The Most Unforgettable Quotes Ever Uttered By Icons Of The Wild West

Who said two pistols were better than a double six in a dice game? Which individual preferred Hell to Texas? And who claimed there were two Bibles in Tombstone? They’re actually all words spoken by some of the most iconic figures of the Old West. So, from Jesse James’ philosophy on life to Calamity Jane’s views on the booze, we’ve dug out 40 startling quotes from that era.

40. General Sherman rates Texas

“If I owned Hell and Texas I’d rent out Texas and live in Hell.”

After helping the Unionists to victory in the American Civil War, General William Tecumseh Sherman was sent on a mission to Texas. His orders were to observe what the French were up to in Mexico. Apparently, Texans gave him a less than fulsome welcome to their territory, and that prompted his withering words about the state.

40. General Sherman rates Texas

“If I owned Hell and Texas I’d rent out Texas and live in Hell.”

After helping the Unionists to victory in the American Civil War, General William Tecumseh Sherman was sent on a mission to Texas. His orders were to observe what the French were up to in Mexico. Apparently, Texans gave him a less than fulsome welcome to their territory, and that prompted his withering words about the state.

39. Charles Goodnight on cowardice

“Cowards never lasted long enough to become real cowboys.”

According to the National Cowboy Museum, Texas rancher Charles Goodnight was the man who invented the chuck wagon – an essential element of cross country cattle drives. But he also found time to consider the weaknesses that were fatal to the cowboy. Cowardice, Goodnight declared, was a fatal flaw for anyone who dreamed of a life on the range.

39. Charles Goodnight on cowardice

“Cowards never lasted long enough to become real cowboys.”

According to the National Cowboy Museum, Texas rancher Charles Goodnight was the man who invented the chuck wagon – an essential element of cross country cattle drives. But he also found time to consider the weaknesses that were fatal to the cowboy. Cowardice, Goodnight declared, was a fatal flaw for anyone who dreamed of a life on the range.