The Old West, often referred to as the Wild West, encompasses the period after the Civil War, the rest of the 1800s, and the early part of the 20th century up to 1912, when the last mainland states entered the Union. During this time, thousands of pioneers pushed their way westward in search of land, better lives, gold and silver, and sometimes, to escape the law. Geographically, the “Old West” generally applies to those states west of the Mississippi River.

From outlaws, to gunfighters, to the American cowboy, and buried treasures on the frontier, Old West Legends provides tales, biographies, and in-depth history into the lives and times in the American West.

Belly up to the bar and have a drink in the saloon, meet Billy The Kid, Jesse James and littler known outlaws like Hoodoo Brown; learn about the frontier skirmishes between the pioneers and the Indians, and visit the ghost towns, mining camps, and cowtowns on the prairie. More than just a glimpse of the past, Old West Legends will transport you into the adventurous times of the Wild Wild West.

Cowboys from the Raton, New Mexico area drive 500 head of cattle along the Dry Cimarron to Des Moines, New Mexico by Kathy Alexander.

See our Old West Photo Print Galleries HERE.

A wagon train and Indians

“Well, if there ain’t going to be any rules, let’s get the fight started.”

— Butch Cassidy 

Out Where the West Begins

Out where the handclasp’s a little stronger,
Out where the smile dwells a little longer,
That’s where the West begins;

Out where the sun is a little brighter,
Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter,
Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter,
That’s where the West begins.

Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,
Out where the friendship’s a little truer,
That’s where the West begins;
Out where a fresher breeze is blowing,
Where there’s laughter in every streamlet flowing,
Where there’s more of reaping and less of sowing,
That’s where the West begins.

Out where the world is in the making,
Where fewer hearts with despair are aching,
That’s where the West begins;
Where there’s more of singing and less of sighing,
Where there’s more of giving and less of buying,
And a man makes friends without half trying,
That’s where the West begins.

— Arthur Chapman