Cowboy Era (sep 27, 1865 – jun 15, 1895)

Description:

The Cowboy era spanned the 1860s-1890s.

Myth of the romantic cowboy: Idea that they rep the American ideal of freedom. Thought to be heroes, saviors, and adventurers.

Reality: they herded cattle; they drove cows to RR terminals (cow towns).

Examples:

Marshal “Wild Bill” Hickok : Abilene KS. Said to be “fastest pistol of the west.” Rumored to have killed 100 men.

Shootout at the O.K. Corral, 1881 : Earp Brothers vs. The Cowboys. The brothers shoot 3 cowboys in the middle of town (many witnesses).

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