Life in the Old West

Describes the hard rock mining industry that developed in the American west following the gold rush, including the operations of a mine and the lives of the miners and their families.

Profiles the gold rush and discusses how people traveled West, what tools they used to find gold, where most of the travelers settled, and other related topics.

Examines various aspects of life on cattle ranches in the nineteenth century, describing the reasons for becoming a rancher or a cowboy, the hard work involved, food and living arrangements, and more.

Describes the lives and experiences of women in the nineteenth-century American west, including immigrants, African Americans, and Native Americans.

Describes the life and work of cowboys, including the roundup, branding, bronco busting, and driving cattle hundreds of miles along cattle trails.