Life in the Old West

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Arizona Mining

Geographically located in the wild, untamed country between New Mexico and California, Arizona was a desolate, sunbaked land of jagged mountains and barren deserts. Travelers passing through claimed the wind was hot as dragon’s breath, so dry the lizards carried canteens and so hot cowboys could heat their branding irons just by aiming 'em at the sun. But those mountains held a king’s ransom in gold and silver.

an old photo of two men riding in a horse drawn carriage

Hero of Horsepower

General Moses Sherman (left) and Los Angeles Sheriff William A. Hammel pose in a Mobile Stanhope Steamer, circa 1900. Photo of Stanhope Steamer, Courtesy True West Archives

an old black and white photo of people sitting in front of a horse drawn carriage

Agua Fria River

The idea for a wagon road from Phoenix to Prescott by way of Agua Fria River was first proposed in 1866. Both the Army and local businessmen wanted a more direct road between the two towns.

two men standing next to an old truck on the street in front of a building

Horseless Patrol Wagon

The electric-powered horseless patrol wagon LAPD Chief Hammel purchased in 1904 whizzed through Los Angeles streets at 20 miles per hour and doubled as an ambulance.

Clara Barret

Clara Barret sits with her dog and cat at her family’s Oklahoma ranch, circa 1903-1904.

a drawing of a horse drawn carriage in front of a building with two men on it

Travel

Life in the old West

As soon as the transcontinental rail line was completed in 1869, travel in the West began to change rapidly.

an old black and white photo of people standing in front of a steam engine train

Ride that Train

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado)

an orange train traveling down the tracks near trees

Frontier Fare

In 1936, the Santa Fe Railway launched the first Super Chief service from Chicago to Los Angeles with the first modern diesel-electric locomotives, air-conditioned Pullman sleeping cars and gourmet menus for diners.

William H. Kelly was editor/publisher of The Tombstone Epitaph from 1928 through 1930. During that time—he was only 26 when he acquired The Epitaph--Kelly was the major force behind the first Helldorado Days and other efforts to promote Tombstone. Tombstone Epitaphs, Western Books, The University Of Arizona, Book Festival, The Editor, University Of Arizona, Tombstone, Old West, New Opportunities

Tombstone Epitaphs

Western Books

The University Of Arizona

Book Festival

The Editor

University Of Arizona

Tombstone

Old West

New Opportunities

Tombstone Epitaph

William H. Kelly was editor/publisher of The Tombstone Epitaph from 1928 through 1930. During that time—he was only 26 when he acquired The Epitaph--Kelly was the major force behind the first Helldorado Days and other efforts to promote Tombstone.

There are many stories about rancher John Slaughter chasing outlaws out of Cochise County. But the one-time sheriff wasn’t shy of pulling some chicanery himself when it came to bending the rules along the Mexican border... Full House, Bill Pickett, Black Cowboys, Mexican Border, Doc Holliday, The Marshall, The Mexican

Rancher John Slaughter

There are many stories about rancher John Slaughter chasing outlaws out of Cochise County. But the one-time sheriff wasn’t shy of pulling some chicanery himself when it came to bending the rules along the Mexican border...

an old poster with the words is colorado in america? on it's side

University Of Michigan Library

Constitutional Rights

Relief Print

Western Federation of Miners

May 15, 1893. The Western Federation of Miners (WFM) is formed. It's in direct response to a labor action in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho the year before in which five strikers are shot to death and martial law is declared. The WFM becomes increasingly militant and violent over the next 20 years--even assassinating its enemies. It leads strikes in Colorado, Idaho, Michigan and other places. It begins to lose some influence around 1914.

an old black and white photo of men standing in front of a log cabin with a sign that says wives wanted

Beautiful Beach Wedding

Tropical Beaches

Destination Wedding Planning

Pioneer Marriage

Western pioneers took extreme measures to change their marital status. Some prospective grooms took out ads in East Coast papers.

a large tornado cloud is seen in the sky

Abe Beck

Abe Beck was hired to haul freight around Yuma, Arizona in 1877. But he disappeared with wagon, mules and freight. Two years later, he showed up in Tucson and was promptly arrested. When asked to explain his absence, Abe told the judge that while on his journey, a giant cyclone scooped the wagon and animals and him up and deposited them somewhere on the Texas plains. In turn, judge deposited him in the county jail and anointed him with a nickname--Cyclone Bill.

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Life in the Old West