Wild West Photos You Won’t Believe Exist!

The Wild West was a thrilling time, full of cowboys, Native Americans, and fugitives. These unique photos that were found really bring the stories we only know from the classic films to life in an amazing way.

Bandit Queen

In 1886, Deputy U.S. Marshal Charles Barnhill, who was on the right, had the pleasure of arresting the notorious Belle Starr (1848 - 1889). The National Police Gazette was very enthusiastic about her story and referred to her as the "Bandit Queen".

Death Valley

In this picture, you can see 19th century entrepreneurs journeying to Death Valley in California to hunt for borax. Death Valley is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth due to its 282 feet sea level depth and its 134 degrees Fahrenheit highest air temperature.

A Covered Wagon

In the mid to late 1800s, adventurous settlers would travel in covered wagons, which would be filled with family members and their belongings, as they journeyed west in search of open land. This was a very exciting time, as more and more Americans and immigrants were heading out to the unknown Wild West with the ambition of creating a new life.

Annie Oakley

You definitely know the name Annie Oakley! She was a celebrity of the Wild West at the tender age of 15 due to her remarkable shooting proficiency. Even at the young age of 8, Annie was already trapping, hunting, and shooting to aid her impoverished family after her dad's death.

Wild Bill Hickok

Wild Bill Hickock was renowned for being the quickest shooter in the western region. Folklore recounts the story that he gunned down more than a hundred people. This figure earned him the notoriety of being a murderer. It is said that he was the one who exaggerated his kill tally when, in reality, he had actually killed just 10 men.

A Black Sheriff

This picture from 1903 captures a black sheriff astride his horse in Pocatello, Idaho. Shocking as it may seem, up to a quarter of cowboys in the Wild West were people of color, even though their stories were often disregarded in comparison to those of white settlers. William Loren Katz, an expert on African-American history, exclaimed, "Right after the Civil War, being a cowboy was one of the few jobs open to men of color who wanted to not serve as elevator operators or delivery boys or other similar occupations."

Old West Saloon

This incredible snapshot of an old west saloon in Michigan looks like it could be any of the bars we have now. Not much has shifted in the design of saloons and bars in the past 150 years. You've got a counter with a bartender ready to serve up drinks. It's amazing!

Indian Dancers

Elk and Black Elk, two indigenous individuals, joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and went on to become globally renowned for their dancing as they were adorned with cowbells and shells. This is an incredible sight to behold!

Wild West Women

These women took part in the gold rush alongside their husbands and families, or came on their own in hopes of finding fortune and a rich husband. Aside from looking for gold, other popular activities for women were domestic work such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry, as well as performing and dancing.