On February 23, 2024, at 19:00, the Barton County Historical Society will host a presentation by historian Roger Myers, focusing on prominent figures from the cattle trade era of the American West. The event will take place in the Ray Schulz Research Library, located within the historical village in Great Bend. Admission is complimentary for members, while non-members can attend for a fee of $5 at the door.
Myers, who resides south of Larned, is a retired cooperative general manager with a deep passion for the history of the Wild West. He graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a minor in history. For approximately 30 years, Myers has dedicated himself to studying and documenting the history of old West Kansas, contributing articles to esteemed publications such as Wild West, True West, and Old West magazines, as well as peer-reviewed journals like Wild West History Journal and Panhandle-Plains Historical Review.
Insights on Notorious Figures and Upcoming Publication
During the program, Myers will delve into the lives of significant cattle trade personalities, including Ham Bell, Tom Sherman, and Big Nose Kate, who were influential in the development of Great Bend before relocating to Dodge City. Recently, Myers uncovered intriguing details about Bell’s past, revealing that he was incarcerated in the local jail during the 1870s before becoming the sheriff of Ford County.
Myers is also set to release a book titled “Violence on the Plains,” which will explore several violent incidents in Kansas’s Wild West history. This work is expected to be published later this year by The History Press.
Event Details and Membership Information
The Barton County Historical Society is situated at 85 South U.S. 281 in Great Bend. The society operates from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 17:00 during the winter months, with extended summer hours beginning in April, which will include weekend access.
Memberships to the Historical Society can be purchased at the event or during regular business hours, providing an opportunity for attendees to support local history initiatives.
