Keith Wondra, curator at Boot Hill Museum and Vice President of the Western Cattle Trail Association, Dodge City Chapter, will delve into the vibrant life of the legendary Ham Bell, an epitome of the Wild West spirit. This special presentation of Ham Bell's life will be held during Dodge City Days on July 31 at Boot Hill Museum starting at 2:00 P.M. 
On April 4, 1947, Hamilton 'Ham' Bell passed away.  According to his obituary, he was one of the most influential men who lived in early Dodge City, shaping the community we know today. Boot Hill Museum curator Keith Wondra will talk about the life of this Dodge City pioneer, shedding light on his contributions to our local history. Born as Hannibal Bettler Belts in Washington County, Maryland, Ham embarked on a journey to Dodge City, Kansas, leaving an indelible mark on its economic and cultural life.
In his early life, Bell was a restless jewelry store salesman who had mastered cleaning clocks. This skill would later pave his way to Kansas. He took Horace Greeley's famous advice, "Go West, young man, go west and grow up with the country," and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention.
Ham Bell's arrival in Dodge City marked the beginning of his various ventures. His first business, a sod livery stable, grew into the largest structure in Western Kansas. Known far and wide as the Elephant Livery Stable, it became a meeting point for people throughout the region. Bell's entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. He opened a dance hall and was the first to introduce the exotic Can Can dance to Dodge City. The dance quickly became the talk of the town, bridging the cultural gap between the frontier and the East Coast.
Not just an entrepreneur, Ham Bell was also a respected lawman. His career in law enforcement spanned an impressive 36 years. Ham Bell's rule of never shooting his gun garnered him respect and admiration. His strategy was to draw his weapon in time to make the other man freeze, an approach that contributed to his survival in the volatile environment of the Wild West.
Bell's political career was also noteworthy. He served two terms as mayor of Dodge City and two as a Ford County Commissioner. His unique physical attributes and charisma undoubtedly contributed to his political success.
Beyond politics and law enforcement, Bell made significant contributions to modernizing Dodge City. He introduced the first women's restroom on the Santa Fe Trail and the first motorized ambulance and hearse in Dodge City. He also operated a furniture store and mortuary business, leaving a floral tribute on the casket of anyone who passed away in the city.
Bell's adventurous life didn't stop there. He owned the first car dealership in southwest Kansas and operated a pet shop. When he passed away in 1947 at 94, he left behind a rich legacy and many stories that continue to captivate those interested in the history of the Wild West. The life of Ham Bell, a true pioneer, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Old West, painting a picture of a time of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural evolution.
This presentation coincides with a temporary exhibit on the life of Ham Bell. We invite you to come and grab a coffee or even a sarsaparilla and help celebrate Ham's 171st birthday. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the life of a Wild West legend and explore Boot Hill Museum's special exhibit. We look forward to seeing you there! 

