Lawmen of Legend: The Sheriffs Who Tamed the West (and Hollywood)

When it comes to the Old West, nothing captures the spirit of rugged individualism and no-nonsense justice quite like a sheriff. These men didn’t just enforce the law—they were the law. In dusty saloons and wide-open plains, sheriffs rode into legends, stared down outlaws, and sometimes even became outlaws themselves. And long after the final shots echoed through the canyons, Hollywood picked up their stories, bringing larger-than-life lawmen to the big screen and keeping that frontier spirit alive.

Let’s saddle up and ride through the history of some of the most famous sheriffs—real and fictional—who have shaped our idea of justice on the frontier and beyond.

The Lawmen Who Defined the West

Wyatt Earp: One of the most iconic figures in Western history, Wyatt Earp was more than just a sheriff—he was a living legend. As a deputy marshal in Tombstone, Arizona, he became a household name thanks to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Alongside his brothers and Doc Holliday, Earp faced off against a gang of outlaws in a shootout that cemented his status as the ultimate frontier lawman. Earp was a man who walked the fine line between law enforcement and vengeance, and his legacy endures as the quintessential image of the tough-as-nails sheriff.

Pat Garrett: Known best for tracking down and killing Billy the Kid, Garrett was a sheriff with grit, determination, and a reputation that reached beyond the borders of New Mexico. Their famous cat-and-mouse chase across the desert has become one of the great stories of the West—one where the lines between hero and outlaw were often blurred. Pat Garrett’s tale isn’t just about catching a criminal; it’s about a man trying to uphold the law in a land where the rules were written in dust and gunpowder.

Bat Masterson: A man of many hats—literally—Bat Masterson was a lawman, gambler, and sportswriter who also served as sheriff in Kansas and marshal in Dodge City. He was friends with Wyatt Earp and wasn’t afraid to wield his gun when justice called for it. Though he eventually traded in his badge for a pen, writing columns in New York City, his stories from the Wild West have kept his legend alive.

John Slaughter: They called him “Texas John,” and he made sure folks knew why. As the sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, John Slaughter didn’t hesitate to bring outlaws to justice—often personally tracking down those who thought they could escape his reach. Known for his skills as a cattleman and lawman, Slaughter embodied the independent spirit that defined the frontier.

The Hollywood Sheriffs Who Kept the Spirit Alive

As the Old West faded into history, Hollywood took the reins, bringing legendary lawmen to life in ways that still resonate today. On-screen, sheriffs have been everything from comedic figures to deeply complex characters—capturing the endless fascination with law, order, and the people who upheld it.

John Wayne: The Duke was the personification of the Western sheriff, playing lawmen in countless films, including iconic roles like John T. Chance in Rio Bravo and J.B. Books in The Shootist. With his signature drawl, stoic presence, and commanding screen presence, Wayne wasn’t just acting—he was living the essence of the Western hero. His characters embodied the rugged determination and honor of the frontier, forever shaping our image of what a true sheriff should be.

Sheriff Andy Taylor (from The Andy Griffith Show): The polar opposite of the gun-slinging frontier sheriff, Andy Taylor kept the peace in the fictional town of Mayberry with wisdom and a smile. He didn’t need a gun to get his way—just a level head and a kind heart. While his style of law enforcement was more “small-town charm” than “draw at high noon,” there’s no doubt that Sheriff Taylor is a classic American icon.

Sheriff Bart (Blazing Saddles): In Mel Brooks’ parody of Westerns, Sheriff Bart broke boundaries—and stereotypes—as the first Black sheriff of the fictional town of Rock Ridge. Played by Cleavon Little, Bart brought a blend of wit, intelligence, and a touch of sarcasm to his role, becoming one of the most beloved characters in comedy history. Sheriff Bart wasn’t just out to enforce the law; he was out to make us laugh, all while putting his own spin on the classic Western lawman.

Buford T. Justice (Smokey and the Bandit): A loud-mouthed, determined sheriff played by Jackie Gleason, Buford T. Justice chased the Bandit across state lines with a mix of stubbornness and hilarity. While he may not have been the sharpest lawman in the West, Buford’s relentless pursuit—and his unforgettable one-liners—left an indelible mark on pop culture.

Kevin Costner (Wyatt Earp): Taking on the role of Wyatt Earp in the epic film of the same name, Costner offered a deeper look at the life of the legendary sheriff, portraying his journey from a young lawman to a grizzled veteran of the Old West. With an emphasis on the struggles, losses, and sacrifices that shaped Earp’s life, Costner's performance brought out the human side of the Western hero.

Sam Elliott (Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead): If there's anyone who seems born to play a Western sheriff, it’s Sam Elliott, with his deep voice and iconic mustache. In Tombstone, he portrayed Virgil Earp, Wyatt's older brother, and brought the same tough-as-nails, yet fatherly presence to every sheriff role he's taken on. Elliott’s characters always carry a sense of authenticity and grit that make him one of the quintessential Western actors.

Clint Eastwood: The legendary Clint Eastwood has portrayed both sheriffs and outlaws, with many of his iconic roles blurring the line between hero and anti-hero. In films like High Plains Drifter and Unforgiven, Eastwood’s characters were often men haunted by their pasts, who embodied the harsh reality of frontier justice. His grizzled persona and "man with no name" attitude cemented him as a symbol of the rugged, uncompromising lawman.

Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead): Okay, so Rick Grimes wasn’t exactly a sheriff on the open range, but as a former sheriff’s deputy, he embodied the spirit of frontier justice in a post-apocalyptic world. Armed with a Colt Python and a sense of duty, Rick did whatever it took to protect his group and maintain some semblance of law and order—even when society had crumbled.

Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke): For two decades, Marshal Matt Dillon kept the peace in Dodge City on the longest-running Western TV show in history. He was the embodiment of the classic Western hero, a man who took his responsibilities seriously and knew that justice sometimes meant making tough decisions. Played by James Arness, Dillon’s character reflected the moral challenges and dangers of being a lawman in a world where every day was a new showdown.

Bringing It All Together: The Sheriff Collection

With our latest drop, The Sheriff collection, we’re tipping our hats to these lawmen of legend—both the real deal and the Hollywood heroes. This collection isn’t just about clothes; it’s about embracing the spirit of the frontier, the grit of the Old West, and the swagger of those who brought justice to the lawless.

Expect classic Western flannels, graphic tees, and more that tell stories with a bold edge. Each piece captures the tough, no-nonsense style that made these sheriffs famous, while bringing a modern twist that’ll have you looking sharp whether you’re riding into the sunset or just kicking back at the local watering hole.

So, throw on one of our flannels, lace up your boots, and strut your stuff like you’ve just walked out of a saloon in Dodge City. Because in this collection, you are the sheriff—ready to lay down the law or bend it to your will.

Shop The Sheriff Collection now, and bring a little Wild West to your wardrobe. The frontier may be long gone, but the spirit lives on.