Last updated on April 6th, 2023 at 10:17 pm
In the 1800s, the Wild West was a lawless land where bands of outlaws roamed free. It was a time of heroes and villains, adventure, and danger.
Surprisingly, some photos from this era still exist, offering a unique glimpse into an often romanticized period of American history. Look at some of these amazing photos from the old Wild West and see if they change some of your preconceived notions.
Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley was one of the most famous sharpshooters of the Wild West. Born in rural Ohio in 1860, she first gained notoriety for her shooting skills at a local marksmanship contest.
Oakley soon joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, where she performed for sold-out crowds across the country and even Europe.
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show
The Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was one of the most popular attractions of the late 19th century. Founded by William Cody in 1883, the show featured a cast of cowboys, Native Americans, and horses performing tricks and reenactments of famous battles.
At a time when the American West was still largely unexplored, the show gave people a glimpse into the lives of its rugged inhabitants. In addition to its entertainment value, the Wild West Show also helped to foster a sense of national pride.
As one newspaper reported, “The success of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show is a tribute to American ingenuity and enterprise.”
Olive Ann Oatman
Olive Ann Oatman was born in Illinois in 1837. In 1851, at 14, she was kidnapped by a group of Tolkepayas while traveling with her family to California. The Tolkepayas traded her to the Mohave people, who she lived with for the next four years before being released.
Yet, despite her difficult early years, Oatman went on to live a long and productive life, serving as an inspiration to others who have faced adversity.
Jesse James
Jesse James was an American outlaw who became famous for his string of robberies in the late 1800s. James was born in Missouri in 1847, and he grew up in a region that was split between the Union and Confederate states.
His family supported the Confederacy, and James became a bushwhacker, engaging in guerrilla warfare against Union forces.
In 1865, James allegedly took part in the slaying of a former slaveholder, and he soon became a target of Union vigilantes. He fled to Texas but eventually returned to Missouri and turned to robbing banks and stagecoaches.
James gained notoriety for his bold robberies, becoming one of America’s most wanted men. In 1882, he was shot by a fellow outlaw who hoped to collect the hefty reward that had been offered for James’ capture.
Though he was only active for a few years, Jesse James left a lasting impression on American folklore around the Wild West.
Belle Starr
Belle Starr was a notorious outlaw in the American West who was known for her sharpshooting and her fiery temper. She rode sidesaddle and was said to be able to shoot a coin in the air and hit it with another bullet.
Born in Missouri in 1848, Belle was raised in a family of staunch Confederates. She became involved with a gang of outlaws led by the notorious Cole Younger. The gang committed a string of robberies and slayings across the Midwest.
