Hearing the word “Wild West,” you may have thought about cowboys. However, there is more to the Wild West era than men roaming around on horses. It was a time of excitement and adventures.
The history of Wild West comprises of many unsung heroes and famous outlaws. Every story is unique, and you will be amazed to learn about the Wild West’s history. So if you’re looking to dwell into that era, you’re in the right place.
Regardless of whether your fascination lies with the native inhabitants or the historical occurrences, we have it all for you. Presented here are fifty uncommon photographs offering a peek into the Wild West.
The Authentic Cowboy
When the term “cowboy” comes to mind, many people may associate it with men dressed in slim-fit jeans. But in the era of the Wild West, jeans as we know them today didn’t exist. Cowboys typically wore outfits of loose shirts coupled with oversized leather trousers.
The photograph you are seeing was taken by a miner and is called “The Cowboy.” It is a rare picture that accurately represents the cowboys. As you can see, fashion was not at its peak during that era.
Nevertheless, Western movies did manage to portray certain aspects accurately. For instance, it’s true that cowboys used to don cloth neckwear and were always armed.
The Wild West Saloon
The Kraemer’s Saloon is one of the well-known places of the Wild West. The saloon was a gateway to escape from one’s problems and enjoy good old beer. But, as you can see, the saloon does not look much different than present-day pubs.
This is due to the fact that numerous bars have maintained the same basic structure over the past 150 years. However, there’s a distinguishing aspect that renders the beer from that era quite unique. In those times, refrigeration was absent, which led to beers being sold at room temperature and they had to be consumed rapidly.
Can you visualize sipping on a heated beer? We definitely can’t.
The Comanche Chief
The period known as the Wild West was marked by severe suppression of Native Americans. Amidst this adversity, Quanah Parker stood out as a remarkable leader, uplifting the morale of the Native Americans. Intriguingly, Quanah was of mixed heritage, with his mother being of European descent.
He got the title of Comanche Chief when he defied the government’s orders who wanted the Natives to live on a reservation. Word of his bravery spread quickly, and many people looked up to him. This irked the government a lot, who were willing to harm the Natives. Quanah eventually gave in to the threats and migrated, but his bravery is still commended.
Custer – The General
General George Custer, known for his defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn, took this photograph as his last one before his demise. His prominence escalated during the Civil War.
The General’s life was marked by numerous triumphs and demonstrated his capabilities as a seasoned leader. However, his reputation plummeted subsequent to the Battle of Bighorn. With utmost confidence, Custer spearheaded his military force against the Native Americans, fully expecting to attain victory.
Fate, on the other hand, had different plans. The 3,500 Indian combatants outnumbered the General’s band of 600 soldiers. He was killed during the battle as an honorable soldier.
The Female Robber
You may think of robbers as cold-hearted criminals who deserve severe punishment. Well, not all of them are as bad as they seem. For example, here is a picture of Pearl Hart, who was a famous robber of the 19th century.
Pearl initially lived an honest life as a miner. Later her mother fell ill, and she required money for her treatment. The mining venture was enough to put food on her plate but not much for her mother’s treatment.
That is why she posed as a man and turned to the life of thievery. She was eventually caught and sentenced to five-year imprisonment but was released after three years. It’s quite an emotional story, isn’t it?
Is It Really Poker?
Are you thinking that these cowboys are playing poker? Well, you’re mistaken. This picture accurately represents the saying that looks can be deceiving.
This moment was captured during the 18th century, whereas poker came into the wild west lifestyle after 1800. The game you are looking at is called Faro. It was a French game that gained a lot of popularity, and many cultures started playing it.
Faro is simpler to play than poker, offering increased odds of victory. Additionally, it doesn’t limit the volume of players. This is the reason why the game was so popular among cowboys.
Bloody Bill
Bloody Bill, whose real name was William Anderson, was brought into the world in 1840. When the American Civil War erupted, he rose to prominence as the head of one of the most lethal gangs in the Wild West. His moniker, Bloody Bill, was attributed to him due to the fact that his crimes and thefts consistently resulted in gruesome, bloody scenes.
