What was the real name of Wild Bill Hickok, the frontier scout and gunfighter?

Wild Bill Hickok’s real name was James Butler Hickok.

He was born in Homer, Illinois, in 1837 and became known as a scout, lawman, gambler, and gunfighter during the American frontier era. The nickname “Wild Bill” became associated with him during his years in the West, although the details of its origin are disputed.

Hickok worked as a marshal in places including Abilene, Kansas, where he enforced local law during the cattle-town era. He was also associated with the scout and showman William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill.

Hickok was shot from behind while playing poker in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, on August 2, 1876. The cards he reportedly held became known as the “dead man’s hand,” although the exact historical details surrounding that legend are uncertain.