Print Olive: Man Burner

Print Olive: Man Burner

From The Wild West Extravaganza by The Wild West Extravaganza

May 21, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode explores the controversial life of Texas cattleman Print Olive, known for his brutal methods and complex legacy.

Imagine being wrapped alive in a freshly butchered cowhide, tied to a tree, and left to bake in the Texas sun. The old timers called it the death of skins, and according to legend, it's exactly what Texas cattleman Print Olive did to a pair of rustlers in 1876. But that's nothing compared to his actions a few years later, which earned him the nickname Man Burner. Print Olive was a man of many hats: Confederate. Cattle baron. Vigilante. Convicted murderer. One of the largest ranchers in all of Nebraska. He also may have inspired Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. Also discussed are Doc Middleton, King Ranch, Kansas quarantine laws, and a little-known cow town called Trail City. Wild West Quiz - https://wildwestquiz.com/ Check out the website! https://www.wildwestextra.com/ Email me! https://www.wildwestextra.com/contact/ Free Newsletter! https://wildwestjosh.substack.com/ Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/wildwest Join Patreon for ad-free bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/wildwestextra Merch! https://wildwestextramerch.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: The Wild West Extravaganza

Topics covered

  • Texas history
  • cattle ranching
  • vigilante justice
  • 19th century America
  • Print Olive

Keywords

  • Print Olive
  • Texas cattleman
  • vigilante
  • Lonesome Dove
  • Doc Middleton
  • King Ranch
  • Trail City

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: King Ranch

Books & works: Lonesome Dove

Places: Texas, Nebraska, Trail City

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