cowboy history

Before barbed wire fenced the Texas prairie, Lizzie Johnson Williams built a cattle empire in a man’s world. From Fort Worth boardinghouse to trail drives north, she mastered the business of the open range and earned the name Cattle Queen of Texas.

Ride into the world of the Great Basin buckaroo; cowboys shaped by tradition, resilience, and the wild high desert. Discover their history, culture, and why keeping these cowboy ways alive still matters in the modern West.

Explore the legendary cattle trails that defined the American West. From the Chisholm to the Goodnight-Loving Trail, uncover the history, challenges, and enduring legacy of the routes that shaped cowboy culture and the nation’s frontier spirit.

Step inside the world of historic western saloons—lively gathering spots that shaped communities, sparked legends, and stirred up controversy. Learn how these iconic establishments went beyond whiskey and card games to become the heart of the American frontier.

Travel back in time along the Old Chisholm Trail, where cowboys, cattle, and legends roamed the open range. Explore the trail’s origins, the daily life of drovers, and how its legacy still shapes the spirit of the American West today.

Explore the meaning behind National Day of the Cowboy and how it honors the grit, values, and traditions of the American West. Learn why the cowboy spirit continues to inspire generations, both on and off the range.

Hollywood’s cowboy is legendary, but the real story of the American West is far richer. Discover the truth behind cowboy myths, the daily realities of ranch life, and the diverse people who shaped the true western frontier.

Step back into the Old West and discover what fueled the legendary cowboys. From hearty beans to campfire biscuits, learn about authentic cowboy foods, classic chuckwagon recipes, and how these traditions inspire today’s western cuisine.