Moreover, he sided with the Confederates during the war, a decision driven by his deep resentment towards Union soldiers who were responsible for his father’s death. This unfortunate event forced him to abandon his home and adopt a life of minor criminal activities for sustenance.
In the era of the Wild West, it was considered fortunate to not encounter Bloody Bill.
The Bandit Lover
Rose Dunn, also known as Rose of Cimarron, was an ill-fated young woman who found herself smitten with a rogue. Her lover, Newcomb, was affiliated with a infamous gang during their relationship, and under his influence, Rose got herself entangled in outlaw life.
She had a pair of brothers who chose the career paths of bounty hunters, popularly recognized as the Dunn Brothers. In the year 1895, Newcomb was worth $5000 as a reward. Thus, when the outlaw arrived to see Rose at her residence, the brothers interrupted the romantic rendezvous.
The Dunn Brothers, who received the bounty, took Newcomb’s life, leaving Rose devastated.
The Mobile Darkroom
If you think the photo here is of an ordinary wagon, you couldn’t be more wrong. This is not a picture of some regular travelers. Instead, it is the darkroom wagon of the famous photographer Timothy O’Sullivan.
In the era of the Wild West, cameras were an uncommon novelty. Timothy was one of the few individuals who possessed a camera, and he would travel in his self-made wagon, producing photographs. He crafted this conveyance himself to increase efficiency and broaden his exploration.
We can’t say for sure, but Timothy himself most likely took this picture. He was indeed a man of many talents.
The Slave
The woman pictured, Olive Oatman, was just fourteen when her parents were murdered by Indigenous tribes. She and her sister were subsequently kidnapped and traded to a different tribe as slaves. Tragically, throughout her enslavement, her sister perished from lack of food.
Olive, after five long years in captivity, managed to get back to her origin. Yet, the blue ink embedded into her skin served as an ever-present memento of her dreadful past. Her tale was noticed by the media during those times, and was widely broadcasted.
While her story served as a cautionary message against the brutality of the Indians, the specifics of her experiences during that five-year period remain a mystery.
Shoshone Falls
You may not be able to believe it, but this mesmerizing picture is from 1874. If you live in Idaho, you may have recognized it already. However, for those of you who don’t reside there, the image is of Shoshone Falls.
The waterfall is higher than Niagra Falls and is 212 feet tall. During the Wild West, this place was unknown to many people. Timothy O’Sullivan took this photograph.
He was a renowned photographer of his time with an exceptional talent for capturing stunning landscapes. A good number of the authentic images of the Wild West available online were shot by him.
The Cowgirls
You might be familiar with the renowned cowboys of the Wild West, however, cowgirls also existed during that period. For instance, Annie Oakley was one among them. These women gained fame for their swift horse riding skills and venturing into the Wild West.
Additionally, many of them were experienced marksmen and were proficient in managing themselves in situations involving gunfire. The image portrays a select few from the group who were indulging in a horse ride. They chose to pause near a water brook to allow their horses to quench their thirst.
Fortunately, the cowgirls also had the chance to snap a quick picture. Regardless of the time period, nothing can hinder women from living liberally.
Myra Starr
Recognized widely as Belle Starr, Myra Reed Starr is one of the most famous female bandits. She is legendary in the Wild West due to her audacious actions, including her marriage to a Cherokee, which garnered a lot of attention.
Formerly, she would traverse the town on horseback, carrying two guns by her side. In the year 1883, she was detained for horse theft and incarcerated. Several years later, in 1889, she met her end by gunfire, with the identity of her killer remaining a mystery to this day.
Even though Belle Starr is no longer alive, her legacy continues. Several characters in television and film have been modeled after her.
Ambrotype Photography
The ambrotype was one of the earliest types of photography that came into being during the 19th century. It used to produce clearer images which is why it garnered the attention of the people. Besides that, it was cost-effective, so more people were able to afford it.
The image shown above was created using the ambrotype process, a popular technique frequently applied to portrait photography. This method produced images on glass and was faster than other available techniques. The ambrotype enjoyed a decade of widespread use before the emergence of a new method known as tintype.