In Dodge City, saloons were popular destinations for drovers to relax and quench their thirst after a long journey. The main road, Front Street, was lined with wooden shanties with porches where water barrels were kept in case of fire. South of the town was the infamous 'Red Light District,' a captivating area that was not only well-known for its three vices: whiskey, gambling, and prostitution, but also for the intriguing stories and characters it housed. This area, with its alluring mix of vices and captivating history, not only fueled the economy of Western Cattle Town but also formed a fascinating part of its history.
Keith Wondra, curator for Boot Hill Museum, tells us that the primary whiskey sold in Dodge City saloons was corn mashed, a staple of the Wild West. It had 40-50% ethyl alcohol by volume and was made from grain, water, and yeast. The production process involved mashing the corn, fermenting the mash, and then distilling the fermented mash. It was aged in new charred oak barrels and referred to as bourbon. During that period, almost every type of whiskey was called bourbon, regardless of where it came from, as long as it contained corn.
However, one whiskey, known as the 'Old Sneak Head,' stood out for its unique ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship that would undoubtedly pique the interest of whiskey enthusiasts. Its ingredients included alcohol, tobacco, molasses, red Spanish peppers, and river water. Two rattlesnake heads were added to each barrel to give it spirit. The whiskey was ready to drink when the rattlesnake heads rose to the surface and floated after being dropped in a horseshoe, a process that was as fascinating as it was unique, adding a touch of mystery to its production.
Saloon owners, driven by profit, resorted to a deceptive practice. They sold overnight whiskey, watered down to increase their profits. A gallon of whiskey cost $2.00, and a drink was sold for 25 cents, which meant the saloon owner made a profit of about 700%. The more they watered down the whiskey, the more profit they made, a practice that may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who sought a genuine whiskey experience.
Between 1872 and 1876, it's estimated that 2,250 barrels of whiskey were consumed in Dodge City, which is the equivalent of approximately 70,875 gallons or 4,536,000 drinks. However, after the railroad reached Dodge City in 1872, a new era of drinking began. Saloons started selling not just whiskey but also beer, champagne, and wine, offering a diverse range of beverages.
Join Keith Wondra on Wild West Podcast as we journey through time to uncover the captivating chronicles of Dodge City's early saloons. From dark, inexpensive origins to their influence in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape, Keith guides us through every nook and cranny of these saloon stories, revealing fascinating details about these establishments that were Dodge City's lifeblood during its formative years. We discuss the infamous Saloon War of 1883 and its monumental impact on Dodge City and its economy.

Contrary to Hollywood's glamorous fiction, singing cowboys were a genuine part of the earlier cattle drives, adding a touch of authenticity to cowboy culture.
Long hours on horseback gave cowboys idle time to sing. Some carried harmonicas or even fiddles, but the human voice was the easiest and best instrument. Most started with old folk songs they had learned as kids, then changed the lyrics to fit their lives on the trail. This process of adaptation was not just about changing the words, but also about infusing the songs with their own experiences, emotions, and the unique challenges they faced as cowboys.
Cattle drives were over by 1907 when historian John Lomax, a key figure in the preservation of American folk music, set out to study the cowboy's music. Lomax, known for his extensive field recordings and his efforts to document and preserve traditional American music, collected songs and ballads from any and everyone and put out advertisements in local papers. The response was nearly overwhelming. He compiled these songs three years later and published them as 'Songs of the Cowboy and other Frontier Ballads', a seminal work that significantly preserved and popularized cowboy music.
E.C. Abbot, also known as "Teddy Blue," discussed cowboy songs in his autobiography, We Pointed Them North: Recollections of a Cowpuncher. Abbott wrote about his own singing on the trail.
His book explained the popularity of singing this way: "Another thing about cowpunchers, they didn't have any radio or other forms of entertainment, and they got a big kick out of little things" (220).
There was a practical reason for the song as well. Abbot wrote, "One reason I believe there were so many songs about cowboys," he wrote, "was the custom we had of singing to cattle on night herd. The singing was supposed to soothe them, and it did....I know that if you wasn't singing, any little sound in the night—it might be just a horse shaking himself-could make them leave the country, but if you were singing, they wouldn't notice it"
Abbot talked about particular songs he said were his favorites, many of which had come from the Ozark Mountains. "I learned' The Little Black Bull' first," he wrote. "That's the oldest song on the range.... 'Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie' was another great song for a while, but it ended up just like a lot of songs on the radio today; they sung it to death...." (222-4).
Sometimes, boredom with traditional lyrics led to new songs. Abbot wrote, 'After a while, you would run out of songs and start singing anything that came into your head. And that was how [new songs got started]'. This process of creating new songs out of boredom and improvisation was a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of cowboys. It also contributed to the rich and diverse repertoire of cowboy songs, which ranged from traditional folk songs to original compositions.

Sources
Abbot., E.C. and Helena Huntington Smith. We Pointed Them North: Recollections of a Cowpuncher. University of Oklahoma Press, 1939.
Cecil, Randle, and Shelby Conine. “Singing Cowboys.” Country Music Project.
https://sites.dwrl.utexas.edu/countrym
usic/the-history/singing-cowboys/

When we think of the Old West, images of dusty streets, gunfights at high noon, and saloons bustling with gamblers and outlaws often come to mind. In this latest podcast episode, we journey to the heart of these legendary tales to the town of Abilene in the 19th century. This was a time when the frontier was more than just a place—it was a crucible of American character and spirit.

