By 1874, Hardin was already one of the most feared gunmen in America—a Texas outlaw whose violent reputation had grown with every shooting, escape, and narrow encounter with the law.
Then he killed Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb.
With Texas authorities closing in, Hardin fled east, changed his name, and disappeared into West Florida. For nearly three years, he lived as John Swain, gambling, traveling and building a new life while some of the toughest lawmen in Texas searched for him.
Hardin may have believed he had finally escaped his past.
But in August 1877, the Texas Rangers and Pensacola lawmen stepped in.
What followed was a carefully planned confrontation in the heart of downtown—a gunfight, a death, and the dramatic capture of one of the Old West’s most notorious killers.
Only 27 days remain!
Join me for:
Sweet Tea Murders LIVE
John Wesley Hardin: The Gunslinger’s Last Escape
How America’s Most Infamous Outlaw Fled the West—and Met His Match in Pensacola
📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
The location of this historic event is the “Voices of Pensacola,” 117 E. Government Street in downtown Pensacola, only 500 feet from where Hardin’s capture took place.
This is not merely a story from the Wild West. It is a Pensacola story.
Tickets are limited. Reserve yours at SweetTeaMurders.com.
IS THIS A WALKING TOUR OR INSIDE/AIR CONDITION EVENT? ALSO WILL THERE BE REFRESHMENTS SERVED OR DO I NEED TO EAT BEFORE COMING,.AND ALSO HOW LONG DO THESE EVENTS USUALLY LAST? THANKS FOR INFO-CHC
A FEW QUESTIONS: IS THIS EVENT INSIDE A/C OR IS IT A walking tour?,..also will there be refreshments there, other than iced tea or will we need to eat beforehand, and how long do these events normally last? thanks in adveanc-chc
Thank you for asking! This is an indoor, air-conditioned seated presentation, not a walking tour.
Complimentary sweet tea will be available, but a meal will not be served, so we recommend eating beforehand. The storytelling presentation normally lasts about one hour, although you may want to allow approximately 75 minutes for introductions, the program, and any questions afterward. Many people use the opportunity to pair the event with dinner for a night out!
We hope you can join us for The Pensacola Capture of John Wesley Hardin! https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/museums-properties/voices-of-pensacola/