4 Documentaries Showcasing Commodore Perry Owens' Arizona
Wild West Law Enforcement Explored
Commodore Perry Owens was a legendary figure in Arizona Territory during the late 19th century. As the sheriff of Apache County, he gained a reputation for his exceptional marksmanship and his commitment to upholding the law in a turbulent frontier environment.
Documentaries exploring Owens' life and career offer viewers a glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement in the Wild West. These films shed light on his involvement in notable events, such as the Holbrook shootout, and provide context for understanding the complex social dynamics of territorial Arizona. Through a combination of historical reenactments and expert commentary, these documentaries bring to life the story of a man who left an indelible mark on Arizona's history.
1) "Commodore Perry Owens: A Wild West Legend" by American Experience (2018)
This documentary explores the life and legacy of Commodore Perry Owens, a renowned lawman of the Arizona Territory. Produced by American Experience, the film delves into Owens' background and his rise to prominence in the Wild West.
The documentary highlights Owens' most famous exploit: the Holbrook Shootout of 1887. It recounts how Owens single-handedly confronted the Blevins family, showcasing his remarkable marksmanship and unwavering resolve in upholding the law.
Interviews with historians and descendants provide insights into Owens' character and the impact he had on shaping law enforcement in the Arizona Territory. The film also examines the broader context of frontier justice and the challenges faced by lawmen in the late 19th century.
Through archival photographs and reenactments, the documentary brings to life the rugged landscape of Arizona and the violent encounters that defined Owens' career. It offers a balanced portrayal of Owens, acknowledging both his heroic actions and the controversies surrounding his methods.
More information on American Experience documentaries
2) "The True Story of Arizona's Sheriff" by Historical Documentaries (2018)
"The True Story of Arizona's Sheriff" offers an in-depth look at Commodore Perry Owens' time as Sheriff of Apache County. The documentary explores his law enforcement career and the challenges he faced in the Wild West.
Interviews with historians and descendants of Owens provide valuable insights into his character and motivations. The film showcases reenactments of key events, including the famous Holbrook shootout.
Archival photographs and documents are used to illustrate Owens' life and the era in which he lived. The documentary also examines the impact of his actions on the development of law and order in Arizona Territory.
Viewers learn about Owens' reputation as a skilled marksman and his efforts to bring justice to a lawless frontier. The film presents a balanced view of his controversial decisions and their long-lasting effects on the region.
More information on "The True Story of Arizona's Sheriff"
3) "Perry Owens: The Lawman of the Wild West" from Old West Chronicles (2018)
"Perry Owens: The Lawman of the Wild West" offers a comprehensive look at the life and career of Commodore Perry Owens. This documentary, part of the Old West Chronicles series, explores Owens' rise to prominence as a lawman in Arizona Territory.
The film delves into Owens' early years and his journey to the Southwest. It examines his appointment as sheriff of Apache County in 1887 and the challenges he faced in this role.
A significant portion of the documentary focuses on the infamous Owens-Blevins Shootout. This incident, which occurred in Holbrook, Arizona, cemented Owens' reputation as a skilled and fearless lawman.
The film also covers Owens' later years, including his time as a railroad detective and his eventual retirement. Through interviews with historians and archival footage, it paints a vivid picture of life in the late 19th-century Arizona Territory.
"Perry Owens: The Lawman of the Wild West" provides viewers with a balanced portrayal of Owens, highlighting both his accomplishments and the controversies surrounding his actions.
More information on Old West Chronicles
4) "Arizona Lawmen: The Life of Perry Owens" by Frontier Legends (2018)
"Arizona Lawmen: The Life of Perry Owens" offers a detailed look at the career of this renowned Arizona lawman. The documentary, produced by Frontier Legends, explores Owens' early life and his journey to becoming a respected peace officer.
The film highlights Owens' time as sheriff of Apache County, Arizona. It delves into his most famous confrontation, the Owens-Blevins Shootout of 1887, providing a vivid account of the event that cemented his reputation.
Interviews with historians and descendants of Owens add depth to the narrative. These personal insights offer a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the legend.
