Did They Really Drink Sarsaparilla?
Did they really drink this in the old west?
Category The Wild West of Yesteryear
Explore the myths, legends, and untold stories of the American frontier in The Wild West of Yesteryear column by author and blogger Rachel Kovaciny. From iconic lawmen and notorious outlaws to forgotten pioneers, frontier women, and cultural curiosities, this tag dives deep into the people, places, inventions, and everyday life that shaped the Old West. Perfect for history lovers, writers, educators, and Western enthusiasts alike.
Pearl Hart: The Bandit Queen of the Old West
Pearl Hart, once a well-educated young woman from Ontario, shocked the Old West by becoming a notorious stagecoach robber and the famed "Bandit Queen." Her daring exploits, brushes with the law, and stint in Yuma Territorial Prison made her a legend. Discover the fascinating true story behind one of the West’s most unforgettable female outlaws.
From Spanish Aristocrat to Californian Patriot: The Story of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was a towering figure in early California history — a military leader, politician, and landowner who navigated Spanish, Mexican, and American rule. From founding the city of Sonoma to shaping California’s statehood, Vallejo’s life embodied the complex loyalties and turbulent transformations of 19th-century California.
Bill Pickett: The Legendary Cowboy Who Invented Bulldogging
Bill Pickett, the Black cowboy who invented “bulldogging” cattle, became a rodeo superstar in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Touring internationally and starring in early cowboy films, Pickett broke barriers with skill and charm. Though he died from a horse accident in 1932, his legacy lives on in rodeo history and halls of fame.
The Woman Who Rode Alone: Anne Bailey’s Frontier Courage
Anne Bailey stepped into her husband’s militia role during the Revolutionary War, riding alone as a scout and courier through Virginia’s wild frontier. Known as “Mad Anne” for her daring escapes, she saved Fort Lee by securing vital gunpowder under hostile siege. Her fearless rides and frontier spirit made her a true pioneer and folk hero of early America.
From Daguerreotypes to Tintypes: Capturing the American Frontier
In the 1800s, photographers traveled the American frontier in covered wagons or set up temporary studios, capturing portraits with tintypes and daguerreotypes. These early photos preserved the faces of Native Americans, outlaws, settlers, and cowboys just as the Old West was fading. Thanks to their work, we can still see the people and places of a vanished era.
From Nicodemus to Colorado: The Life of Lulu Mae Sadler Craig
Lulu Mae Sadler Craig lived through the turbulent post-Civil War era, moving with her family to the all-black frontier town of Nicodemus, Kansas, and later homesteading in Colorado. A dedicated teacher and community leader, her memoir and a documentary capturing her 102nd birthday offer invaluable insights into the lives of African-American pioneers in the American West.
How the Colt Walker 1847 Revolutionized Firearms in the Old West
The Colt Walker 1847 revolver, famous for its long barrels and deadly power, was a game-changer for the Texas Rangers during the Mexican-American War. Popularized in The Outlaw Josey Wales, this iconic handgun combined innovation and raw force, helping to shape the future of firearms manufacturing. Today, original models are rare and highly prized collectibles.
Minnie Freeman and the Schoolhouse Blizzard: Saving Thirteen Lives in the 1888 Storm
On January 12, 1888, a sudden and deadly blizzard swept across the Great Plains, trapping many children far from home. Nineteen-year-old schoolteacher Minnie Freeman braved the raging storm, guiding thirteen pupils to safety using only a ball of twine. Her courage and leadership saved lives and earned her a lasting place in Nebraska’s history.
The Voice of the Nez Perce: Yellow Wolf’s True Legacy
A cousin of Chief Joseph and a warrior in the Nez Perce War, Yellow Wolf spent his later years ensuring his people’s story would not be forgotten. Through interviews with writer L. V. McWhorter, he left behind a powerful legacy of truth, resilience, and cultural memory. Learn how this Nez Perce warrior became one of history’s most important storytellers.