Bill Markley

Topics: American Old West, History, Writing

Community: Pierre

Program Types: Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s)

https://www.billmarkley.com/
markley@pie.midco.net | (605) 224-5322

Searching for Truth in the Old West
Crazy Horse’s death. Did Buffalo Bill ride for the Pony Express? Could Custer have survived the Little Big Horn? Who was responsible for Wyoming’s Johnson County War? Why did the James/Younger Gang raid Minnesota’s Northfield Bank? Where and when did Sacagawea die? Why did Jack McCall kill Wild Bill? Sitting Bull’s two graves. Was Tom Horn guilty of murder? Did Butch Cassidy die in Bolivia? And more …

Deadwood, the First Months
Deadwood Dead Men is the title of Markley’s first historical novel based on actual events in Deadwood in August 1876. Markley discusses his research into Deadwood’s past, its characters, and the events that unfolded in the mining boomtown. Markley also discusses the processes of writing fiction and nonfiction.

Lawmen Wyatt Earp & Bat Masterson, Outlaws Billy the Kid & Jesse James, Native American Leaders Geronimo & Sitting Bull, and Plainsmen Wild Bill Hickok & Buffalo Bill Cody
Markley has written award-winning books comparing the lives of these Old West characters. He can tailor his presentation to talk about the lives of any of these people.

Dances with Wolves
2022 marked the 32nd anniversary of the release of “Dances with Wolves.” Markley was involved as a reenactor in its filming and appeared in scenes of the opening Civil War scene, Fort Hays where Dunbar was sent further west, and the final scene where the cavalry searched for the Lakota village in Spearfish Canyon. Markley kept a journal and has published it as “Dakota Epic.” Markley also discusses the process of journaling.

Dakota Territory Topics
Markley can discuss topics including the quarries at Pipestone, Minnesota, Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery, Kenneth McKenzie and the Choteau Family fur trade, the Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail, North Dakota’s Fort Dilts, murders of Bummer Dan, Spotted Tail, Wild Bill Hickok, and Deadwood’s China Doll. Is the guidon at the Cultural Heritage Center from the Battle of the Little Big Horn? He can tailor his presentation to the needs of the host organization.