James P. Retzer, Dentist: New Mexico Territory — Paul L. Thompson

July 4th. 1879 the first Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe train pulled into Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory. The railroad had made it's entry into a lawless land. The town band was playing and hundreds of people turned out to greet the passengers. The first man to step from the second passenger car was James P. Retzer, Dentist and Surgeon. On his right hip was a tied down new double action Colt 44.40, called the Frontier Colt. People paid him little mind as he got his bags and walked toward the Gomez Hotel. Just another gunfighter coming into their town.