[hinckley buzzard]

As the article implies, the Western frontier was less violent than a number of present day cities. In most bars for example, guns were forbidden. The Long Branch Saloon and it's daily shootouts was a Hollywood myth.

Many of the "desperadoes" and cowboys of the west were Civil War veterans with PTSD who couldn't get along in civilized society, so they headed for the wide open spaces. Johnny Yuma "The Rebel" was closer to the historical truth than Marshall Dillon, even though he probably never shot anybody.

As for women, they were scarce on the prairie frontier but where they were found they were treated respectfully.

[Theoria]

Yes. The violence of the West has always been distorted by movies and the media. Sure, there was danger. But, it mostly came from the climate, bad water, etc.

Though, I still think of the Apache and other tribes. Some say some Apache were still running around doing what Apache do in the mid 30's in Mexico. Pretty amazing.

[VerySadAmerican]

I think the gunfight next to the OK Corral probably became legendary because Earp lived long enough to try to get a movie made about his life.

He left AZ because he knew it would be best for him if he did. When a LEO is paid for each arrest you just have to know there were some trumped up charges and lots of enemies made.