Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine stepping into the frosty plains of the wild west, with just the shimmering moonlight for company and the tales of buffalo hunters, railroad workers, and the occasional gamblers to keep you entertained? And all this through the eyes and trials of a young man named Henry Raymond? Well, you're in for a treat! We're about to take you on a riveting journey that traces Henry's path from Illinois to Kansas in 1872, replete with captivating stories of camaraderie, courag...
Sep 01, 2023•44 min
Send a text Step back in time with us, to the raw, challenging days of the Wild West, as we reveal the captivating narrative of Bat Masterson's return to Dodge City in 1875. This isn't just an echo from the past; it's a living, breathing snapshot of a period when courage was currency, and legends were born. Immerse yourself in the charm and chaos of the frontier life, from Masterson's gambling business, the tragic sacrifice of Molly Brennan, to the pulsating Gold Rush in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Get a...
Aug 23, 2023•51 min
Send a text Ever wondered how a woman of privilege found herself dancing wild in a saloon of the Old West? Meet Elizabeth Haley, otherwise known as Squirrel Tooth Alice, as we traverse her thrilling journey from a life of luxury to being a dance hall girl alongside Texas Billy Thompson. As we delve into their story, we'll uncover their life on the frontier, the unexpected paths they took, and their subsequent rise to saloon owners in turbulent Abilene, Kansas. Hold onto your hats as we enter a d...
Aug 12, 2023•34 min
Send a text Are you ready for an intoxicating journey through the lawless frontier of the Wild West? That's exactly what this episode brings as we find ourselves drawn into a world of gun-slinging chaos and bone-chilling ghost stories. Our adventure begins near Sawlog Creek, where we are visited by a lone rider called Bob Shaw who shares an eerie tale of a wrongful lynching that once took place on the very spot where we've set up camp. His chilling narrative sets the tone for the unpredictable a...
Aug 11, 2023•26 min
Send a text Are you ready for a shot of adrenaline? Strap in, as we rocket back through history to the volatile era of the Cheyenne Indian Wars. From the first sparks of conflict in the Cheyenne Campaign of 1857 to the chilling Sheridan Winter Campaign of 1868, we're about to rip the lid off the stories that shaped the American West. It's a wild ride filled with buffalo stampedes, tough negotiations, and gripping battles, so buckle up! Imagine trudging across the Santa Fe Trail, your heart pound...
Aug 09, 2023•36 min
Send a text Hold on to your cowboy hats as we set off on a galloping journey back to the wild West - the birthplace of the rodeo. We're venturing back to the mid-1800s, where it all began with Spanish missionaries, Vecarro culture, and the early cowboys whose fierce rivalry sparked the creation of what we now know as professional rodeo. Discover how their roping and riding contests for bragging rights transformed into a recognized sport, with a nod to pioneers like William F. Cody and his entert...
Aug 01, 2023•30 min
Send a text Get ready for an in-depth journey into the heart of Dodge City's rich history with our special guest, Tim Wenzl, distinguished for his significant contributions to the community and author of the book Historic Buildings and Landmarks of Dodge City. We will peel back the layers of time in this iconic town, from its exclusive heritage to the impressive multi-million dollar project to invigorate the downtown district. Not only will we traverse its architectural gems like the Hardesty Ho...
Jul 09, 2023•43 min
Send a text Brace yourself for an exciting journey as we take a riveting plunge into the icy depths of military history, focusing on the winter campaign of 1868 and 1869 in Indian territory. Our adventure begins with the Custer's 7th US Cavalry and the 19th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry’s unyielding march across chilling winds and treacherous rivers, to establish a new supply camp. We paint a vivid picture of their determination, their confrontations with the Native Americans, as well as their recrea...
Jul 01, 2023•30 min
Send a text Unearth the shocking details of the Kansas Frontier Conflict as we traverse its harrowing terrain in this riveting discussion with Jeff Broome and Brad Smalley. Brace yourself as we delve into the horrifying Solomon raids of August 1868 and the dreadful fate of the little Bell sisters at the hands of Black Kettle's band. The Indian Depredation Claims reveal the chilling accounts of Elizabeth Bell and her young daughter, Ellen - tales that will leave you with a profound understanding ...
