Learn About a Wild West Sheriff & Make a "Wanted" Poster (California History)

Simple role-playing activity to add to your California Gold Rush or Wild West study! Learn about the infamous sheriff "Captain Jack" aka John Coffee Hays from the Wild West by reading a brief paragraph and then use the sheriff badges and wanted poster to catch a pretend outlaw. "Captain Jack" started his career as a Texas Ranger during the Mexican-American war before moving to the West in search of gold during the Gold Rush. He then became the first sheriff in San Francisco.

This is a fun, project-based learning activity for elementary-aged students that is part of the California History Standards for 4th grade but could be used for any Wild West learning. It's a quick and easy activity that allows for creativity without chaos.

This is part of California State Social Science History Standard 4.5

*This is an individual worksheet from our full California History curriculum