Jayhawkers: Cattle Drives, Kansas Hatred, and a Gunman's Justice

Originally Aired: August 11, 1957

In Gunsmoke #279, “Jayhawkers,” Marshal Matt Dillon rides out with a Texas trail herd to help ease tensions between Kansans and bitter cattlemen—only to find himself embroiled in a deadly ambush by marauding Jayhawkers. When a trusted drover is murdered and suspicion falls on a newcomer named Studer, Dillon’s instincts prove true. As violence flares and tempers rise, Matt must act fast to deliver frontier justice before Dodge becomes a war zone. A rugged, character-driven tale of vengeance, law, and uneasy truces on the open range.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

Tags:
Western, cattle drive, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, Jayhawkers, frontierjustice, DodgeCity, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, ambush, betrayal, TexasvsKansas, classicdrama, suspensepodcast, vintageradio, traildrama

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.