Abilene, Kansas, emerged as a significant cow town during the late 19th century. It was here that cattle drives ended and cowboys, fresh from the long and arduous journey up the Chisholm Trail, sought the pleasures of civilization, however rough-hewn it might have been. The cattle industry was the lifeblood of these towns, and Abilene was no exception. Cowboys and settlers alike depended on the economic stability that it provided, even as they navigated the lawlessness that seemed inherent to these burgeoning communities.

Our episode delves into the lives of the hardy saloon keepers, shrewd gamblers, and notorious sporting women who were as much a part of Abilene's identity as the cattle that flowed through its streets. These individuals helped carve a town from the Kansas plains that was at once a symbol of prosperity and a beacon of the wild spirit that defined the era. They turned Abilene into an emblem of the untamed frontier, a place where opportunity and danger walked hand in hand.

The challenge of maintaining law and order in such a place fell to men like Tom Smith and Wild Bill Hickok, whose names have become synonymous with Wild West justice. Our episode recounts how Smith, using his fists more than his guns, brought a measure of peace to the town, while Hickok's approach was more aligned with the legend he had become—his six-shooter often being the final word in disputes. The impact of these men on Abilene, and the frontier in general, cannot be overstated, as they sought to impose order on a landscape resistant to it.

In listening to our episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of epic showdowns, the complexities of the cattle drives, and the transformation of Abilene from a dusty village into a bustling hub of nightlife and vice. We aim to paint a vivid picture of this complex metamorphosis, exploring the thin line between civilization and lawlessness, and how the people of Abilene navigated it.

As the episode concludes, we reflect on the enduring spirit of Abilene, inviting listeners to continue exploring the dusty trails and stormy skies of the Wild West's past. With every tale told and every account shared, we keep the history of the American frontier alive, inviting engagement from our listeners to shape the stories yet to come.

So saddle up and join us on this historical adventure, as we stir the embers of a time when the West was truly wild, and every corner had a saga to share. Subscribe for more episodes that promise to ignite your imagination and transport you to the heart of the Old West, a time and place like no other in American history.

In the late 19th century, cowboys faced treacherous terrains, tempestuous weather, and tumultuous cattle stampedes on the wild trails. This era's perilous tales offer a compelling insight into the life of cowboys, including their interaction with Indian territories and their survival against the harsh elements. This blog post takes you on a journey into this historical period, highlighting the dangers these cowboys faced and the courage it took for them to persevere.

The first point of discussion in this exploration is the hazards cowboys encountered on the cattle trails. The cowboys of this era had to contend with terrible roads, rough weather, cattle stampedes, and the need to pass through Indian territory to reach their destinations. Furthermore, they often had to pay tributes to the Indians they encountered as compensation for being allowed to traverse their lands. The picture painted by these cowboy tales depicts a world fraught with danger and uncertainty, yet also imbued with a sense of adventure and discovery.
Navigating rivers was another significant challenge for these cowboys. The narratives of Hiram G Craig and Jerry M Nance, who had to navigate the Washtaw River and Colorado River respectively, highlight the complexities involved in such endeavors. Cowboys had to find suitable crossing points, keeping in mind the water's depth, current speed, and the steepness of the banks. When cattle were swept away by the current, cowboys had to ride along the banks to find the lost animal, hoping it survived the ordeal.

An essential part of the cowboy life was the adherence to the 'Code of the West.' This unwritten code was crucial for their survival. It emphasized fairness, loyalty, and respect for the land. It included principles such as giving enemies a fighting chance, never stealing another man's horse, and never making threats unless they planned on backing them up. The loyalty of the cowboys to their brand was critical as it determined their survival.
In conclusion, the life of 19th-century cowboys was filled with challenges and hardships, but also adventure and camaraderie. Their survival in the harsh conditions of the wild west was a testament to their resilience and adherence to the unwritten 'Code of the West.' Their stories continue to fascinate us, offering a window into a unique period in history where men battled nature and each other to carve out their existence.