You can now comprehend the immense progression that technology has undergone.
The Valley Of Death
This refers to Death Valley, located in California, which is recognized as one of the most uninhabitable locations on earth. Therefore, it’s also commonly referred to as a desert valley.
Since the Wild West, the valley is the hottest landmark on Earth. In the 19th century, many people explored the valley to find borax, a rare substance that was used for cleaning.
Interestingly, there’s a captivating aspect about the valley that is sure to delight you. Contrary to what its name suggests, this location spontaneously bursts into a plethora of vibrant wildflowers come springtime, when the environment conditions are just right.
The Native Weavers
This image provides a snapshot of Indigenous Americans, known for their exceptional skills in weaving. The individual in front appears to adopt a defensive posture, seemingly safeguarding those engaged in the weaving activity. This appears to be due to the importance and focus required for the task, thereby necessitating an undisturbed environment.
Initially, it was exclusively for the needs of their tribal members where it was the primary means of creating their clothing. However, they identified an opportunity to capitalize on their outstanding abilities when the settlers began to express a keen interest in their craftsmanship. Some of their most frequently traded items were rugs and blankets.
The Natives gained prominence as their trading endeavors became more widely known.
The Cowboy Detective
In the image, the individual to the left is identified as Charlie Siringo. He gained fame as an author with his book Cowboy Detective. Prior to penning this acclaimed work, he was recognized as one of the most well-known detectives during the era of the Wild West.
For approximately 22 years, he was employed at the Pinkerton Agency, where he served the law diligently. Siringo gained recognition for the majority of his arrests, which were notably achieved sans violence. Later, upon retiring, he authored books recounting the exploits he encountered during his detective career.
His agency attempted to prevent him from releasing his books, but their efforts were spectacularly unsuccessful.
The Comanches Hunter
This unique photo from 1968 features the first members of the Texas Rangers. The individual on the left is James Bird and to the right is John Haynes. A common presumption is that their main duty revolved around dealing with outlaws.
Nonetheless, the main adversaries of the Rangers were the Comanches, who consistently opposed the settlement of Caucasians. One can observe that the Rangers’ attire bears a striking resemblance to the uniforms worn by the Civil War soldiers. But it’s important to note that the Texas Rangers were more advanced and they garnered much respect following the war.
They gained increased prominence and authority after the 1870s.
The Native Name
In the Wild West, Native Americans led an unusual lifestyle and had the habit of creating unique nicknames for fellow townspeople. An illustration of this is their reference to black soldiers, which they commonly addressed as Buffalo Soldiers.
The phrase gained popularity among the local people, to the point that it was even incorporated into a song by Bob Marley. The image shown here also depicts a buffalo soldier. These individuals were particularly known for their extraordinary courage in the Indian Wars.
Indeed, 23 Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal of Honor during the conflict. Sadly, the final soldier from this group departed in 2005, and the phrase has not been utilized since that time.
The Fake Killer
If you are interested in Wild West tales, you must have come across Wild Bill’s name. He is one of the most famous legends of that era. It was said that he killed over a hundred people during gunfights.
Although this rumor achieved his fame, Bill was not happy being branded as a killer. However, we can’t say that we feel sorry for him. After all, it was Bill himself who told people, fake kill count.
In reality, he managed to take the lives of approximately ten individuals in shooting conflicts. Ultimately, his legend lost its validity when he was fatally shot during a card game.
The Innocent Victim
What you’re viewing is an image of Ned Christie, a notable individual in Cherokee history. In 1887, he came under accusation of murdering a US Marshal, which subsequently kick-started his ongoing battles with the authorities.
The clashes gained so much attention that they were referred to as the Ned Christie’s War. As a result, Ned was declared an outlaw by the authorities causing him to become an outlander. They even burned his house in an attempt to catch him, but he was able to escape.
In 1892, he tragically met his end at the hands of law enforcement. Regrettably, a quarter-century later, Ned’s innocence was confirmed due to evidence from witness accounts.
