The “Wild” West (Not really too romantic)

“Go West Young Man” Just where is the “West”? –The Great American Desert Plains region, midwest Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico NOT California! Why risk going West? –Effect of the Civil War Freedom of Slaves New Industries Disposessed/To forget

Incentive to “Go West” Homestead Act, 1862 –During Civil War –National Security Subduing of the Native Americans –“Indian Wars” Little Big Horn, Sand Creek Massacre, Chief Joseph, Wounded Knee BIA, “Century of Dishonor”, Dawes Severalty Act Joseph Glidden –Barbed Wire = Closed Range Oklahoma Land Rush –Reservation land –1890 Census Frederick Jackson Turner –Frontier Thesis

Occupations/Industries out West Farming/ “Sodbusters” –Homestead Act, 1862 –Water problem Cattle Ranching –Conflict with “Sodbusters” –“The Long Drive” and the Cowboy –Effect of refridgeration/industry Mining Industry –“Boom” towns –Indian Wars

Bad Guys of the West Famous lawmen of the West –Bill Tilghman –Wyatt Earp –Frank Stillwell The really bad boys –Billy the Kid –The Bloody Espinosas –Cherokee Bill –The Dalton Gang –Jesse James –Belle Starr How they were dealt with by the law –Pinkerton Detective Agency –Posses: Vigilante Justice