“Out in the dry Pecos country, a wagon boss once said to his cook, ‘Scour your pots with sand and wipe ‘em with a rag.’ The cook responded, “Rags all used up, but grass’ll do” ((99).
African American Alec Gross was old enough to have white hair. Dobie writes, “Everybody called him Uncle Alec. After he had been out a week with a remuda, he would have the horses following him, instead of him driving them” (113-4). He always carried a whip, but he rarely used it.
Dobie writes that many cowboys carried six-shooters, but they seldom used them. He tells the story of his Uncle Frank Byler, who, in the 1880s, finally pulled his pistol out of its holster when he spotted a water moccasin in the water and tried to shoot it. Dobie says, ”The trigger or hammer had become so clotted with dirt and rust that he could not cock the gun....he threw it in disgust at the snake and left it in the mud. He realized, he said, that unless a man could use a six-shooter, he would be better off without it.”
Dobie, J. Frank. UP THE TRAIL FROM TEXAS. New York: Random Press, 1955.

Original Article By Lynne Hewes 

"It was January 1886, and the passengers had just lived through the worst blizzard Kansas had ever seen. Trains filled with hogs had frozen solid, along with their living cargo, as they sat idle, prevented from moving forward by drifting snow. People who had been outdoors on the prairie when the storm struck were found frozen, killed while searching for shelter. And then there were the cows—more than 100,000 of them, dead in the storm. All in all, the January 1886 blizzard killed at least 100 people and wiped out about 75 percent of the state’s livestock."

When an enormous cold weather disaster hit the Midwest in l886, the cattle industry was already experiencing difficulties. Pastures had been overgrazed, beef prices had fallen, and farmers had begun fencing off some of the open range areas. To add to those problems came the Blizzard of l887.
Although there has been snowfall during the fall of l886, what came in January of l887 was the ultimate disaster. PBS created a special about The Blizzard of l887 as part of their New Perspectives on the West Series.
According to the series, cattlemen called the blizzard “the Great Die-up.”
When temperatures dropped so rapidly that January and the blizzard brought high winds, “some cattle were actually blown over; others died frozen to the ground.”
Cowboy Teddy Blue Abbot reminisced about his experience during that blizzard, saying, “It was all so slow, plunging after them through the deep snow that way..... The horses' feet were cut and bleeding from the heavy crust, and the cattle had the hair and hide wore off their legs to the knees and hocks. It was surely hell to see big four-year- old steers just able to stagger along.”
Another cowboy, Lincoln Lang, recalled what he saw after the blizzard passed: “...countless carcasses of cattle going down [the river] with the ice, rolling over and over as they went, sometimes with four stiffened legs pointing skyward.”
The blizzard and its destruction was the final straw that dampened hopes of many who had aspired to make their fortunes in the cattle business. Mother Nature had proven that her powers were far greater than those of mankind.
Source:
Photo Reference: The Monster Blizzard That Turned Kansas Into a Frozen Wasteland
​“Hell without Heat.” New Perspectives on the West, Episode 7. PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, Web. 19 Jan. 2019.

IN A BLIZZARD, PAINTED BY FRANK FELLER, CIRCA 1900. DURING THE GREAT DIE-UP, THOUSANDS OF DEAD CATTLE CLOGGED RIVERS, PILED UP AGAINST FENCES, AND FILLED COULEES, AND THE STINK OF DEATH HUNG OVER THE REGION FOR MONTHS. MANY COWBOYS, IN VAIN ATTEMPTS TO SA

Immersing ourselves in the echoes of the American West, we are transported to a time and place where the landscape was vast, and the spirit of adventure was as relentless as the cattle drives that crossed it. This era of the Wild West is often characterized by images of rugged cowboys, but seldom do we acknowledge the African American cowboys who played a pivotal role in shaping the American frontier. These unsung heroes faced the challenges of a post-slavery America, overcoming discrimination and prejudice to carve out their place in history.

