The Old West

Chief Paulina was not a chief by birth but by experience and leadership. He represented his native Shoshone tribe but also their affiliated kin such as the Paiutes. He didn't wait for white man to cheat him, but instead went on the offensive. He is one of the lesser known Indian chiefs of the wild west.

Oct 25, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

There were many forts across the west, some military and some for trading. Fort Churchill was strictly to provide a military presence to protect travellers to and from the gold and silver rush areas near Lake Tahoe and over the Sierras into California from Indians. The fort was in place for several years before the threat was diminished and the transcontinental railroad ended the need for wagon trains.

Sep 21, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

There were many forts across the west, some military and some for trading. Fort Churchill was strictly to provide a military presence to protect travellers to and from the gold and silver rush areas near Lake Tahoe and over the Sierras into California from Indians. The fort was in place for several years before the threat was diminished and the transcontinental railroad ended the need for wagon trains.

Sep 20, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

The 19th century was the height of scientific exploration of North America. Many people, many from the United Kingdom, came to America to study its geology, geography, climate, plants, and animals. David Douglas was one of many who extensively studied the West Coast, preserving many specimens for study. Bad health led to his early demise at just 34 years of age.

Aug 16, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

The California gold rush of 1849 was just one of many boom and bust cycles in mining throughout the west. Many mined gold, some silver, some lead, and many other minerals. The Hercules mine, in the Idaho panhandle, was one of the most productive silver mines in the West.

Jul 26, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Eilley Orrum was born in Scotland and came to the United States as a converted Mormon. She knew her destiny was to become wealthy and popular. She knew her destiny was in the mountains. When she had an opportunity, she landed at Virginia City, Nevada silver mines. She soon realized her dreams of becoming a millionaire.

Jun 21, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Many western forts were built due to problems with the Native American tribes. Fort Simcoe was no exception. The Yakama, Cayuse, and others had been harassing white settlers in what would become south-central Washington State. Fort Simcoe was probably one of the shortest lived forts due to quick settlement of hostilities.

May 31, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

During the times of the wild, wild west, there were lots of wide open spaces. Frontier doctors often had a hard time covering all this territory. It was hard to get supplies and sometimes they had to make due with what was handy. Some towns had to make due with old wives' remedies.

Apr 26, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Butch Cassidy is one of the most well-known outlaws of the West. He was known as a bank and train robber. He was just as well-known for being gentlemanly, subdued, and loyal. He drank very little and did not abuse women. He only served two years in prison his entire life. He died young at 39 in a shoot-out in a small Bolivian town.

Mar 22, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Edward F. Beale is not one of those old west characters who is well-known. Yet he should be. For one, he was the one that carried the news of the California gold strike to Washington D.C. This and many other daring and courageous feats were credited to him as America tamed the west.

Feb 1, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Edward F. Beale is not one of those old west characters who is well-known. Yet he should be. For one, he was the one that carried the news of the California gold strike to Washington D.C. This and many other daring and courageous feats were credited to him as America tamed the west.

Jan 25, 2005 - Elizabeth Gibson

Hank Vaughan got into trouble with the law at an early age. Ever since he had his share of gunfights, some of them ending in death. His main of line of business, though, was rustling cattle and horses. He made a good living at while keeping up the front of a legitimate businessman.

Dec 14, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

After saloons, churches and schools came to town. Then businesses. But once a newspaper arrived, then the town was "civilized." But starting a newspaper and keeping it in print could be a challenge, especially in remote areas where supplies were interrupted and news was hard to get.

Nov 2, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

After saloons, churches and schools came to town. Then businesses. But once a newspaper arrived, then the town was "civilized." But starting a newspaper and keeping it in print could be a challenge, especially in remote areas where supplies were interrupted and news was hard to get.

Oct 26, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

Many thousands of pioneers traveled the Oregon Trail by covered wagon. Many of them wrote about their adventures, especially the women. But less common are those who wrote abo ut their adventures once they arrived at their destination. For Phoebe Judson her new home in the northwest was a challenge and it took many years until it reached the level of civilization she had known in her hometown of Ohio. Yet she never complained and enjoyed her ideal home.

