Amager Bryghus – Isom Dart

Isom Dart was born into enslavement in Texas in 1858. He earned a reputation as a rider, roper, and broncbuster under the nickname, “The Black Fox”. He was however also a notorious Wyoming Territory outlaw. At the age of twelve, Dart accompanied his owner, a Confederate soldier, to Texas where he helped steal food and supplies for the troops during the Civil War. At the end of the war, Dart was freed and drifted throughout the west. In 1881 Isom Dart worked as a farm hand for the Bassett Family in northwestern Colorado. He also trained horses for the Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s gang. Although it was common for African Americans to be subjected to hostility at that time, he was well respected. And although known as a notorious outlaw, he was never convicted. Elizabeth Bassett was believed to be the mastermind of a group of cattle thieves; a group that included Dart. Fed up with their rustling activities, a group of large farmers hired the notorious stock detective Tom Horn in hopes of driving small ranchers from their lands. Dart received a notice ordering him to leave the area and many other small farmers left. Dart, however, refused to leave his home. On the morning of October 3, 1900, Dart walked out his cabin door and Horn shot him dead.