One such figure was Bose Ikard, a man whose name became synonymous with resilience and exceptional skill in the world of cattle drives. A former slave, Ikard's life was a testament to the tenacity and fortitude that were the hallmarks of these cowboys. His involvement with the Goodnight-Loving Trail exemplified the critical role that black cowboys played in the cattle industry and, by extension, in the establishment of an integrated national food market during the late 19th century.

The tales of these cowboys are filled with the raw beauty and unyielding challenges of the Wild West. They were not just herders of cattle; they were trailblazers in every sense of the word. Multilingual, skilled in entertainment and culinary arts, and sometimes serving as nurses and bodyguards, these cowboys demonstrated a versatility and adaptability that were crucial to their survival and success on the trail. Their camaraderie and the respect they earned from their peers speak volumes about their character and the spirit that fueled their journey across the plains.

Bose Ikard's partnership with cattle barons like Charles Goodnight and his ability to handle the most harrowing of situations, such as taming wild broncs or facing down stampedes and elements, is a narrative rich in courage and perseverance. It is a story that also underscores the racial barriers these cowboys faced and overcame. The legacy of African American cowboys is not just a footnote in history; it is a vibrant thread in the tapestry of America's story, urging us to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our shared heritage.

The rich imagery of cowboy life, with its connection to the land and the hardships faced, is further evoked through traditional songs and tales of the open range. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the love these cowboys had for their job, despite the rough conditions and the emotional toll it took on them. It is through these narratives that we gain a fuller understanding of the past and a new appreciation for the hidden faces that have shaped our collective history.

By acknowledging the central role that African American cowboys played in the narrative of the American West, we are invited to look beyond the stereotypes and recognize the significant contributions these figures made to the legacy of the West. This episode serves as a tribute to individuals like Bose Ikard, whose life and legacy have become part of American folklore. Their stories, though often overlooked, are as enduring as the landscape they once rode across, forever altering our perception of the legendary American West.

As we reflect on the history and legacy of African American cowboys like Bose Ikard and Nat Love, we are reminded of the importance of reclaiming this diverse heritage and honoring the true diversity of the characters who forged the American West. It is through this exploration and celebration that we ensure the spirit and stories of these cowboys continue to echo through time, inspiring future generations to acknowledge and learn from the richness of our history.

