The Story of the Great Spanish Bull Fight of 1884
The business ventures in 1884 were lingering and most of the businessmen in Dodge City needed a boost from the declining cattle trade. The downsizing of Front Street and the lack of whiskey sales prompted the former Mayor Alonso Webster to come up with a business proposition. Webster’s idea was to promote a bullfight. His idea of a genuine Mexican bullfight to celebrate the Fourth of July would once again bring Dodge to national acclaim and popularity. Webster later said he did not know how he happened to think of the idea, but as soon as he had it he proceeded to examine the statute books, and finding no law against it pushed the matter for all it was worth.
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Dodge had always been a sporting town. A bullfight would not be any different from the usual parade, races, prizefights and hose-cart team competitions. Webster’s idea did not go unattested. A number of so-called good and moral people of the city attempted to convey the impression that there will be not be a bullfight held in Dodge. The once been elected Mayor had become so very familiar with this class of fanatical agitators. These were where the ones who eternally opposed every enterprise calculated to advertise Dodge and promote its growth and prosperity. It is the same class of men and women for years had done nothing but howl and kick and at the same time had grown wealthy from Dodge City business ventures.
Despite the resistance the former mayor formed the Dodge City Driving Park and Fair Association. The association in a short amount of time collected over $10,000 from the merchants to pay for the festivities. Ham Bell was elected president of the association and Webster became its general manager. As general manager of the Association Webster went to work purchasing forty acres of land at the west edge of the city. They put up high wooden fences, planted trees, built corrals, chutes, a half-mile racetrack and an amphitheater that would seat 2,500 spectators - all in less than two months. During this time Webster contacted W. K. Moore, an attorney in Mexico to locate and secure the matadors. D. W. "Doc" Barton who had driven the first trail herd to Dodge, agreed to scout the ranges and select the most ferocious Longhorn bulls.
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The Grand Spanish Bull Fight!
On the morning of July 4,1884, the streets were jammed with people. Businesses going full blast assured the backers of the financial success of the bullfight. At 2 o'clock Webster, Moore and the matadors led the procession to the fairgrounds. Behind them came the town dignitaries followed by the famous Cowboy Band. The bullfighters in red jackets, blue tunics, white stockings and small dainty slippers delighted the crowd with their unique appearance.
Dodge City Democrat, July 5, 1884
“At 2: 45 the audience commenced filing into the amphitheater, at least one-third of them being women and children. As some of the ladies of the town are not remarkable for sanctity, a dividing line was carefully drawn by a deputy sheriff detailed for that purpose ... The heat was intense, and parasols and umbrellas were worth their weight in gold ... Opposite the good citizens were seated the gentlemen of the cattle interest, with their girls, the cowboys ambition seemed to be to get a big fat girl and a high seat at the same time. “
The bugle sounded and the first bull entered the arena. He was a red, fierce looking brute full of fight. As he passed through the gate two decorated barbs were thrown into his neck just below each horn. Captain Gallardo, chief matador, began making successful passes at the bull. Other fighters entered to display their skills. As they closed in the bull rushed and another festooned dart hung from his shouldlers. Time and again the bull charged until his back and sides were decorated with a floating sea of colored streamers from his horns to his tail.
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Eventually he was driven back to the pens. The second bull proved to be a coward and soon was taken out. The third and fourth were also disappointing and the fifth bull was the worst of all getting stuck in the chute and having to be whipped out by the cowboys. By this time the crowd demanded that the first bull be returned. Again began the sweep of the cape and the wheel and charge of the bull Suddenly Gallardo was down with the bull's horns inches away, quickly he crawled to safety behind the guard. Gallardo regained his composure; bowed and signaled the band to resume the music for swording.
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Approaching the bull, Gallardo continued the parley until finally he struck and penetrated the vital spot. The bull staggered a pace or two, stumbled to his knees and then sank to the ground. Thus ended the first day's bullfight in Dodge City, and for all we know the first on American soil.