More Stuff of Myths and Legends

Rumors being far worse than reality did keep the pioneer cautious through an untamed land. People's own interpretations of the dangers influenced the number and scope of the stories.  And yes, local news was hungry for news to fill their pages and often overstated or just wrote unfounded reports.  Meantime men would drill and women would sew in fear.

Some extreme cases of Indian fear caused women traveling with children to wear a locket that contained cyanide for her and her children to take in the event they were captured by Indians.

The mere approach of an Indian would cause settlers to flee to the woods or barn for days or weeks at a time which lead to the term "Fortin' Up"...

Fortin' Up would send settlers to the strongest house in a settlement when an Indian attack was believed imminent.  During a full moon (Comanche Moon) it was believed that Indians attacked settlers.  The flimsiest of evidence was enough to send the entire community "Fortin' Up".

Women would lace their liquor supply with morphine in case troublesome Indians came while they were home alone. Some even hid in hollow logs placed in the yards. Both men and women spent an overwhelming amount of time, energy and resources "Fortin' up"  for nothing...


Next time...Boys will be boys...