No Indians

Originally Aired: March 26, 1961

In Gunsmoke #468, "No Indians," Marshal Matt Dillon investigates a series of brutal attacks on settler families near the Smoky Hill River that are being blamed on Pawnee raiders. When frightened homesteader Sam Butler arrives in Dodge City, abandoning his land and accusing the law of hiding while families are slaughtered, Matt decides to ride out with Chester to examine the scene. What they discover alongside young Captain Starr and his cavalry troop is deeply troubling: the murdered families show none of the typical signs of Indian attacks. The victims were shot with rifles rather than arrows, tracks have been deliberately obscured, and tellingly, a boy old enough to be trained as a brave has been killed rather than taken captive.

Matt realizes these massacres are the work of white men disguised as Indians, stealing horses and supplies while stirring up fear and hatred. With no time to track down the killers before they strike again, Matt devises a dangerous plan: he and Chester will use cavalry horses as bait in an abandoned corral, with only themselves to face whatever gang of murderers comes calling. As smoke rises from their campfire to draw the thieves in, the two lawmen wait to spring their trap.

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.