The Kansas Cow Town grew out of necessity to satisfy man's needs. In addition, cattle were to provide these towns with their chief means of support in the two decades the cattle business endured. During this time, some five to six million cows parted through the myriad shipping points on their way to the market. Of the many towns that grew up around this thriving enterprise, only four or five ever received national prominence as wild and woolly cowtowns. One is Dodge City.
The few existing settlements catered to the appetites of buffalo hunters. Dodge City, Kansas, called initially "Buffalo City," was an example. New contenders within the new settlement acknowledged that the buffalo were disappearing and that the buffalo-hunter town needed a new raison d’être (a purpose for making a living), or they would die. The business leadership of Dodge City vigorously advertised the town's wide-open character, its open range, and its flexible enforcement of laws regulating gambling, prostitution, and public drunkenness. It already had a full-bodied gambling, drinking, and prostitution infrastructure to nurse the buffalo hunters, and it was just a matter of discovering new customers. This would be the cowboys associated with the cattle drives coming up the newly established Western trail that would provide prosperity.
When they learned that Dodge City's preparatory role was to serve as a supply point and way station for herds, city organizers mustered to form future business ventures to keep the cattle drives from circling the western end of town; a plan was needed to lure cowboys into local establishments before moving on to Ogallala. As the cattle-shipping season of 1876 loomed, Dodge City townsmen braced for a new economic opportunity. They formed a special council on Christmas Eve of 1875. This particular council of businessmen men met to appoint provisional officials. These selected men were to hold office until a municipal election was planned for the following April. The special counsel immediately parted in differences, and on Christmas Eve of 1875, Dodge City became a divided town. The division came when one of the members of the individual committees proposed the idea of ordnances.
He stated, "We should have an ordinance prohibiting the firing of guns within the city limits. He continued to make his point by stating, "I also believe we should have a law not allowing the riding of horses over sidewalks and into the saloons."
A bitter debate broke out. Those businessmen who hungered after the cattlemen's trade strongly opposed any restrictions on the Cowboys. This side of the discussion feared the cattlemen would look elsewhere for a shipping point.
Heading this group was Bob Wright, the former Fort Dodge sutler, whose general store partnered with Charlie Rath, one of the first businesses established in Dodge City. In 1876 and for many years, Bob Wright was Dodge City's most prosperous businessman. Allied with Wright were James H. ("Dog") Kelley and his partner, Peter L. Beatty, proprietors of the Alhambra Saloon, Gambling Hall, and Restaurant. George B. Cox, another early arrival, always sided with the Wright forces. Cox came to Dodge City from Larned in 1872 and built the thirty-eight-room Dodge House, which opened on January 18, 1873.
Opposing the Dodge City Gang was a group of men who proclaimed to stand for law and order, led by wholesale liquor dealer George M. Hoover. Physician Sam Galland, lawyer Dan M. Frost, and livery stable owner Ham Bell were preeminent in this faction. Hoover was a Dodge pioneer, having sold whiskey to the soldiers from Fort Dodge in a tent on the townsite as early as 1871. Galland, Frost, and Bell did not establish residence until 1874. However, early settlers Wright, Kelley, Cox, and others considered them johnnies-come-lately and resented their attempts to change the town's character. Peter L. Beatty was selected as acting mayor. Beatty served as Mayor from the December 1875 meeting of town leaders until April 1876.
Dodge City, however, was about the limit of westward shifts of the cattle drives. Dodge was in the middle of the prairie, providing thousands of acres of grassland for cattle to fatten on while they waited for their trains to the East and recovered from the cattle drive to Dodge. Fredric R. Young, in his book "Dodge City: Up through the Century," explained in 1972 an advertisement that appeared in the Dodge City Times as a means to draw the cattle trade to Dodge City:

The narrative of the American West is rich and complex, yet one aspect that has been overshadowed is the contribution of Black American Cowboys. These men, emerging post-Civil War, found autonomy and respect that contrasted starkly with their lives in the South. Their expertise in cattle management and trailblazing roles was indispensable in the expansion of the cattle industry, and yet their tales remain largely untold. Roughly one-quarter of 19th-century cowboys were Black, a statistic that surprises many due to the lack of representation in popular culture.

The podcast episode not only uncovers the general history of these cowboys but also zooms in on the life of one particular cowboy, Nat Love, whose adventures epitomize the experiences of many Black cowboys. Love, born into slavery, would become a legend in his own right, known as Deadwood Dick. His memoir offers a first-person perspective of a Black cowboy's life, filled with danger, adventure, and a journey towards self-discovery.

Through the podcast, we traverse Love's path from the plantations of the South to the open ranges of the West. We witness his early struggles and the remarkable moment when he tamed a wild horse, leading to his hiring by a Texas cattle company. The episode delves into his encounters with Native American tribes, his ascension through the ranks of the Gallinger Ranch in Arizona, and his extraordinary skills that earned him the nickname Red River Dick.

The resilience of these cowboys is evident as we recount the various roles they assumed beyond herding cattle. They were multilingual trail cooks, entertainers, and sometimes even served as nurses and bodyguards. The episode sheds light on the discriminatory challenges they faced, but also the respect and camaraderie they earned from their peers on the trail.

We also explore the cultural significance of the term "cowboy" and its transition from a term of contempt to one of respect. Furthermore, the podcast delves into the contributions of these cowboys to the Western cattle trails, their roles in the great cattle drives, and the skills they brought from their African heritage that proved invaluable in managing the vast herds of cattle that roamed the American plains.

As we navigate the history of these cowboys, we also pay tribute to the courage and spirit that characterized their lives. The episode concludes by reinforcing the central role that Black cowboys played in the narrative of the American West and celebrates their legacy, which has been long overdue for recognition.

