02 03 Adventure with the RMKK People: Hunter Hot Springs Mystery Photograph 04 05 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33

Hunter Hot Springs Mystery Photograph

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The mystery and intrigue of the old west abound in this photograph showing a host of famous characters including Wyatt Earp, Theodore Roosevelt, Doc Holiday, "Liver Eating" Johnson, Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, Bat Materson, and Judge Roy Bean. It is purported that these notable figures gathered together for a hunting trip to Hunters Hot Springs, Montana.

Hunter Hot Springs Montana Photo

I first saw this photograph, which is dated 1883, in the hall of history at Kalispell Center Mall. It was one of many black and white pictures hanging in the hallway leading to the restroom. My family and I often seek out the little gems and were looking at the historical photographs (not looking for the bathroom). There is a lot of charm in the old pictures and we learned a lot. Looking at the pictures, we traveled back in time to discover how the early settlement of Kalispell looked over 100 years ago.

When we ran across the infamous Hunter Hot Springs photo, we were intrigued. It was thoroughly amazing to think that these well-known men gathered altogether; then posed for a photo, no less. Lawmen, outlaws, and a future president, all in one setting; how incredible is that?  My camera follows me a lot of places, so of course I took a snapshot.

Since then I’ve done a bit of research into this mysterious photograph. It seems there is some debate as to its authenticity. It is well known that Teddy Roosevelt was an avid hunter and had a ranch in North Dakota, but it is questionable if he was hunting in Montana at the time of the picture. Others say Butch Cassidy and Sundance would have been about 17 when the photo was taken. They attest that the men in the picture don’t look that young. I’m not so sure, have you ever seen how teenagers used to look back then?  The date of the photo also seems to raise questions.  Morgan Earp, Wyatt's brother, had been murdered the year before in 1882, hence would not have been around in 1883 for a hunting trip. Another interesting tidbit I found out about this fascinating photograph is that it is considered a collectible by some. And from what I understand, they are willing to pay a pretty good price for it.

Genuine or fake, I’m no expert. I simply love romanticizing about the old west.



 

Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts with me and exploring my blog! Shan., I'm impressed....you read the whole thing!

Other articles you may enjoy:
See ya out west somewhere,
Marlene

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