Tag Archives: American West

“The Blood-Stained Book”: Murder Ballads of the Johnson County War

Post contributed by AHC Audiovisual Archivist Jessica LaBozetta. In Jessica’s free time, she enjoys playing traditional folk music and bluegrass in her community. The author would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful librarians at the Johnson County … Continue reading →

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The History of the Union Pacific Big Boy: The World’s Largest Steam Locomotive

The transcontinental railroad was considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, as it was one of America’s greatest achievements at the time, and still holds the title to this day. The completion of a railroad that wedded the East and … Continue reading →

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The Whirlwind Romance of Will and Lulu

Louisa’s mad, And I am glad, And I know how to please her! A bottle of wine To make her fine And her handsome beau to squeeze her! So taunted the children on the sidewalk by the home of Louisa … Continue reading →

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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 →

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Finding Hijab Leadership Stories in Cowboy Country

Dr. Sajaudeen Nijamodeen Chapparban, Assistant Professor of Diaspora Studies at Central University of Gujarat, India, was awarded the 2024 Women in Public Life Fellowship to research “The Leadership in Hijab: A Study of Muslim Women Leaders, Writers, and Celebrities in … Continue reading →

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Fossils, Fame, and the Frontier: The Story of William Harlow Reed

In the annals of American paleontology, William Harlow Reed occupies a unique place—a self-taught fossil hunter whose keen eye and determination helped shape our understanding of the prehistoric West. Through his groundbreaking work at Como Bluff, Reed was instrumental in … Continue reading →

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Rethinking Ranchers and Government: A Fresh Look at an Old Debate

For decades, the conventional wisdom has portrayed Western ranchers as caught in a paradox—an industry built on independence that criticized federal regulation while relying on government programs. It’s become the accepted narrative—and according to Dr. Tim Gresham, it misses the … Continue reading →

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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 →

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Little House on the Prairie

This western historical television drama was based on bestselling books by Laura Ingalls (1867-1957). NBC picked it up 50 years ago in 1974 and the television series ran until March 21, 1983. This western historical television drama was based on … Continue reading →

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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 →

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