A Question of Motive: The Chris Madsen Story Revisited

Authors

Johan Windmuller

Keywords

immigration, stories, heroes

Abstract

Upon first hearing the story of Chris Madsen, I recall the vivid intrigue I experienced when learning of a Danish immigrant who had become a famous lawman in the United States. As an immigrant from Denmark and a member of the American police brethren myself, I seemed to have discovered a kindred spirit in Madsen. I promptly began reading bits and pieces of information and soon had the basics down. Here was a real life hero who had served in three armies, surviving wars and Indian attacks and on top of that had enough gusto to join up with the United States Marshal Service after a long and honorable career in the armed forces. Madsen's law enforcement career was equally long and eventful, fighting crime and fierce outlaws in Okalahoma Territory during the 1890s and beyond. That the man lived to talk about it and died of old age made it all that much more fascinating.

Recommended Citation

Windmuller, Johan (2007) "A Question of Motive: The Chris Madsen Story Revisited," The Bridge: Vol. 30: No. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/thebridge/vol30/iss2/8