The Squaw

Originally Aired: April 27, 1958

In Gunsmoke #316, "The Squaw," Marshal Matt Dillon breaks up a saloon fight between young Cully Tate and his friend Ambrose, only to discover the dispute stems from a deeply personal matter. Cully is consumed with shame and anger because his father, rancher Hardiman Tate, has returned from Texas with an Arapaho woman named Natasia, whom he married in Indian custom. The young man's bitterness runs deep - he considers his father a "squaw man" and believes the arrangement dishonors his late mother's memory. Cully has even taken to wearing a gun in defiance, ready to defend what he sees as his family's tarnished reputation.

Matt rides out to the Tate ranch with Chester to address the situation, where they meet the young Arapaho woman and find Hardiman genuinely happy for the first time since his first wife's death. The Marshal points out that while the couple considers themselves married, their union isn't legal by white law, and he could technically send Natasia back to the Darlington agency. Instead, Matt suggests a solution that might satisfy everyone: a proper church wedding in Dodge City. Hardiman agrees, and plans are set for a Saturday ceremony, though Matt remains uneasy about how young Cully will react to his father's decision.

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.