The episode is a testament to the rich tapestry of American history and the diverse characters who shaped it. It is an invitation to look beyond the stereotypes and acknowledge the significant contributions of Black cowboys to the legacy of the West. Through stories of individuals like Nat Love, we gain a fuller understanding of the past and a new appreciation for the hidden faces that have shaped our collective history.

In conjunction with The Western Cattle Trail Association, Wild West Podcast will present a two-part series on the History of the African American Cowboy during the month of February 2024. You can join us on Wednesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 21, to get an inside look at the Life and Times of Nat Love and Bose Ikard. 
The podcast series about Nat Love and Bose Ikard tells the stories of the grandeur of the West in a more extensive cultural arena. As the West was settled and assembled, the exploits of these individuals became legends, and grand narratives about them were handed down to many a campfire. Over time, though, these legends have been overlooked. Now is the juncture as we celebrate Black History Month to recall again the contributions of these courageous and heroic African Americans. Nat Love was indeed an American hero, right along with Bose Izard. We hope you will enjoy these stories. So join us here on February 14th and 21st

​In the heart of Abilene, Kansas, a remarkable transformation took place. The birth of the first cow town was a spectacle to behold, complete with a pen capable of housing a thousand head of cattle, a hotel, a bank office, and a livery stable. The mastermind behind this impressive feat? Joseph G McCoy. McCoy's innovative ideas and ambitious vision led to the establishment of this flourishing cow town and paved the way for a booming cattle trade industry.
However, the influence of McCoy extended beyond the realm of the cattle industry. His work was instrumental in shaping the broader historical era of Western Expansion. The revitalization of the cattle industry under his watch led to the establishment of numerous stock ranges and played a pivotal role in bridging the north-south divide that had persisted following the Civil War.
McCoy's efforts in the cattle industry were nothing short of transformative. He perceived the considerable disparities in cattle values between Texas and northern states and sought to establish a depot where the Southern Drove and Northern Buyer could meet on equal terms. His ambition resulted in a unique transportation system that brought Texas cattle to the market, greatly impacting the mid-continent regions.
Joseph G McCoy's influence reached far beyond the cattle industry. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the Western Expansion and played a significant role in healing the animosity between northern and southern states, which had been created by the abolition movement in the Civil War. This episode prompts us to imagine what the West would have looked like if McCoy had not played his part in history.
McCoy's vision did not only stimulate the cattle industry but also ignited a period of unprecedented growth in Western America. The cattle trade, driven by the establishment of McCoy's cow town, catalyzed the development of new homes, farms, schools, and communities. It is a testament to McCoy's foresight and innovative thinking that the Western expansion was accelerated, paving the way for a period of prosperity and progress.

Old Blue made the trip from the Palo Duro Canyon eight times, leading thousands of cattle to Dodge City. The steer was rewarded by being retired to pasture on Goodnight’s JA Ranch, where he lived to be 20 years old. 
Source: Deeringer, Martha. “Old Blue: Top Hand on the Trail.” Texas Co-op Power. January 2010. 
​

Cowboys during the l880s were fortunate that not all their time had to be spent on the trail. Once in a while, they got to come into town. In his book Cattle Kingdom: The Hidden History of the Cowboy West, Christopher Knowlton says that a cowboy's first thought was to get clean once in town after a stint on the dusty trail. A boarding house, often just a simple dormitory with cots, offered a chance to shave and take a much-needed bath. Knowlton says that in such an establishment, cowboys "often encounter[ed] rows of bathtubs and sinks where communal toothbrushes hung on strings, alongside communal towels, hairbrushes, mirrors, and combs." 
The Dodge House, which opened in l873, advertised, "Sheets will be changed...once in six months-oftener if necessary...beds with or without bugs".
 After becoming "presentable," a cowboy would walk the streets of town, looking at merchandise in shops, stopping for a haircut, or even having his photograph taken. He would make some purchases: tobacco or thread, perhaps. But the next stop was almost always the local saloon. 
A high-end saloon like the Varieties in Dodge City would have brass cuspidors for spitting tobacco and gaming tables and perhaps a dance floor. A shot of whisky usually costs fifty cents, while a quarter would buy a beer. And, yes, there were women: hurdy-gurdy girls were around to dance with—but nothing more. Prostitutes were available for between one to five dollars, although some charged more. 
Knowlton says that Cowboy Teddy Blue recalled, "I suppose those things would shock a lot of respectable people. But we weren't respectable, and we didn't pretend to be". 
There was gunplay, too, of course, but perhaps not as much as Hollywood movies lead us to think. According to Knowlton, "Most cowboys did not carry weapons at all....and most cowboys knew that wearing a six-shooter in a cattle town was an invitation to gunplay". 
The important thing, instead, was to get to town, get cleaned up, and have a good time—then return to the cattle drive the next day. 
For more information on the history of the cattle industry in the 1800s, you can join us at www.westerncattletrailassoc.com. Join us today as we celebrate our 150th anniversary.