The Famous Monument
The stone-like landscape you’re viewing is the monument of Canyon De Chelly, found within the contemporary boundaries of the Navajo Nation. While it may seem desolate, this site’s ground is incredibly fertile. It also contains several of nature’s water sources.
In the era of the Wild West, the Canyon served as a habitat for numerous Native Americans. They constructed their residences in the niches to shelter themselves from the intense sun and scorching heat. Furthermore, the terrain provided them with a refuge from marauders and lawbreakers.
What’s fascinating is that numerous sketches can be seen on the cave walls of this monument. This was done with the purpose of safeguarding the natives’ historical background.
Lady With The Huge Nose
Big Nose Kate, originally known as Katherine Cummings, was an immigrant who hailed from Hungary. She was from a distinguished family and faced tough times when she was orphaned at the age of fourteen. When she moved to Kansas, she took on various jobs to make a living.
Initially, she was employed by the wife of James Earp at a boarding house. Afterwards, she embarked on her journey as a dance hall girl where she gained some recognition. Nevertheless, it was her final profession of prostitution that brought her the most notoriety.
Indeed, she encountered Doc Holliday while undertaking this job, and they subsequently got married. Her nose is quite noticeable, as you might observe.
The Apache Leader
The elderly gentleman portrayed in the snapshot is Geronimo, a noteworthy figure who held the position of a leader and healer in the Apache tribe. He deeply valued his heritage, marking his stature with a feathered headdress he consistently donned. Geronimo’s greatest achievement was his successful effort to rally Native tribes to resist white settlers and Mexican adversaries.
Once the tribes were assembled, he initiated a conflict against the Mexicans in 1848. Displaying immense courage, Geronimo and his soldiers engaged in fierce combat. However, in the end, he had no choice but to surrender, compelled by the US military forces.
Geronimo passed away in 1909 while in captivity as a prisoner of war at a medical facility. Despite his departure, his accomplishments continue to live on and remain unforgotten.
Christopher Carson
The individual known as Christopher Carson, otherwise recognized more commonly as Kit, was a pivotal figure in establishing California as a frontiersman from America. He previously held prominence as a mountain man and a guide in his younger years.
His paramount accomplishment was initiating a conflict with the Navajo in 1863. He triumphed in this endeavor and managed to incarcerate roughly 8000 Navajo in New Mexico. Carson is renowned for his terrifying actions towards the indigenous people, including incinerating their livestock and residences throughout the war.
Regardless of how films portray the Wild West, the period was far from being all happy and bright.
The Famous Earp
In the image, you can see Wyatt Earp, a renowned personality from the Wild West era. During his early adulthood, his profession was a lawman in Dodge City, making him one of the most recognized Earps of his time.
Despite being a man of the law, Wyatt faced numerous allegations of assorted criminal activities. His notoriety primarily stems from the infamous gunbattle that occurred at O.K. Corral. His companion, Doc Holliday, was with him during this confrontation where they stood against four brigands.
The second individual in the picture is Bat Masterson. He worked alongside Wyatt Earp and was another well-known officer of the law.
The Short-lived Gang
The young men you are looking at are the Rufus Buck Gang of the Wild West. Although their crime spree didn’t last long, their name is still known to many. These young guys look innocent, but in reality, they spread quite the terror.
Rufus Buck Gang killed many people and even raped at least two girls who died because of the wounds. The authorities eventually caught the boys. They wanted the gang to get a trial, but the judge they got was infamous for giving death punishment. Hence, on 1st July 1896 they were hanged for their crimes.
Joseph – The Chief
Chief Joseph was a very influential Native American chief of the 19th century. He became the leader of the Nez Perce after the death of his father. The tribe looked up to him and loved him a lot because of his brave actions.
Joseph frequently found himself in disputes with the government, who sought the tribe’s land due to the discovery of gold. Despite this, his actions were lauded by the Native community, enabling him to amass greater influence within the tribe. In an effort to escape the US military, Joseph attempted to lead his tribe to Canada as a form of retreat.
