The Old West

Bison bones: From bloodlust to nourishment for a growing country's land

Bison bones: From bloodlust to nourishment for a growing country's landHaving already preserved generations of American Indians, bison nurtured the frontier newcomer. Bison bones fed fields and orchards and gardens across the growing country, their dust giving life to our soil.

Tiffany & Co.'s history with New Mexico

Tiffany & Co.'s history with New MexicoWhat does ultra-chic Tiffany's have in common with New Mexico? More than you'd expect.

Chief Standing Bear: the best true story author Joe Starita has ever heard

Chief Standing Bear: the best true story author Joe Starita has ever heardThe author of "I Am a Man": Standing Bear's Journey for Justice talks to C&I about the chief, his historic journey, and the landmark trial that changed American Indian history.

Chronicle of the Old West: riding astride

Chronicle of the Old West: riding astrideC&I's Western historian tells of advances in horsewomen's fashion, the four-legged survivor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, the secret behind Butch Cassidy's quick getaways, and more.

Stagecoach expert tells of drivers, demands, and dangers

Stagecoach expert tells of drivers, demands, and dangersDoug Hansen, owner of Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop, knows almost everything there is to know about horse-drawn vehicles. He covered the coaches in our July 2009 issue, and here we talk with him about other aspects of the Old West's way of getting around.

The outhouse: an icon of the American West

The outhouse: an icon of the American WestFrom the wooden privy with a crescent-shaped moon to double-decker models and 12-hole loos, the outhouse is an icon of the American West.

Red Cloud's War: The Fetterman Massacre

Red Cloud's War: The Fetterman MassacreThe Bozeman Trail was supposed to make it easier for Westward Americans to reach gold and silver in Oregon. Instead, it led to the 1866 Fetterman Massacre.

Chronicle of the Old West: Peppard's Folly

C&I's Western historian sails across the prairie with Peppard's Folly, briefly pickets the working conditions of underpaid cowboys, exhausts the natural gas supply in California, and accounts for the greater efficiency in the production of breadboxes and boots.