Cavalcade of Ask The Marshall

Lessons I have learned during more than a quarter century of “Ask the Marshall.”

- BY MARSHALL TRIMBLE

Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s official historian and the beloved, now-retired writer of Ask The Marshall, has shared countless stories over the years. We asked him to select a handful of his favorites to feature in 2025. This collection showcases some of his top picks.

What kind of poker was Wild Bill Hickok playing at the time he was shot?

James Summerlin Lawrenceville, GA

Nobody seems to know what particular poker game they were playing at the Number 10 Saloon in Deadwood that day.

Joe Rosa, Hickok's late biographer, never saw it written anywhere. The late Bob DeArment, author of Knights of the Green Cloth, said, “I've never seen a reference to the particular poker game Bill was playing at the time, and I don’t think anyone else has either. From things I have read by students of poker history, five-card stud and draw were the games played in the West.” So it may have been one of those. I doubt if anyone thought it was very important at the time.

What was the truth behind the truth behind the OK Corral shootout?

Alexander Durvin, Jr. Washington, MD