Asa Mercer and the Banditti of the Plains

The Sweet Smell of Sagebrush

The Johnson County War in 1892, was a moment in history that defined what kind of state Wyoming was to become. Would outside big money interests continue to control it or would the smaller homesteaders have a future for themselves. By authoring "The Banditti of the Plains", Asa Mercer created a bombshell. He exposed the powerful people in the state for their role in the invasion of Johnson County. This is part one, introducing you to Mr. Mercer, and the many interesting scemes he was involved in.