A Tall Tale of Two Bills

Did lawman Bill Tilghman really arrest outlaw Bill Doolin?

The story goes like this: famed outlaw Bill Doolin was beat up and tired in January 1896. So he went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to take in the hot springs and get some relief from the aches and pains and rigors of being on the run. Deputy U.S. Marshal Bill Tilghman was tipped off as to Doolin’s location. On January 15, the lawman walked into a bathhouse and drew a gun on his adversary, capturing one of the most wanted men in the West. It was the crowning glory of Bill Tilghman’s career.

Or was it?

Newspapers at the time expressed doubts.

There had been reports that Doolin was tired of being on the dodge and wanted to surrender to the manhunters. The State Capitol claimed that Doolin had agreed to give up, in exchange for half the reward on his head and a light sentence. That was never confirmed. It was only one publication, however, that didn’t buy the “capture at the bathhouse” tale.