The Frisco shootout was an
Old West gunfight that began on December 1, 1884, involving
lawman Elfego Baca. The shootout happened in
Reserve, New Mexico, and stemmed from Baca's arrest of a
cowboy
A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the '' vaqu ...
, Charlie McCarty, who had been shooting into the air and into buildings at random while intoxicated.
Shootout
Shortly after the arrest was made, Baca was confronted by a large number of the cowboy's friends. Baca took refuge in the house of local resident Geronimo Armijo. An intense shootout ensued, during which the cowboys increased in number to around eighty men.
Legend
A legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions, believed or perceived, both by teller and listeners, to have taken place in human history. Narratives in this genre may demonstrate human values, and possess ...
has it that the cowboys fired more than 4,000 rounds into the house, but there is little way of confirming just how many rounds were fired exactly. Baca was not wounded by any of the rounds fired, but did return fire killing four of the cowboys, and wounding eight others. The standoff ended when the cowboys were unable to acquire more ammunition. With their ammunition supply depleted, they simply withdrew. The fight had lasted thirty-six hours.
Charlie McCarty served his time in
jail for disturbing the peace and drunkenness, and was released. The cowboys pursued Baca through legal means, attempting to have him imprisoned for the killing of their four comrades. In May 1885, Baca was
indicted for the killing of one of the men. However, when the door of Geronimo Armijo's house was introduced as evidence, having over four hundred bullet holes in it, Baca was
acquitted. He went on to become a licensed
attorney and a
Deputy US Marshal.
Memorial project
On May 24, 2008, the Elfego Baca Foundation opened a memorial at 101 Main St
Reserve, New Mexico, in honor of Baca.
"Projects"
, Catron Concerned Citizens Group. Retrieved 8/24/08.
References
External links
GhostTowns.com
Legends of America website.
Western Web
Archived from 2007
Borderlands
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{{Catron County
{{Gunfights and feuds in the Old West
{{American frontier
1884 in New Mexico Territory
History of Catron County, New Mexico
American Old West gunfights
December 1884 events
Deaths by firearm in New Mexico