old west history

Wild Bill Hickok didn’t just live the Old West—he helped shape the stories America tells about it. Follow his path from working lawman to national myth, ending in Deadwood with a poker game, a shot from behind, and a legend locked in place.

Cowboy hygiene in the Old West wasn’t a luxury; it was a working habit. From rag baths and rough soap to tooth powders, laundry, and the occasional bathhouse, here’s what “clean” really meant when water was scarce, and the trail was long.

Curious about the term “gunsel”? Explore its surprising origins, how Hollywood changed its meaning, and discover legendary gunsels from Western fiction. This article unpacks the colorful journey of a word that’s as wild and storied as the Old West itself.

Faith was a quiet companion on the trail—steady as hoofbeats and just as enduring. From circuit preachers to cowboy churches, the spiritual life of the American cowboy blended grit, grace, and a deep connection to the land.

Cowboy life demanded more than grit—it required skill. From expert horsemanship and roping to navigating the open range, these seven essential cowboy skills separated seasoned ranch hands from greenhorns. Discover what it took to survive and thrive in the Old West.