Oct 5, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

Many thousands of pioneers traveled the Oregon Trail by covered wagon. Many of them wrote about their adventures, especially the women. But less common are those who wrote abo ut their adventures once they arrived at their destination. For Phoebe Judson her new home in the northwest was a challenge and it took many years until it reached the level of civilization she had known in her hometown of Ohio. Yet she never complained and enjoyed her ideal home.

Sep 28, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Whipple Expedition was one of several charted to find a route for the first transcontinental railroad. Amiel Whipple led the scientists and army troops across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to blaze the new trail and estimate its cost.

Aug 17, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

Lt. Whipple was hired to survey a possible route for the transcontinental railroad. He was one of three separate expeditions. He explored the southern route through Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

Jul 27, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

The gold rush started in California, but it didn't end there. Soon miners were finding gold in most of the western states. But not all finds were developed and many, once found, were lost again. Here are the stories of a few in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.

Jun 22, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Rogue River War took place in Southern Oregon. Relations between white men and these tribes was peaceful at first, but when miners and settlers came in large numbers, difficulties arose. Soon full scale work broke out, resulting in many deaths on both sides. A treaty could not be reached and the Indians were forced to move to reservations.

May 4, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Rogue River War took place in Southern Oregon. Relations between white men and these tribes was peaceful at first, but when miners and settlers came in large numbers, difficulties arose. Soon full scale work broke out, resulting in many deaths on both sides. A treaty could not be reached and the Indians were forced to move to reservations.

Apr 27, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

For some years, Granville Stuart was a successful cattleman in Montana. He also worked hard to make conditions equitable for all ranchers. He couldn't bear seeing the cattle killed in a devastating winter and made a career change that lasted until the end of his life.

Mar 30, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

Granville Stuart became one of the largest cattlemen in Montana and founder of Stuart Black Angus. However, before he became a landowner, he started out his career in the west as a gold miner and horse trader. Read about his humble beginnings.

Feb 24, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Pinkerton Detective Agency usually gets most of the attention as an early crime fighting unit. But the Rocky Mountain Detective Association existed about the same time. It had a good record and good people and served as a model for future organizations.

Jan 13, 2004 - Elizabeth Gibson

Much has been told of the Pony Express, yet it was only in existence for 18 months. It came into being as a way of delivering the mail from the settled east to the unsettled west without having to wait for a ship to sail around South America or a wagon train to come across the continent. Fast riders, working in relays, could bring the mail to Sacramento in as little as ten days.

Nov 18, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Hugh Glass is mostly known as the mountain man who survived an attack by a bear. Even when others didn't know him personally, they knew him for that fact. But what about his life before and after that event. Much is still unknown, but some details are available to paint a complete picture of the brave mountain man.

Oct 7, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Hugh Glass is mostly known as the mountain man who survived an attack by a bear. Even when others didn't know him personally, they knew him for that fact. But what about his life before and after that event. Much is still unknown, but some details are available to paint a complete picture of the brave mountain man.

Sep 30, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Baby Doe, nee Elizabeth Bonduel McCourt, was originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Fate took her to the silver mines of Colorado, where she became one of the richest women in the state. But as fast as her star rose, it sank, in the depression of the 1890s. After her husband's death she because an eccentric recluse, still trying to get gold from the Matchless Mine.

Aug 26, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Our impressions about western saloons have largely beens shaped by western movies, novels, and TV shows. Some of what these media show is accurate, some is not. Read about how these western saloons came about, what they looked like, and what they drank. Also read about some famous saloons.

Jul 29, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Our impressions about western saloons have largely beens shaped by western movies, novels, and TV shows. Some of what these media show is accurate, some is not. Read about how these western saloons came about, what they looked like, and what they drank. Also read about some famous saloons.

Jun 24, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Most people have heard of Doc Holliday because of his association with Wyatt Earp and the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. However, that was only a small portion of Doc's life. He led a violent, but brief life at the boom-towns of the West. This account is somewhat different than you saw in the movie "Tombstone," but the main facts are the same.

May 13, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Most people have heard of Doc Holliday because of his association with Wyatt Earp and the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. However, that was only a small portion of Doc's life. He led a violent, but brief life at the boom-towns of the West. This account is somewhat different than you saw in the movie "Tombstone," but the main facts are the same.

May 6, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

David Lant is not a well-known outlaw. In fact his outlaw career seems to be relatively short. But he appears for a brief moment among hundreds of others who haunted such places as Hole-in-the-Wall, Robber's Roost, and Brown's Park.

Apr 1, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

J. Ross Browne spent most of his career in government service. He worked for the Revenue Service inspecting areas of government waste. His brutal honesty was at first refreshing to his bosses, but ultimately made him a lot of enemies. He had a colorful career, which he ultimately wrote about extensively. The theme for most of his work was the finding of frauds and cheats, which he told in a satirical manner, a la Mark Twain.

Mar 4, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

J. Ross Browne spent most of his career in government service. He worked for the Revenue Service inspecting areas of government waste. His brutal honesty was at first refreshing to his bosses, but ultimately made him a lot of enemies. He had a colorful career, which he ultimately wrote about extensively. The theme for most of his work was the finding of frauds and cheats, which he told in a satirical manner, a la Mark Twain.

Feb 25, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

The remoteness of central and eastern Montana was a perfect place for rustlers and thieves to hide out and practice their illegal deeds. Henry Thompson, on the run from rustling and bank robbing in Oklahoma, settled in Montana to rejuvenate his outlaw career.

Jan 28, 2003 - Elizabeth Gibson

Pete French, with the aid of his father-in-law, established one of the largest cattle empires in the West. He worked hard and had a reputation for good beef. But he also had a reputation as overly ambitious and ruthless to acquire ever more territory. He ultimately met a violent end.

Dec 17, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Fort Dalles on the Columbia River was centrally located between the Pacific Coast and the Snake River border with future Idaho. It was an ideal spot for travellers to rest up and restock for the journey over the Cascade Mountains to the Willamette Valley. It was also a central post for troops who would battle in some of the northwest Indian wars.

Nov 12, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

John Wesley Powell was the first to unwrap the mysteries of the Grand Canyon. He expertly mapped the region, including the surrounding plateaus and tributaries. He was also greatly interested in the region's native tribes.

Oct 1, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

John Wesley Powell was the first to unwrap the mysteries of the Grand Canyon. He expertly mapped the region, including the surrounding plateaus and tributaries. He was also greatly interested in the region's native tribes.

Sep 24, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Washington territory may have been one of the last regions to be settled, but it still had its share of Indian troubles. The White River is at the southern end of Puget Sound, near Tacoma. Several tribes lived there and resented the intrusion of the white man.

Aug 20, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Of all the railroads of the west, the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe is one of the oldest. It plied its trade throughout the southwest and central plains. It weathered two depressions, two wars, and many other ups and downs and still survives today.

Jul 23, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Of all the railroads of the west, the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe is one of the oldest. It plied its trade throughout the southwest and central plains. It weathered two depressions, two wars, and many other ups and downs and still survives today.

Jul 16, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

In the early 19th century, the missionaries were the first white men to settle in the Pacific Northwest. They came to Christianize the Indians. The mission set up by Dr. Marcus Whitman, was one of the first. Unfortunately, an Indian uprising ended its short life.

Jun 25, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Kate Rockwell was a wild girl from her youngest years. Despite efforts by her mother, she became a prostitute. She haunted the logging towns of the Pacific Northwest before becoming the Queen of the Yukon, known throughout the gold camps there. She "retired" in central Oregon.

May 28, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Bannock War was one of the last major Indian battles. As usual, they had not been treated fairly by the white man. The war was short-lived, however. The battle took place across southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Apr 23, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Sam Brannan came west to establish a Mormon colony at San Francisco. His personal dreams took precedence, however, and he was excommunicated. Brannan was probably one of the first millionaires on the coast, who like many, ended his life destitute.

Mar 19, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Warren Reed might have gone down in frontier history as just another lawyer. Except that he came up against the mighty Isaac Parker, the Hanging Judge. It would be Parker who would cave in first.

Feb 19, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Jonathan Thorn was hired by John Jacob Astor to pilot his ship from the east coast to scout out territory for a new fur trading post. At the same time, Astor sent a group led by Wilson Price Hunt on an overland route. Thorn highly respected Astor, but held almost everyone else in contempt. He was highly arrogant, heavy-handed, and cruel. Several times, his crew threatened him with mutiny.

