The Wild West was being mythologised before the era even ended, with gunslinging cowboys and lawmen representing freedom and tough justice; living the original American Dream. Another fact which was totally ignored by the western filmmakers was the presence of camels in 19 th century Wild West. As it turns out, this exciting period in American history wasn't as rife with murderous debauchery as Western movies and pulpy novels would have us believe. The term originated from the Spanish Vaquero, a livestock herder riding on horseback, and required skill and plenty of physical ability, developed from an early age. In 1855, after a fight Hickok mistakenly believed had ended with the death of his adversary, the 18-year-old headed west. John Wayne was not a real Wild West Cowboy, but his portrayal of the era is what earns him a special place on this list. The West shown in films only existed from 1866 following the Civil War until the mid-1890s, so roughly 25–30 years. While the Wild West wasn’t quite the world of gunslingers and desperadoes portrayed in movies, it was still a dangerous place. Hickok is said to have been a great shot, even as a youngster, and was well known for his marksmanship with a pistol. In spite of these specific incidents of violence, the lawlessness of the As these real photos of the Old West will show, there was a different way of living in this unexplored land. The affair started in the early 1800’s when American authorities seriously took notice of the notion that camels could easily adapt the harsh western conditions and could bring some prosperity in terms of carrying and food as well. RARE photos of Colorado brothels during the 1800s show America’s Wild West and the tough women who plied their trade. The Real Cowboy Look. Wayne's unforgettable image is what many of us picture today as what an Old West Cowboy looks, sounds, and acts like. Brothels were nearly … Ah, the Wild Wild West. The gunfight at the OK Corral didn’t became widely known until 1931, when Stuart N Lake published a. biography of Earp. The Wild West: A time when outlaws roamed the plains, every sheriff was a sure shot and gun battles filled makeshift cemeteries with the innocent and guilty alike. The “Wild” West wasn’t wild for very long. Except that it wasn't. In pursuit of opportunity — and, for many, gold — whole families and individuals braved nature, ruffians, bad luck, sickness, and insufficient supplies to trek West. The Real Cowboy Look. Cowboys in the wild west were definitely more than simple animal herders. His leading role in America’s Western Hollywood films brought to life the nation’s frontier heritage. Deadly gunman and Old West folk hero James “Wild Bill” Hickok was born in Illinois on May 27, 1837. With law enforcement often miles away, criminals flourished, and people were left to take matters into their own hands—often with terrifying results. 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