In 1833, the U.S. Army formed its first official mounted regiments, the First and Second Dragoons. These soldiers rode to battle, then dismounted to...
America’s First Cavalry Blade
read more
Art, Guns and Culture
Big Year for Custer Guns
The year 2017 turned out to be an excellent year to collect firearms tied to a storied icon, George Custer, and his most famous (and fateful)...
Sitting with Wyatt Earp
Dreams of a “fly-on-the-wall” moment in Western history certainly include sitting with Wyatt Earp in the 1920s as he set the record straight about...
Lewis & Clark-Inspired Whiskey
After explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark found limestone springs in 1804 that later generations used to fill water barrels on their way...
Western Events for February 2018
Western roundup of events where you can experience the Old West this February. Adventure Valentine Dinner Train Chattanooga, TN, February 2-14...
Blessed Booze
A Presbyterian pastor and a Mormon walked into a saloon. The first railed against the distribution of liquor and all the evils that came from...
Hot Air & Kind Words
The “Prince of Press Agents,” a spinmeister in a Stetson—he made “Buffalo Bill” Cody a household word around the world. But chances are the name...
Wild West Six-gun Goes to War
True or False? General George S. Patton was the only top-ranking American officer to pack an 1873 Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver as a...
Cheering Our Culinary Journey
I reflect on my years writing Frontier Fare, I’m reminded of the wonderful historical and literary food journeys I’ve taken. This column has...
An Angel and the Train Man
Along with True West’s 65th birthday, this column celebrates a landmark too—my 10th anniversary of exploring the people and groups who are saving...
Surviving a Meal in Dodge City
Once the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway reached the cowtown of Dodge City, Kansas, in 1872, restaurants and hotels sprang up, between 1872...
Red Ryder BB Gun
Years ago, at a friend’s 50th birthday party, I gave him a Red Ryder 50th Anniversary, special edition BB rifle. Despite his being showered with a...