Jan 22, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Jonathan Thorn was hired by John Jacob Astor to pilot his ship from the east coast to scout out territory for a new fur trading post. At the same time, Astor sent a group led by Wilson Price Hunt on an overland route. Thorn highly respected Astor, but held almost everyone else in contempt. He was highly arrogant, heavy-handed, and cruel. Several times, his crew threatened him with mutiny.

Jan 15, 2002 - Elizabeth Gibson

Abigail Scott Duniway was one of the leading women who fought for women's rights in the Pacific Northwest, especially the right to vote. She also fought for the rights for women to enter a contract and for women to have equal rights in a divorce. She also fought for the abolition of slavery. She had six children of her own, but never stopped fighting for human rights.

Dec 25, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Abigail Scott Duniway was one of the leading women who fought for women's rights in the Pacific Northwest, especially the right to vote. She also fought for the rights for women to enter a contract and for women to have equal rights in a divorce. She also fought for the abolition of slavery. She had six children of her own, but never stopped fighting for human rights.

Dec 18, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Dave Mather was one of many who dabbled on both sides of the law. He appeared in the newspapers many times, but no one seems to know where he came from or where he went. This article describes the little that is known about his "career."

Nov 27, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

It doesn't seem like the Grand Canyon would be a very hospitable place to try prospecting. However, the area was (and still is) actually fairly rich in some minerals, especially copper and its derivatives. Silver, lead, and zinc are also found in some quantities. It was just too darn hard to get to.

Nov 13, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Captain Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville was born in France and immigrated to the United States. He was an important explorer in the early decades of the 19th century. His name is left behind on many landmarks and place names.

Oct 30, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

The West was full of outlaws and a few of them were women. Pearl Hart was one of the most famous. She committed just one crime, but her flamboyant style became famous across the West.

Oct 16, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Most of the rest of Jim Bridger's life was spent guiding ungrateful army troops. However, he always respected Colonel Carrington, who relied heavily on him. He also had an unfortunate scrape with Brigham Young and the Mormons. He guided and advised emigrants on the Oregon Trail.

Oct 2, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

After 1840, the demand for beaver pelts was drastically reduced. That was because the silly fashion that had demanded it (top hats), had changed to silk. Now what was Jim Bridger to do with his time?

Sep 25, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Jim Bridger was one of the most famous mountain men of the American frontier. He blazed new trails and made friends with the Indians. The first part of his life was spent trapping and trading.

Sep 18, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Cripple Creek Mining District of Colorado was probably the most profitable gold mining area in the country. It was relatively late in the Wild West era when extensive mining began. It was also notorious for its mining union problems.

Sep 4, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Chief Pocatello was one of several leaders of the Idaho Shoshone. As with many leaders of that era, he saw his land usurped by white men. A series of hostilities would pass before he suffered the final indignity of reservation life.

Aug 21, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

It wasn't long after the first pioneers crossed the continent on the Oregon Trail that it was obvious that shortcuts or bypasses could be needed. Samuel Barlow was one of the first to realize there must be a better way to Oregon City than rafting down the treacherous Columbia River.

Aug 7, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Kid Curry is probably best known for his association with the Wild Bunch. However, his career as an outlaw started long before he joined the Wild Bunch and went on after he left. He was probably one of the most violent of those associated with the Wild Bunch.

Jul 24, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Washington State saw its share of mining activity. Monte Cristo was one of the more interesting areas because for all of its development, nothing much ever came of it. However, the potential was always there, and still is to this day.

Jul 10, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

It started out peaceably enough--the Yumas wanted to set up a trade relationship with the Spanish. But as with most other relationships between Indians and Europeans, it ended badly. The Yumas would only take so much before they exacted revenge on the Spanish.

Jun 26, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Henry Starr bragged that he robbed more banks than any man in America. His outlaw career was mostly confined to Oklahoma and Kansas, but he was wanted all over the plains.

Jun 12, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Wild Goose Bill was in the right place in the right time. He built roads and ferries and took advantage of the mining districts in Idaho and Washington. He died in a fight over a woman.

