Back in Time Today
They say history is written by the victors—but sometimes, it’s carried at the hip. These 17 historical heavyweights didn’t just shape history—they packed heat while doing it. Whether for self-defense, intimidation, or sheer habit, these figures were rarely seen without a firearm close at hand.
1. Theodore Roosevelt
Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. President, was as rugged as they came. Known for his adventurous spirit, Roosevelt famously carried a revolver almost everywhere. Whether on African safaris hunting big game or delivering speeches, he was never unarmed.
In one memorable incident, he was shot during a speech but finished speaking before seeking medical help. This act of bravery only cemented his legacy further.
Roosevelt’s firearm was not just for protection but a symbol of his indomitable will and daring persona, reflecting the man who led the “Rough Riders” to victory.
2. Wild Bill Hickok
Wild Bill Hickok, a legendary gunslinger, lawman, and folk hero, made his mark with a pair of Colt Navy revolvers. Known for his sharp shooting and quick draw, he was a force to be reckoned with in the Old West.
Hickok never sat with his back to the door, a precaution that unfortunately didn’t save him from meeting his end in a card game.
Holding the infamous “Dead Man’s Hand,” his life and death became the stuff of legend, a tale woven into the fabric of American frontier history.
3. Bonnie Parker
Bonnie Parker, one half of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde duo, was as infamous as she was fascinating. Armed with rifles and pistols, she was more than just Clyde’s partner in crime.
Her penchant for posing with firearms turned her into a pop culture icon of rebellion and audacity during the Great Depression.
Parker’s legacy is immortalized in photographs that capture her daring spirit, making her a symbol of romanticized outlaw life, a mythos that continues to intrigue generations.
4. Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson, the 7th U.S. President, was known for his fiery temper and dueling prowess. Before his presidency, he fought in over a dozen duels, often over personal slights and insults directed at his wife.
Jackson carried a pistol everywhere, a habit born from his many confrontations. His most famous duel ended in a man’s death, cementing Jackson’s reputation as a formidable and contentious figure.
His readiness to defend his honor at gunpoint reflects the volatile and often violent nature of early American politics.
5. Geronimo
Geronimo, the Apache leader, is best known for his relentless resistance against U.S. and Mexican forces. A master of guerrilla warfare, he carried multiple firearms and traditional weapons.
His prowess with both modern and ancient arms made him a formidable opponent. His defiance became a symbol of indigenous resistance against encroaching colonial powers.
Geronimo’s legacy endures as a testament to the fighting spirit and resilience of Native American culture, a warrior who fought fiercely for his people’s freedom and rights.
6. Jesse James
Jesse James, the notorious outlaw, was a legend in his own time. Born in Missouri, he robbed banks and trains throughout the post-Civil War South, becoming a Robin Hood figure to some.
His embellished pistols were as much a part of his persona as his leather duster and infamous scowl. The firearms he wielded became symbols of his defiance against authority.
James’s life was a tumultuous mix of crime and folklore, a story that continues to captivate with its daring escapades and dramatic end.
7. Belle Starr
Belle Starr, famously known as “The Bandit Queen,” carved her niche in the Wild West’s male-dominated world. With a pearl-handled revolver always at her side, she was as charming as she was ruthless.
Her quick draw and grit earned her respect and notoriety in equal measure. Starr’s life was a blend of legend and reality, a tumultuous journey through lawlessness and rebellion.
Her story is a testament to female tenacity and cunning, a figure who embraced the outlaw life with vigor and style.
8. Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa, the iconic revolutionary leader, was a national folk hero in Mexico. Known for his strategic genius and charismatic leadership, his image, complete with cartridge belts and pistols, became emblematic of the cause he championed.
Firearms were not just tools of war for Villa but symbols of resistance and political power. His exploits in battle and shrewd use of media made him a larger-than-life figure.
Villa’s enduring legacy as a revolutionary strategist continues to inspire those fighting against oppression and tyranny.
