Tag Archives: western history

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

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, American history, American West, Cattle industry, Ranch history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Last of the Great Train Bandits – Bill Carlisle

February 9th marks the 106th anniversary of William L. “Bill” Carlisle’s first train robbery, which took place in 1916 outside Green River. It was a sensational event in the state, all the more notable as it was thought that the … Continue reading

Posted in Biography and profiles, outlaws, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Caroline Lockhart Elected to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

If there was ever a woman who epitomized the saying, “Well behaved women rarely make history,” that person is Caroline Lockhart. She also sought fame—if not infamy—and she recently took one more step closer to her aspiration. It was announced … Continue reading

Posted in announcements, Authors and literature, Biography and profiles, Current events, found in the archive, Journalism, Local history, popular culture, Uncategorized, Western history, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Wild Bill” Carlisle: Last Train Robber of the American West

Train passengers leaving Green River, Wyoming, on February 9, 1916 riding the Union Pacific Railroad’s Portland Rose found themselves confronted by a young man hiding his face with a white kerchief who demanded their money at gunpoint. But the youngster … Continue reading

Posted in Biography and profiles, Digital collections, found in the archive, Local history, oral histories, Outlaws--West (U.S.), Railroad History, Transportation history, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Teapot Dome featured on BBC’s Downton Abbey

History on the BBC’s Downton Abbey crosses the Atlantic and comes to Wyoming. On season 4 episode 7 of the popular miniseries, the Dowager Countess explains why Lord Grantham travels to the United States; it turns out he is helping … Continue reading

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Black History Month Highlight: Bill Pickett

In honor of Black History Month, the AHC would like to share some of our collection material that highlights African-American life in the West and beyond. The Cowboy The original cowboy archetype in the US imagination was tall, rangy, and … Continue reading

Posted in African American history, American West, Rodeo history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your American Heritage Center FAQs Answered

October is Archives Month, and as part of its recognition of the auspicious occasion, the Smithsonian’s institutional archives has posted a blog titled The Smithsonian’s Top 6 Archives Myths.  So far as I know, here at the American Heritage Center … Continue reading

Posted in Accessing historical documents, American Archives Month, Archival preservation, Archival work, Digital collections, Historical Preservation, popular culture, resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

W. B. D. and Annette Gray Photographs Digitized

The American Heritage Center has completed a project to digitize the photographs of W. B. D. and Annette Gray, who were congregational ministers in Wyoming from 1900 to 1918. In 1900, William Bradford Dodge (W. B. D.) Gray was appointed … Continue reading

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Discovering Buffalo Bill – A showcase of AHC collections

The American Heritage Center houses several collections documenting the life and work of William F. Cody. “Buffalo Bill” Cody participated in the westward expansion of the United States and helped shape the world’s romantic image of the American frontier. The … Continue reading

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A Video Introduction to the AHC, 1993 Style

This is a 1993 video commissioned for the opening of the American Heritage Center’s then new building, the Centennial Complex. Hugh Downs, a longtime ABC News correspondent and commentator, whose papers are at the AHC, narrates the video. Because it … Continue reading

Posted in Accessing historical documents, American Heritage Center, Archival preservation, Archival reference services, Archival work, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment