A significant piece of Moorhead’s history has found a new home thanks to the Kiefer family, who have donated a rare 1863 Colt revolver to the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. This revolver, used in a gunfight during the early days of Moorhead, has been in the family’s possession for nearly 150 years.
A Glimpse into Moorhead’s Wild Past
According to Markus Krueger, Clay County historian, the town’s early years attracted individuals eager to evade the law. “People drawn to the town wanted to live one step ahead of the rule of law,” he stated. In its infancy, Moorhead gained notoriety as a hub for gamblers and gunfighters, lacking any formal government or law enforcement.
Describing the atmosphere of the time, Krueger noted, “The wild west happened in the snowy north. Moorhead was Minnesota’s wild west town.” A pivotal incident occurred in April 1872, when a confrontation altered the course of the town’s history.
In a violent dispute, Shang Stanton shot fellow gambler Slim Jim Shumway on a dusty Moorhead road, not far from what is now City Hall. This act was committed with the very Colt revolver now being displayed in a local museum. “He took this very gun and shot him in the gut,” Krueger recalled.
A Legacy Preserved
The revolver remained with the Kiefer family since 1878, when it was gifted to Jacob Kiefer, who served as Moorhead’s mayor at the time. Jim Kiefer, a descendant of Jacob, shared insights into the family’s decision to donate the artifact. “Our conversation was ‘I don’t want to own it,’ and Ray said ‘I don’t want to own it either,'” he explained, referring to his cousin, Ray Kiefer. “That led to this vision.” This vision ultimately materialized in February 2026, marking a new chapter for the historic item.
Jacob Kiefer’s great-granddaughter, Katie Kiefer, has dedicated years to researching the revolver’s origin and significance. “This gun was our dad’s pride and joy,” she said, recalling how her father would enthusiastically share stories about the revolver with anyone willing to listen. “My mom called the gun ‘That damn Colt,'” she added with a smile.
During the time of the shooting, Moorhead lacked any formal police, sheriff, or county attorney. The community rallied together, appointing respected local figures to prosecute the case, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of a formal government. Soon after, Moorhead appointed its first sheriff and county attorney, Solomon Comstock, who would later make significant contributions to the region.
Now, the Colt revolver serves as a tangible link to the past, housed in the Clay County Museum and Historical Society. Krueger emphasized its historical importance, stating, “This is certainly the holy grail of Clay County artifacts.” The donation not only preserves a vital part of Moorhead’s history but also allows future generations to learn about the town’s fascinating origins and the events that shaped it.