9. Doc Holliday
Doc Holliday, a gambler, dentist, and gunslinger, was as enigmatic as he was deadly. Despite battling tuberculosis, he was known for his lethal aim and quick draw.
As Wyatt Earp’s right-hand man during the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, he was rarely without his revolver and derringer. His friendship and loyalty to Earp are legendary.
Holliday’s life was a whirlwind of gambling, gunfights, and frontier justice, a tale that adds a layer of mystique to the Wild West’s turbulent history.
10. Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane, known for her tough demeanor, was a frontier scout and sharpshooter who defied societal norms. Dressing in men’s attire, she was a crack shot from a young age.
Her rifle was her constant companion, a tool she relied on as she traveled alone across the rugged frontier. Stories of her adventures and exploits abound.
Jane’s life was a testament to her resilience and independence, a woman who lived on her terms in a world dominated by men. Her legacy endures in Wild West folklore.
11. Abraham Lincoln (During the Civil War)
Even Honest Abe carried a pistol during the tense days of the Civil War. Though not a habitual gun-carrier, Lincoln kept a firearm in his desk for personal protection.
The threat of assassination loomed large, a fear tragically realized later. His decision to arm himself reflected the perilous times he navigated as President.
Lincoln’s story is one of courage, leadership, and foresight, a leader steering a nation through its most turbulent era while bearing the weight of constant danger.
12. Al Capone
Al Capone, America’s most infamous gangster, was a man who trusted no one. Known for his ruthless business acumen and violent tactics, he was rarely unarmed.
Even his tailored suits had hidden holsters, a testament to his calculated paranoia. Whether at a speakeasy or his Chicago headquarters, Capone’s pistol was ever-present.
The legend of Scarface endures, a symbol of the lawless Roaring Twenties, a time when crime and elegance danced a dangerous tango in the shadows of prohibition.
13. Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp, lawman and gambler, was best known for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He was rarely seen without his trusted revolver, often tucked into a sash around his waist.
His life was a testament to the spirit of frontier justice, a blend of law and adventure that defined the American West. Earp’s name became synonymous with courage and resilience.
Earp’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the Wild West, a time when the line between lawman and outlaw was often blurred by necessity and circumstance.
14. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman didn’t just guide slaves to freedom; she carried a pistol to protect them from capture. Her fearlessness was legendary, as she navigated dangerous routes on the Underground Railroad.
Tubman reportedly threatened to shoot a frightened escapee rather than risk the group’s safety, showcasing her resolve. Her legacy as a freedom fighter and Union spy is etched in history.
Tubman’s life is a testament to bravery and sacrifice, a symbol of hope and determination in the face of oppression and tyranny.
15. Buffalo Bill Cody
Buffalo Bill Cody, a showman and scout, was larger than life. His Wild West shows turned him into a global celebrity, captivating audiences with tales of frontier adventures.
His pistol was as much a part of his brand as his iconic fringe jacket, a reminder of his real-life exploits. Cody’s charm and daring spirit made him a household name.
Cody’s legacy lives on as a cultural icon, a bridge between the gritty reality of the Wild West and the colorful myths that continue to capture imaginations.
16. Pat Garrett
Pat Garrett, the sheriff who famously killed Billy the Kid, was never without his firearm. As a lawman in the American Southwest, his life often depended on being quicker on the draw.
Garrett’s tenure was marked by high-stakes chases and tense standoffs, a relentless pursuit of justice in a lawless land. His legacy is intertwined with the turbulent history of the frontier.
Garrett’s story is one of duty and courage, a figure who stood firm in the face of danger, embodying the spirit of the Wild West’s lawmen.
17. Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley, known as “Little Sure Shot,” was a legend in marksmanship. Her custom-made firearms were her tools of the trade, with which she performed astonishing feats.
She could split a playing card from across a stage, wowing audiences with her precision. Oakley’s talent and charisma made her a star in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
Her story is one of skill and showmanship, a journey from humble beginnings to international fame, leaving a lasting mark on the world of entertainment and beyond.