Source: Knowlton, Christopher. Cattle Kingdom: The Hidden History of the Cowboy West. First Mariner Books. 2018. 

As an adult, Margaret married three times. Her first husband was killed in a duel, her second died of cholera, and her third was a victim of yellow fever. When he passed away, her third husband, Alexander Borland, was considered the wealthiest rancher in Victoria, Texas. After his death, Margaret ran the ranch. Under her leadership, her cattle holdings increased to 10,000, and she had become a licensed butcher.
Her oldest son wrote of her: “ …a woman of resolute will and self-reliance, yet she was not one of the kindest mothers. She had, unaided, acquired a good education, her manners were lady-like, and when fortune smiled upon her at last in a pecuniary sense, she was as perfectly at home in the drawing room of the cultured as if refinement had engrafted its polishing touches upon her mind in maiden-hood.”
Ranch life was tough in Texas after the Civil War. In 1872, when Margaret heard that Kansas was paying $23.80 per head of cattle while Texas only offered $8.00 per head, she decided that the smart move was to drive her cattle North for sale. She was the only person available to do it. She took with her three children and one grandchild, all under the age of 15.
When her group reached Wichita two months after beginning the drive, the Wichita Beacon featured an article on June 4, 1873, saying, “Mrs. T.M. Borland of Texas, with three children, is stopping at the Planter house. She is the happy possessor of about one thousand head of cattle and accompanied the herd all the way from its starting point to this place, giving evidence of a pluck and business tact far superior to many of the “lords.”
The drive took its toll, however, when Margaret Borland came down with “trail fever” and died in Wichita on July 5, 1873. Her body was returned to Texas for burial.
By the time of her passing, at just 49 years old, Margaret Borland had proved that she was the right woman for the job.

Sources:
“Cattle Folk.” Bullock Museum, https://www.the storyoftexas.com/discover/campfire-stories/cattle-folk.“Margaret Borland.” History of American Women. http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2015/07/margaret- borland.html/. 

The following are excerpts from; “The Quirt and the Spur” by Edgar Rye
Far out beyond the confines of civilization, far out where daring men took possession of the hunting ground of the Indians and killed herds of buffalo to make a small profit in pelts, leaving the carcass to putrefy and the bones to bleach on the prairies.
Far out where cattlemen disputed over the possession of mavericks, and the branding iron was the only evidence of ownership.
Far out where a cool head backed the deadly six-shooter and the man behind the gun, with a steady aim and a quick trigger, won out in the game where life was staked upon the issue.
Far out, where the distant landscape melted into the blue horizon, and a beautiful mirage was painted on the skyline.
Far out where the weary, thirsty traveler camped overnight near a deep water hole, while nearby in the green valley, a herd of wild horses grazed unrestrained by man’s authority.
Far out where the coyote wolves yelped in unison as they chased a jackrabbit in a circle of death, then fought over his remains in a bloody feast.
Far out where the gray Lobo wolf and the mountain lion stalked their prey, killed and gorged their fill until the light in the east warned them to seek cover in their mountain lairs.
Far out where bands of red warriors raided the lonely ranch house, killing, burning, and pillaging, leaving a trail of blood and ashes behind them as a sad warning to the white man to beware of the Indian's revenge.
Far out into this wonderful country of great possibilities, where the sun looked down upon a scene of rare beauty."