May 29, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Calling the conflict with the Sheepeaters a war is a little misleading. Other than a couple of short skirmishes with army troops, the "war" was very short-lived. Fortunately there weren't many casualties and the Indians went peaceably.

May 15, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Sitting Bull was one of the most respected chiefs of the Sioux tribe. His band was the last to submit to life on a reservation. This article tells the story of how he got his name and his rise to leadership of his people.

May 1, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

How Dick Fellows ever pulled off a job successfully, I'll never know. With one mishap after another, you wonder why he kept trying. He even had his horses refuse to cooperate, as one after another bucked him on to the ground at inopportune moments!

Apr 17, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Charlie Siringo was a Pinkerton detective who operated all over the western United States. He rode after thieves, murderers, and rustlers. He was a master of disguise and infiltrated many outlaw gangs. He once chased after the notorious Wild Bunch.

Apr 3, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

The second part of his career was spent mapping the Columbia. His superiors had realized the importance of supplying their frontier posts from the Pacific and the Columbia would be the main outlet to carry goods to and from the wilderness. He mapped out many of the tributaries and the local Indian tribes before returning east.

Mar 20, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Not well known in the United States, David Thompson was actually one of the first men to explore the western U.S. After Lewis and Clark who explored the lower Columbia, he and his party were the first to explore the upper Columbia. He also established the first fur trading posts in British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

Mar 6, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Mountain Meadows Massacre took place in the southwestern corner of Utah territory in 1857. Indians, armed and led by Mormon settlers, attacked an emigrant wagon train on their way to California.

Feb 20, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Nellie Cashman accomplished many things in her long life in the West. Never married, Nellie endured many hardships, some of them at her own choosing. But her life was one big adventure, just the way she liked it.

Feb 6, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on a journey to explore the unknown territory beyond the Missouri River. His immediate goal was to extend the American fur trade all the way to the West Coast. Secondarily, Lewis and Clark would map the vast unknown territory.

Jan 23, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Texas Jack was truly a "jack" of all trades. He was a soldier, scout, Indian fighter, and guide. He knew many of the famous men of his time, such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok. He enjoyed taking rich men out on hunting trips as much as he enjoyed performing on the stage with Buffalo Bill.

Jan 9, 2001 - Elizabeth Gibson

Bat Masterson was one of the west's most famous lawman. Unlike legend would have it, he did not kill over two dozen men. In fact, Masterson always try to get men to back down with violence, or if he had to use it, by hitting them with his gun or his cane. It seems he always followed the letter of the law.

Dec 26, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Crazy Horse, the great Sioux war chief, is mostly known for his contribution in the victory over General George Custer at the Little Big Horn. In fact, he came out on the winning end many times. He also lived a relatively short life.

Dec 12, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Pat Garrett is best known for killing the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. But that was really only a short episode in Garrett's life. He was also a rancher, saloon-keeper, and Texas Ranger. He died at the hands of men who covetted his land.

Nov 28, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Broken Hand Fitzpatrick was one of the most skilled and respected mountain men of the Old West. It is amazing he is not one of the best known. His courage, endurance, and just plain smarts stood the test of time. When he died, it was in a city, from a white man's disease.

Nov 14, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Buffalo Bill already had quite a reputation when he joined the Army. Amazingly, he was only 20 years old and it seemed he had been scouting and hunting buffalo forever. He was discovered by the infamous Ned Buntline, who made him famous in his dime novels.

Oct 31, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

William F. Cody, otherwise known as Buffalo Bill, led a long and colorful life. He was just eleven years old when he left home on his first adventure with a wagon train. He learned horsemanship and tracking and some became an expert hunter and scout.

Oct 17, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

George Catlin is often talked about in the same breath as Charlie Russell and Frederic Remington. And well he should. He is one of the premier western painters. His paintings portrayed Indians before white man had changed their way of life.

Oct 3, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Though I described the outlaws as being "of Montana" they obviously committed many crimes elsewhere too. Their headquarters was in North Dakota, so they made it a point never to rob anything there. They must have rivaled the James gang in the sheer number of jobs and the large amount of profit. They were probably one of the few "wild west" outfits that had benefit of automobiles to make their getaways.

