John Wesley Hardin
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(May 26, 1853 - August 19, 1895) Born in Bonham, Texas, John Wesley Hardin was named for the founder of Methodism. "Wes" Hardin grew into a family man, cowboy, and outlaw who claimed to have killed more than 30 men. An unusual sort of gunslinger, Hardin considered himself a pillar of society who killed to save his own life. Hardin served 15 years in state prison for murder, was pardoned, then opened a law office in El Paso in May 1895. He was killed 3 months later by John Selman, an El Paso city constable. (1998)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Bonham in 1853 and named for the founder of Methodism, John Wesley "Wes" Hardin became one of the most notorious gunmen of the Old West, claiming to have killed more than thirty men while insisting he only killed to save his own life. He served fifteen years in state prison for murder, was pardoned, and in May 1895 opened a law office in El Paso. Three months later he was shot dead by city constable John Selman.
Why it matters
Hardin's violent life and contradictions — outlaw, family man, and would-be lawyer — capture the lawless edge of the post-Civil War Texas frontier that fueled the enduring legend of the American West.
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Related people
- · John Wesley Hardin
- · John Selman
Themes & tags
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