His withdrawal was not victorious, however, they succeeded in traversing a distance of 1400 miles. This is the reason his legend still lives on in the memories of many.
Hills That Are Black
Prior to being officially named, the Black Hills were simply known to the local populace as the black hills. This important landmark is a significant feature of the Wild West. The southern part of these hills emerged into prominence in 1874 following the discovery of gold.
The town of Deadwood was established as a result of the discovery. The image you’re viewing was captured a few days prior to the renowned Battle of Little Bighorn. The people in the picture were part of Colonel George Custer’s team, who were on a quest to find a fort in the Black Hills.
Another fact you’d like to know is that the Battle was a massive defeat for the US Army.
Tiburcio Vasquez
Are you of the opinion that this man bears the semblance of aristocracy, possibly from a well-off family in the Wild West? If affirmative, you’re not isolated in your perception. We found ourselves in a similar line of thinking.
However, this is not any nobleman. He’s Tiburcio Vasquez, who was one of the most famous outlaws of that era. His criminal career continued for twenty years, and he managed to evade the lawmen through this period.
In the end, Tiburcio met his fate at the hangman’s noose in accordance with the law. Still, his legacy lives on in numerous havens like the Vasquez Rocks, which bear his name, indicating that he was far from being considered a petty crook.
The Railroad Project
The Civil War might be a well-known historical event for many of you. However, numerous significant events took place simultaneously with the war. One notable instance was the building of the Pacific Railroad, an important feature of the era.
This was North America’s inaugural intercontinental railway, whose construction spanned several years. Despite the challenges, the railway proved tremendously beneficial, simplifying transport during that period. The project also served as a beacon of hope, uplifting people’s spirits amid the war.
Truly, the period of the Wild West signified the initiation and termination of numerous endeavors.
The Outlaw Hero
The individual depicted in the image, Jesse James, was a criminal seen as a hero by numerous individuals. His primary criminal activities centered around robbing banks and trains. A majority of his plundering expeditions were prosperous, catapulting him to wealth swiftly.
In addition to this, Jesse was also a Confederate, which earned him the status of a hero. Nonetheless, his choice to align himself with the guerillas originated from a personal grudge. His family’s murder at the hands of Union soldiers fueled his animosity.
His life was renowned, and even Brad Pitt portrayed him in a film.
Mining – The Way To Become Rich
In the period of the Wild West, many individuals found their livelihood in mining. It could be likened to a game of chance, much like hitting the jackpot. Should fortune favor you and you discover precious minerals, you could make a fortune in a mere day.
That is the reason why many were interested in mining. Unfortunately, the chance of finding something of value was meager at that time. Back then, people didn’t have the right tools for excavating something big.
Nonetheless, certain individuals were more resolute than the rest. Their unwavering commitment was pivotal in leading them to unearth gold and amass wealth. When a miner stumbled upon unusual items, their expression of joy was encapsulated in the cry of “Bonanza”, their unique slang for precious commodities.
The Dangerous Trail
During the period of the Wild West, undertaking a journey was fraught with danger. The paths were not well-developed, and the looming threat of being raided by bandits was always present. Consequently, affluent individuals often employed bodyguards for their safety while traveling.
The Sierra Nevada Trail was a frequently traveled path in the past. The trail was quite thin, requiring wagons to stick closely to one side. Despite the hazards of travel, this route was the quickest way to arrive at the intended destination during that era.
Pathways like this laid the foundation for the growth of America. Even today, you can spot remnants of some of these trails scattered across the Western region.
19th Century Migration
You may think that people during earlier eras used to settle in one place for a long time. However, migration was a common thing across the Wild West. It didn’t include moving fancy things through a truck but had more essence to it.
The picture is an example of what moving meant during the 19th century. People used to pack their essentials into a wagon and embark on a journey to a foreign land. Since traveling took days, they used to take breaks while riding, just like this couple.
Back then, moving used to help families bond more and get to know each other better. It’s amazing how the culture has changed so much since then.