Sep 19, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

It was already 20 years into the new century. But in the small towns of Montana, North Dakota, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, some small time hoods didn't realize that the Wild, Wild West was over. These two gangs accounted for at least two dozen bank robberies. It took two years before the law could catch up with them all.

Sep 5, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Calamity Jane was born Martha Jane Calamity. She was a tough-talking woman who drank, swore, and spit tobacco. Probably her greatest claim to fame was that she was once married to Wild Bill Hickok and mourned him when he was shot down in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Aug 22, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

This is a brief synopsis of how the missions of California came to be and what happened to them. There is a short description of each of the 21 missions and what they were known for.

Aug 8, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Wells Fargo is probably best known because its shipments were always getting stolen by train robbers and highwaymen. But Wells Fargo also was a bank. And it had its own detective agency. Wells Fargo was an integral part of the development of the gold rush West.

Jul 25, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Cullen Baker was one of many outlaws who terrorized the Texas country side. A dozen dead men were left in his wake, many killed with very little provocation. Like many others, his life came to an early end.

Jul 11, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Wyatt Earp is probably the best known of the old west lawmen. Maybe it's because of his funny name or his famous encounter with the Clanton brothers at the O.K. Corral. But Wyatt Earp still lives on in legend as one of the toughest old-time sheriffs of the West.

Jun 27, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Santa Fe Trail was an important trade route. It also supplied the many American forts in the district. Eventually the coming of the railroad displaced the Santa Fe Trail.

Jun 13, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Santa Fe Trail was a major road of commerce between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and "the rest of the world," which ended in Missouri. William Becknell is usually credited with giving birth to the Santa Fe Trail.

May 30, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

His name has been variously spelled, but it was him for whom the great city of Seattle was named. He was a well-respected war chief, and later diplomat, for the Suquamish and Duwamish peoples of the Puget Sound.

May 16, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Black Bart is probably the most well known of the stagecoach robbers. He committed 28 robberies in which he never fired a shot or harmed anyone. He was known to be the consumate gentleman--he never drank, smoked, or swore. He never took valuables from women. He never loaded his shotgun and he always worked alone.

May 2, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

After the Civil War, black soldiers served in the regular army. Called buffalo soldiers by Plains Indians, these men served with honor and distinction during the Indian Wars of the West.

Apr 18, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Spanish padres Dominguez and Escalante were probably the first white men to view the spectacular Glen Canyon in southern Utah. All they knew at the time, however, was what a formidable obstacle it would be in crossing the Colorado River.

Apr 4, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Bozeman Trail was blazed as a fast way to get to the gold mines in Western Montana. Read about the hardships John Bozeman endured while trying to establish the route.

Mar 21, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Though this incident goes a little bit beyond the time period generally thought of as "the old west," it definitely has an old west flavor. This bandits never got a dime from the train, but killed four men in the process.

Mar 7, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

In a day and a half of fighting, the 7th Cavalry lost three-fourths of its men. The Sioux, and their allies the Cheyenne, decimated the army, without much loss to themselves. Custer did not get his wish of becoming president of the United States.

Feb 22, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

There were many reasons for Custer's defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Some are outlined in this article. One thing is clear: his forces were far outnumbered by the Sioux by a factor of about ten to one.

Feb 8, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

Wild Bill Hickok had a short, but very exciting life. From plainsman, to army scout, to lawman, he made an impact on the west that will live on in history.

Jan 25, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

The gold rush in British Columbia was fairly short-lived, just like most of them were. No one really got rich from it, but many did well enough to leave the camps after just one year. Some just went from boom camp to boom camp, content to go where the gold led them.

Jan 11, 2000 - Elizabeth Gibson

There were many gold rushes in the Western United States during the 19th century. But not many are aware of the gold rush to the Cariboo Country of British Columbia. The old Cariboo Trail is marked on some maps and eventually became part of a major highway. But where did the Cariboo Road go?

Dec 28, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Annie Oakley has long been known as a superior marksman. She outshot many men of her day and was able to make a living with her skills. She became internationally famous when she traveled with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show.

Dec 14, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Ben Thompson was one of the most feared gunmen of the west. Quick on the draw and deadly accurate, he was "credited" with over 20 deaths. Even lawmen feared him.

