Old West Lifestyle & Stories

CELEBRATING THE 4TH

In 1864 Orlando Robbins became the deputy sheriff of the gold mining town of Idaho City, Idaho. With the Civil War taking place in the east, the miners were polarized into Union and Confederate camps. Robbins’ major job was separating drunken miners supporting their individual cause.

As Independence Day approached, the Confederate supporters said they were not going to allow any Yankee sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Now, Robbins, a Union supporter, wasn’t going to let anyone tell him what to do. So, on July 4, 1864 Orlando Robbins walked into a tavern of southern sympathizers, climbed on a pool table, pulled his two pistols, and with the tavern silent started singing the “Star Spangled Banner.” After finishing, he walked out, and the crowd parted like the Red Sea for Moses.

Orlando continued as a lawman, and in his 60’s he was dealing with outlaws one third his age. Truly, Orlando Robbins was as great a hero as any of the more famous Old West lawmen.

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