The Brave General
General George Crook was renowned for his courage and military prowess throughout the Wild West era. His expertise led his soldiers to numerous triumphs, and he was recognized for his leadership skills. Notably, he secured victories in five battles against the Confederates throughout the Civil War.
His bravery was a predominant topic of conversation during that time, aiding his ascent up the ranks. The picture was captured four years prior to his passing. In the twilight years of his life, he strongly advocated for the rights of Native Americans.
As is evident, the scouts accompanying him are Native Americans, and the mule on which he is mounted goes by the name Apache.
The Famous Showmen
Buffalo Bill was a well-known figure in the Wild West who entertained people with his shows. His cowboys, who would replicate gunfights, were the stars of his team. Concerned about his image, Buffalo would ensure only the top marksmen were recruited for his show.
Joining his team required the cowboys to pass an audition. Once they secured the position, their compensation was quite generous. Indeed, thanks to the shows, no team members encountered monetary issues during that period.
The popularity of the shows was so high that at times, they required the hiring of 1200 performers.
The Bad Outcome
The period of European colonization stands as a significant episode in history. The Euro-American settlers acquired premium lands and were content with their freshly begun lives. Yet, there exists a facet of this migration that remains unrecognized by many.
The Native Americans experienced their darkest times during the colonization period. Initially, they were compelled to abandon their homesteads and migrate westward. Soon after, Caucasian colonizers seized the prime Western lands, leaving the indigenous people with no choice but to reside in reservations.
The picture serves as evidence of the brutal circumstances they were forced to endure. As is evident, the terrain appears desolate and isolated from the nearest inhabitants.
The Wild West Bathing
Daily showers are a regular part of our modern routines. However, back in the days of the Wild West, bathing was an infrequent activity. Many individuals even held the belief that bathing could lead to sickness.
Due to this reason, the time was marked by a low level of hygiene. Women had the custom of cleaning themselves at home using a damp cloth. Conversely, men often chose to bathe in streams for enjoyment.
For them, swimming in the creek was synonymous with taking a bath. The image depicts a few men immersed in the water, while others preferred to remain fully dressed. Their reluctance to bathe was rooted in their misleading beliefs.
The Female Sharpshooter
Annie Oakley was one of the most famous female shooters during the Wild West. Her skills were so exceptional that she got herself a place in Buffalo Bill’s show. She was also known for advocating for equal rights and pay.
This picture was captured prior to Annie’s journey to London for a show. Her popularity skyrocketed in London when she triumphed over another marksman known as Lillian Smith. Oakley’s performance left the audience astonished as she was just a young lass at the time.
In addition to her other contributions, she proposed to mentor a battalion of female marksmen during World War I. Although the offer was declined, her commitment was praised.
The Man With The Bullet Holes
During the Wild West, there was no technology to warn about criminals. The only thing that served as a warning was the wanted posters. These posters used to say “Dead or Alive,” but the capturers usually preferred the dead option.
They used to take photographs of the dead criminal as evidence of their demise. This image serves as an illustration of that practice. The individual depicted in the photo is Bill Doolin, a notorious bandit.
A lawman fatally shot Bill twenty times, which explains the numerous bullet wounds on Bill’s corpse.
Custer’s Scout
Do you guys remember General Custer? A quick reminder, he was the guy who lost the Battle of Bighorn. Well, the handsome man in the above photograph is Curly, who was Custer’s scout.
Surprisingly, he was merely 17 years old at the time the photograph was captured. As Curly was a scout, he was often near the battlefield but distant from possible risks. Following the combat, a gossip circulated stating that he was the lone survivor of Bighorn, earning him considerable renown.
This is why he had his photo taken shortly after the battle.
The Road To Gold
You must be wondering what importance does a railway track has in the Old West’s history. Well, this is no ordinary track. During that era, this railroad led to a mine where gold ores were extracted.
The mining industry underwent significant transformation following the discovery of gold to streamline the process of gold extraction. This led to the construction of an extensive railway designed to aid miners in transporting gold. They would load the ores into carts and using a pulley system, these carriages were facilitated to make their way down the tracks.