Nov 30, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe was a fair man, who wanted to avert war to save his people. But the U.S. Cavalry was not inclined to wait for Joseph to comply with the order to go to reservation on his own terms. Instead, they used violence to end the Indian threat.

Nov 16, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

The story of the transcontinental railroad continues, as the rails continue across the desert of Nevada and the mountains of Utah. Both railroads encountered problems with supplies and labor, but still beat the estimated building time by six years.

Nov 9, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

This is part 1 of the story about the first transcontinental railroad. Many obstacles stood in the way of its completion, but it was finally finished May 10, 1869. Read about the engineers, workers, and financiers of the railroad.

Oct 26, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Like many mountain men, Zenas Leonard was fascinated by the unknown west. Also like many, he did not live a very long life. But what he experienced kept him away from his family for five years at one time.

Oct 12, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Julia Bulette was a lady of the red light district. Many such ladies met a violent end. So did Julia. Fortunately, the perpetrator was caught.

Sep 28, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

"Emperor" Joshua Norton was one of the quirkier people of the old west. He hit upon an interesting scheme to recoup the money he lost.

Sep 14, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Jesse James is one of the most notorious outlaws of the 19th century. It seems he was destined to live a violent life. He got used to killing during the Civil War, and kept up with it after the war was over.

Aug 31, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

John McLoughlin, "the white-headed eagle," was chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company post at Fort Vancouver, Washington. The post was a successful operation for the company. McLoughlin treated Indian and white man alike, and ran a smooth operation while he was in charge.

Aug 17, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Though an officer of the law, Judge Roy Bean, had three months formal education in his entire life. But his arbitrary, prejudiced, and unfair decisions became legendary.

Aug 3, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Geronimo was one of the most feared and respected Apache warriors. Most of his adult life was spent avenging the deaths of those close to him. After several battles and several escapes from the reservation he was finally subdued for good.

Jul 20, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Hollywood has portrayed Billy the Kid as a crazed outlaw, thirsting for the blood of whoever stood in his way. Some sources show it wasn't really that way, that his killing spree was motivated by a desire for revenge against the men who killed a man who he'd come to admire as a father.

Jul 6, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Nine men came to the southern Oregon coast to establish a town to supply the gold mines inland. But what they found is a hostile Indian tribe that didn't want them there.

Jun 22, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

John Colter was one of the earliest men to become known as a mountain man. After spending three years with the Lewis and Clark expedition, Colter went back into the wild to hunt and trap. He is generally credited with discovering the Yellowstone geysers and hot springs.

Jun 8, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Many people thought bringing camels to use in the southwest was a good idea, but nobody acted on it until 1853. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis thought that camels had many practical applications, especially military use.

May 25, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

These two men took matters into their own hands when they felt that the Southern Pacific railroad had done them wrong. Many others sympathized with them, and in fact, actually cheered them on in their escapades.

May 11, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Almost everyone who has studied American history has heard of the ill-fated Donner party. Leaving too late in the season, plus following bad advice, left them stuck high in the Sierras, inadequately prepared to go over the pass or to wait out the winter by the Truckee (now Donner) Lake.

Apr 27, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Gold sent the first prospectors out west, but it was silver that made men rich in Nevada. Silver had such an impact on the state and its economy, that Nevada's nickname is The Silver State. This story is about the largest silver strike, the Comstock Lode.

Apr 13, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Cataldo Mission was established among the Coeur D'Alene Indians by Jesuit missionaries. They had heard of the new religion brought by the "black robes" and wanted it for themselves.

Mar 30, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Independence Rock was a landmark to travellers on the old Oregon Trail. They knew they were a third of the way to Oregon.

Mar 16, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

The Pig War was not really a war, nor were any shots even fired. But hostilities had been brewing between the British and the Americans for months, and it wouldn’t have taken much to set off either side.

Mar 2, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Cherokee Bob was one of many young men who went west with dreams of making good. Unfortunately, like many of them he became a victim of circumstances and ended up on the wrong side of the law.

Feb 16, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson

Charlie Russell was a famous western artist. He is usually ranked with the other greats of the era such as Frederic Remington and George Catlin.

Jan 22, 1999 - Elizabeth Gibson