James Arness made all the difference in his storied film and television career. In 1976, Gunsmoke’s James Arness was about to take on the lead role...
Bruce Boxleitner
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Articles
The Silver King
A new biography of George Hearst, plus a new bio of James K.P. Miller, a multigenerational women’s story, a history of poker in the West and a new...
New Mexico Chiles
Ever since Don Juan Oñate brought the fiery fruit to Nuevo Mexico in 1598, the chile pepper has defined cuisine in the Land of Enchantment. ...
Rocky Mountain Bonanzas
Explore mining history from Cripple Creek to Grand Encampment. It happened all across the West: a spark from a stove or fireplace set one wooden...
Chile Queens
For two centuries, locals and visitors to the public plazas of San Antonio, Texas, dined on the famous fiery cuisine. San Antonio, Texas, became...
Tamer of Raton Pass
“Uncle Dick” Wootton helped build a nation with his Santa Fe Trail toll road. Well past midnight, everyone in the wagon train was snoring. First...
Tombstone: On the Cutting Room Floor
Historians, actors and film critics weigh in on Kevin Jarre’s original script—and whether it should be remade and finally get its DUE. Everyone...
Did Doc Kill Ringo?
Once and for all, historians set the record straight on the tragic demise of the legendary gunfighter. July 2, 1882 John Ringo has decided to move...
What History Has Taught Me: Ray Herbeck, Jr.
Novelist, Musician, Filmmaker Ray Herbeck, Jr. is a historical novelist, Americana musician (SlackJawBros.com) and former film/TV writer/ producer....
My Top Ten Favorite Movie Moments
True West’s Firearms Editor applauds authenticity. Western movies are made for entertainment, and we must consider them strictly as such, and not as...
Colt Gallops Away with Big Money at Auctions
Morphy and Rock Island prove collectors still love the classic American firearms. Samuel Colt patented his first revolver in 1835,...
The Lone Star Myth of John Ringo
His time in Texas was not what it’s been cracked up to be. In August 19, 1875, a rider—or maybe riders—approached the Bader ranch in Mason County,...