 The Frisco Store in Lower Frisco Plaza. | |
| Date | December 1–2, 1884 |
|---|---|
| Location | Reserve,New Mexico Territory,United States |
| Participants | Elfego Baca |
| Outcome | Cowboys retreat |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 8 |
TheFrisco shootout was anOld Westgunfight that began on December 1, 1884, involvinglawmanElfego Baca. The shootout happened inReserve, New Mexico, and stemmed from Baca's arrest of acowboy, Charlie McCarty, who had been shooting into the air and into buildings at random while intoxicated.
Shortly after the arrest was made, Baca was confronted by a large number of the cowboy's friends. Baca took refuge in the house of local resident Geronimo Armijo. An intense shootout ensued, during which the cowboys increased in number to around eighty men.Legend has it that the cowboys fired more than 4,000 rounds into the house, but there is little way of confirming just how many rounds were fired exactly. Baca was not wounded by any of the rounds fired, but did return fire killing four of the cowboys, and wounding eight others. The standoff ended when the cowboys were unable to acquire more ammunition. With their ammunition supply depleted, they simply withdrew. The fight had lasted thirty-six hours.
Charlie McCarty served his time injail for disturbing the peace and drunkenness, and was released. The cowboys pursued Baca through legal means, attempting to have him imprisoned for the killing of their four comrades. In May 1885, Baca wasindicted for the killing of one of the men. However, when the door of Geronimo Armijo's house was introduced as evidence, having over four hundred bullet holes in it, Baca wasacquitted. He went on to become a licensedattorney and aDeputy US Marshal.
On May 24, 2008, the Elfego Baca Foundation opened a memorial at 101 Main StReserve, New Mexico,[1] in honor of Baca.[2]
