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- 25 Old Snapshots of American Cowboys and Cowgirls (wealthgang.com)
Grit and Glory: A Glimpse into the Real Lives of Western Cowboys and Cowgirls
Before the silver screen brought us idealized images of the American West, there were the true pioneers: the cowboys and cowgirls who lived and breathed the rugged frontier. These weren’t actors playing a part; they were the men and women who wrestled cattle, broke horses, and carved out a life in a landscape as challenging as it was breathtaking.
We’ve rounded up 25 vintage photographs that transport us back to this foundational era, showcasing the raw authenticity and tireless spirit of those who worked from dawn till dusk.
1. Wrangling on the Range: A cowboy demonstrates his skill with cattle at the Shoe Bar Ranch in Texas, 1912.
2. Stories by the Chuck Wagon: After a hard day’s labor, cowboys gather by the chuck wagon to share tales at the LS Ranch in Texas, 1907.
3. Frontier Faces: Three cowboys strike a pose for a portrait in the nascent days of the American West, circa 1880s.
4. Horse Herding: A cowboy keeps a watchful eye over a grazing herd of horses on the SMS Ranch Range in Texas, 1910.
5. Texas Terrain: A cowboy navigates a steep incline on horseback near Tascosa, Texas, 1907.
6. Rodeo Legend: Bill Pickett, the celebrated rodeo cowboy, captured in a photograph from 1907.
7. Wyoming’s Pioneering Women: A Wyoming cowgirl on horseback in 1903. Notably, women in the Wyoming Territory were among the first globally to secure the right to vote.
8. Taming the Wild: Two cowboys work to rein in a wild horse at the LS Ranch in Texas, 1907.
9. Trail Planning: Zack T. Burkett, foreman of the LS Ranch, illustrates a map in the dust as his workers observe, 1907.
10. Coffee Break: Cowhand Erwin E. Smith pauses for a cup of coffee while working at Arizona’s OR Ranch, 1909.
11. Lakota Cowboys: Native American cowboys from the Lakota Tribe take a moment for a photograph on horseback, circa 1918.
12. Buffalo Bill’s Signature Style: Buffalo Bill poses for a portrait in his distinctive cowboy attire, 1880s.
13. Old West Cowgirl: A striking image of a cowgirl from the Old West, 1886.
14. Montana Saloon Scene: A cowboy saloon in Miles City, Montana, captured in 1880.
15. End of Day Refreshment: A cowboy enjoys a cold drink after a day of work, early 1900s.
16. Watering Hole: Cowboy Frank Smith guides his horse to a shallow pond for a drink near Crosby County, Texas, 1909.
17. Idaho Cowboy: An African American cowboy astride his horse in Pocatello, Idaho, 1903.
18. “Little Joe the Wrangler”: A snapshot of “Little Joe the Wrangler” at the Three Blocks Ranch in New Mexico, 1908-09.
19. Chuck Wagon Lunch: Cowboys take a break for lunch from a chuck wagon, late 1800s.
20. Steer Wrestling Innovator: Bill Pickett, the legendary Texas cowboy credited with inventing steer wrestling, circa 1920.
21. Tavern Time: Cowboys and cowgirls enjoy drinks at a tavern after work, circa 1908.
22. Mule Prep: Two cowboys secure a pack mule before embarking on a trail, 1950s.
23. Ranch Life: Cowboys are pictured by the chuck wagon at a Texas ranch, 1907.
24. Trailside Games: Two cowboys take a break on the trail to play ‘Mumble Peg’ at the Matador Ranch in Texas, 1909.
25. Dry Herding: A cowboy is photographed dry herding at a New Mexico ranch, circa 1905.
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- 25 Old Snapshots of American Cowboys and Cowgirls (wealthgang.com)