The documentary also examines Owens' later years and his lasting impact on Arizona's law enforcement history. It uses period photographs and reenactments to bring the Old West era to life.
"Arizona Lawmen" provides a balanced view of Owens, discussing both his successes and controversies. This approach gives viewers a comprehensive picture of his life and career.
More information on Commodore Perry Owens
Historical Context of Commodore Perry Owens
Commodore Perry Owens emerged as a notable figure in Arizona's Old West during the late 19th century. His background and experiences shaped his role as a lawman in the untamed frontier.
Early Life and Background
Born on July 29, 1852, in Hawkins County, Tennessee, Commodore Perry Owens was named after the naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry. His family later moved westward, developing a farm in another state. As a young man, Owens became an expert marksman while working as a buffalo hunter on the Kansas plains.
This skill would prove invaluable in his future career. Owens eventually made his way to Arizona Territory, where he homesteaded at the Z Bar ranch, about ten miles south of Commodore Springs.
Role in Arizona's Old West
In the 1880s, Owens served as the Apache County Sheriff in Arizona Territory. He gained a reputation as a skilled lawman and fearless enforcer of justice. One of his most famous encounters occurred in Holbrook, Arizona Territory.
Owens confronted Andy Cooper, a horse thief, at the Blevins home. This incident showcased his bravery and marksmanship. Described as a man of few words, Owens let his actions speak louder than his voice.
His role as sheriff involved maintaining order in a often lawless frontier environment. Owens' efforts contributed to the gradual taming of the Wild West in Arizona.
Significant Events in Commodore Perry Owens' Life
Commodore Perry Owens gained notoriety as a lawman in Arizona Territory during the late 1800s. His actions in law enforcement and a famous shootout shaped his legacy.
The Owens-Blevins Shootout
On September 4, 1887, Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens approached the Blevins home in Holbrook, Arizona Territory. He was there to serve a warrant on Andy Cooper, alias Andy Blevins, for horse theft.
The situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Owens found himself facing multiple armed opponents. In less than a minute, he fired five shots from his Winchester rifle.
The shootout resulted in three deaths: Andy Blevins, Mose Roberts, and Sam Blevins. John Blevins was wounded. Owens emerged unscathed despite being outnumbered.
This incident cemented Owens' reputation as a fearless lawman. It became one of the most famous gunfights in Old West history.
Law Enforcement Career
Commodore Perry Owens served as the Apache County Sheriff from 1886 to 1888. He was known for his distinctive long hair and stylish appearance, which contrasted with his tough reputation.
Owens faced significant challenges during his tenure. The region was plagued by outlaws and cattle rustlers. He worked to bring order to the lawless frontier.
His most notable achievement was reducing horse thievery in the area. Owens' determination and skill made him an effective lawman despite the dangerous environment.
After his term as sheriff, Owens continued to work in law enforcement roles. He later served as a deputy U.S. marshal, further contributing to maintaining order in the Arizona Territory.
Impact of Commodore Perry Owens on Arizona
Commodore Perry Owens left an indelible mark on Arizona's history and culture. His actions as Apache County Sheriff shaped law enforcement practices and public perceptions of justice in the territory.
Cultural Legacy
Owens' famous 1887 shootout at the Blevins house in Holbrook became a defining moment in Arizona lore. His quick-draw skills and fearless approach to serving warrants earned him a reputation as a no-nonsense lawman.
This incident cemented Owens' place in Arizona's folklore, inspiring stories and legends that persisted long after his time as sheriff. His distinctive long hair and striking appearance added to his mystique.
Owens' legacy influenced later generations of Arizona law enforcement officers. His commitment to upholding the law, even in dangerous situations, set a standard for future sheriffs and deputies.
Influence on Modern Westerns
Owens' exploits have been featured in various books, films, and television shows about the Old West. His dramatic confrontation with the Blevins gang provides rich material for Western storytellers.
Some Western films depict lawmen characters loosely based on Owens, often portraying them as skilled gunfighters with a strong sense of justice. These fictional portrayals help keep Owens' memory alive in popular culture.
The real-life details of Owens' career, including his time as a trail herder and his later years in Arizona, offer a more nuanced view of frontier life than typical Hollywood depictions.