After the other laborers gathered the ores, the cart was hauled up the rail tracks for another load. This was the usual daily routine of the miners.
The Bank Robbers
The Dalton Gang, renowned for their train and bank robberies in the Wild West, was primarily comprised of disgruntled members of the Dalton family. Their discontent arose from not receiving sufficient remuneration, leading them to opt for thievery as a means to live the affluent lifestyle they always aspired to.
The Dalton brothers’ numerous successful heists brought them under the scrutiny of the Marshals. In 1892, during one such heist, the authorities intervened, resulting in the death of two Dalton brothers while the other was apprehended.
Emmett Dalton was found guilty of his wrongdoings and was incarcerated for 14 years. This signified the conclusion of the fear induced by his gang.
The Wolf Hunt
When they weren’t being outlaws, the cowboys would engage in hunting. This photograph, taken in 1887, serves as a testament to their significant accomplishment. It wasn’t a walk in the park to hunt down a formidable gray wolf, after all.
Predatory creatures like wolves were notorious for threatening the livestock of ranchers, prompting them to conduct routine hunting expeditions to eliminate such threats. While some cowboys preferred to use their pistols to end the predators, others chose more entertaining methods.
Therefore, often live animals were seized by cowboys, who would then photograph them before ultimately killing them.
Display Of The Dead
A commonly discussed event from the Wild West is the infamous shootout that took place at the O.K. Corral. In 1881, the Earp brothers confronted the Clanton-Mclaury gang at this location. The lethal encounter ended in the demise of three lawbreakers.
The Mclaury family and Clanton’s were enraged and accused Wyatt Earp of wrongful murder. To make a bold statement, a sign was put in front of the bodies that claimed they were murdered. Later, they become a display at the hardware shop.
Many people took notice when the Earps were accused of murder, but they were cleared of the charges a month thereafter.
The Actual Gunslinger
If you’ve watched movies about the Wild West, then we bet you expected cowboys and gunslingers to be very handsome. Well, sorry to disappoint, but this picture is an accurate representation of how gunslingers actually looked like. Movies are fiction and well-known for inaccurate historical representation.
In the era of the Old West, the majority of men were not remarkably handsome and lacked a stylish sense of dress. They allocated more time in choosing an elaborate firearm than decent attire. However, their indifference to fashion can’t be blamed, given that stylish clothing wasn’t a trend during that period.
Contrary to what is portrayed in western films, gunslingers were not typically recognized for their romantic nature.
The Lawman
Did you see the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? If you did, you might recall the character Joe Lefors, who was portrayed as a lawman. Well, here’s a surprise for you: That character actually exists in reality.
This image portrays the authentic Joe Lefors, a law enforcement officer in the final years of the Wild West. His omnipresent white hat served as a beacon of caution every time he stepped into a room. Lefors gained fame for detaining Tom Horn, a man implicated in the killing of a child.
Besides that, Joe’s appearance and style also got him some attention. None of the officers used to dress up like him during that era.
The Barren Land
The Navajo Nation holds the record for being the biggest reservation in the United States. It presents a very desolate landscape owing to its arid land and intense heat. In the times of the Wild West, it was uncommon to encounter any local habitations within this reservation.
This region was only frequented by natives when it fell on their journey’s path. The image portrays a Navajo family traversing the bend of the Canyon De Chelly. The present-day scenery of this rocky terrain is incredibly captivating.
In fact, now the land is being explored for minerals and oil to boost the country’s economy.
The Remarkable Beauty
This captivating image portrays Sarah Marcus, a renowned actress from the Old West period. Known on stage as Josephine, she was continually on the move due to her travelling profession. Upon her initial arrival in Arizona, she became the wife of a famed sheriff by the name of John Behan.
The dissolution of her marriage took place quickly as Josephine developed feelings for the well-known Wyatt Earp. After her divorce, they both got hitched and led a peaceful existence together. Yet, speculation has it that the initiation of the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight was a result of a clash between Earp and a man named John.
Despite everything, Josephine possessed a striking beauty that invariably swept men off their feet in an instant.