Tag Archives: American West

Excavating Fear: The Emotional History of the American West

“PRAY FOR ME. I AM ALONE.” When Reverend Cyrus Byington penned these words in all capital letters from Indian Territory in 1841, he captured something often overlooked in the grand narrative of American westward expansion: terror. Surrounded by strangers, listening … Continue reading

Posted in American Heritage Center, Research grants, Uncategorized, Western history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Through the Stereoscope: White Tourists, Native Prisoners, and the Colonial Gaze

One afternoon at the American Heritage Center an old photograph retrieved from deep in the archive propelled me on a fascinating research journey. It also led me to reckon with the power of photography as a colonial tool and to … Continue reading

Posted in Historical analysis, Native American history, Photography, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Independence Day in the Cowboy State: A Look at Wyoming’s Traditions

Happy Independence Day! 248 years of independence, and Wyoming’s been celebrating in style. From fur traders to rodeo riders, here’s how our state has marked America’s birthday. We’re highlighting a few of Wyoming’s Fourth of July traditions and featuring some … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Local history, Local Traditions, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

On the Road Again: Laramie’s Highways Through the Years

The railroad is what most of Laramie’s early history is focused on as it allowed new peoples and industries to grow the burgeoning city. Even so, a few decades after the railroad first came to Laramie, a new form of … Continue reading

Posted in found in the archive, Laramie 150th Anniversary, Lincoln Highway, Local history, Oregon trail, Transportation history, Uncategorized, Western history, Westward migration, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment