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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...