The American West (c1835-c1895): Johnson County War - The Trial

Despite launching a full-scale invasion of Johnson County, none of the invaders were convicted of any crimes. The WSGA hired the best lawyers and their trial was moved to Cheyenne as their lawyers argued they could not have a fair trial in Johnson County. Juries in Cheyenne were far more sympathetic to big cattle ranchers than in Johnson County.

The lawyers knew that Johnson County did not have much money. They therefore dragged the trial out as long as possible until the prosecutors could no longer afford to continue. All charges against the cattle barons and WSAG were dropped.

Although they were not charged, the cattle barons had lost huge amounts of influence and respect in Wyoming.