findings underline the importance of returning to period sources in doing historical research,” said Brian Grubbs, Local History & Genealogy Manager.

Local History staff are working to reconstruct the events of the shootout using the 1865 court records and other historical sources. At this time, no period evidence has been found that supports the traditional placement of Hickok on the southeast corner of the square.

“This is a remarkable discovery by the Library’s Local History department and a significant update to the shootout history,” said Connie Yen, director of the Greene County Archives. The original eyewitness accounts and related court records remain preserved at the Greene County Archives.