Wild Bill Hickok's rise to legendary status began with a defining moment during the McCanles Massacre in July 1861, which took place in Rock Creek, Nebraska. At the time, Hickok was merely a stable-hand, but he found himself in a deadly confrontation when David McCanles and his men confronted him over a financial dispute. In a fierce exchange, Hickok triumphed by killing all three men, despite sustaining injuries himself. This harrowing encounter quickly captured public attention, leading to sensationalized accounts that exaggerated his exploits. Newspapers and magazines, such as Harper's New Monthly Magazine, would claim that Hickok was responsible for the deaths of numerous men, further embellishing his persona as a fearless gunfighter.
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