Tom Pickett (outlaw)

Tom Pickett, also known as "Black Tom" Pickett (c. 1858 - February 26, 1934), was a Black American cowboy, lawman, and outlaw active primarily in the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained notoriety for his involvement in stagecoach robberies, cattle rustling, and gunfights.

Pickett's early life is somewhat obscured by conflicting accounts and legends. Sources generally agree that he was born in Texas and moved to the Indian Territory as a young man, finding work as a cowboy. It was during this time that he allegedly became involved in criminal activities. He was known to associate with other outlaws of the period, including members of the Dalton Gang and Bill Cook Gang, though the extent of his involvement with these groups is debated.

He reputedly possessed exceptional horsemanship and marksmanship skills, which aided him in his outlaw endeavors. Pickett's criminal career led to numerous run-ins with law enforcement, including periods of capture and escape. Accounts vary regarding the specifics of his crimes and the frequency of his arrests, adding to the folklore surrounding his persona.

Later in life, Pickett reportedly attempted to reform and worked as a rancher and even a lawman for a time. However, he was never fully able to escape his past reputation.

Tom Pickett died on February 26, 1934, in Oklahoma. While not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Pickett remains a significant figure in the history of the American West, particularly concerning the contributions and complexities of Black cowboys and outlaws in the Indian Territory. His life represents a blend of conflicting narratives – a man struggling against the social and economic realities of his time, caught between a life of crime and the possibility of redemption.