Jun 30, 2023•28 min
Send a text Prepare to be transported back to the tumultuous times of 1868 as we bring you the heart-racing tale of two courageous soldiers, Corporal Leander Herron, and Private Patrick O'Boyle. Under the ominous cloak of night, Herron and O'Boyle faced off against a circle of Indians to secure the post mail from Fort Larned, in an encounter that would etch their names in history. This riveting story takes you through their strategic maneuvers, awe-inspiring bravery, and a pulse-pounding escape ...
Jun 28, 2023•18 min
Send us Fan Mail We're excited to bring you a fascinating conversation with Jeff Broome, a renowned historian recognized globally for his contributions to Native American history. Jeff provides us with unparalleled insights into the Southern Plains tribes and their growing grievances due to the presence of White Settlers, as well as the complex causes of the war, including the discovery of gold in Colorado. Together, we explore the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie on Horse Creek, which granted land t...
Jun 27, 2023•32 min
Send a text Have you ever wondered who the true pioneers of America's gold rush were? Find yourself transported back to the era of undying ambition and relentless prospecting in the Rocky Mountains with our gripping episode. We unravel the tales of men like John Ralston and William Green Russell, who dared to dream of a golden fortune. They ventured forth on perilous journeys along the Santa Fe and Cherokee Trails, and their discoveries sparked a gold fever that shook the nation. Prepare for an ...
Jun 24, 2023•17 min
Send a text Imagine journeying back to the late 1860s, a tumultuous time in American history. The anticipation rises as Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer is sent on a mission without specific orders, relying solely on his judgment. We explore his dramatic arrival at the 7th Cavalry's camp on Mulberry Creek, stepping back into command amidst a mixed reception. Find out how Custer treated his officers even after his court-martial suspension, holding them to the highest standards of discipline an...
Jun 03, 2023•33 min
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever pondered the complexities of Cheyenne's history and the events leading up to the Battle of the Washita? You’re in for an educational journey as acclaimed author Dee Cordry unravels the intricate historical events of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Our conversation is packed with fascinating insights, from the skirmishes on Beaver Creek and the provocative raids on stage lines, railroads, and settlers to the significance of Hancock's War, as discussed in the Edmond...
May 14, 2023•29 min
Send a text Promised insights await as we unravel the tumultuous events of the plains in 1868, from the Indian raids sparked by illegal gun and whiskey traders to the rapid spread of white settlers. You'll discover how Major George A Forsythe led the Battle of Beecher's Island and the 7th Cavalry's efforts to shield Kansas settlements from Indian raids. We shed light on the role of the Dog Soldiers, a courageous group of Cheyenne Indians led by Tall Bull, known for challenging peace. The confron...
May 05, 2023•24 min
Send us Fan Mail Picture yourself in a covered wagon, travelling the harsh trails of 1868 Kansas, where the dusty winds whisper tales of hope and dread. That's where we're headed in this compelling episode, as we delve into the captivating story of Clara Blyn, her husband Richard, and their perilous journey westward, with award-winning author Shabon Fallon as our guide. Through the shimmering lens of Fallon's meticulous research, we'll retrace Clara's footsteps - from her youthful marriage to Ri...
Apr 19, 2023•25 min
Send a text Get ready to time travel as we journey back to the post-Civil War era in Kansas, a time marked by exhilarating growth and brutal conflict. We'll paint a vivid picture of the settlers who transformed the land for commercial farming, the upheaval it brought to the Plains Indian culture, and the bloody battles that ensued, driving folks to seek Governor Samuel Crawford's intervention. Hear how 'Little Phil,' General Philip Henry Sheridan, towered over the chaos, striving tirelessly to s...
Apr 18, 2023•30 min
Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an exhilarating journey back in time to the year 1868, a critical point in history rife with conflict and upheaval. This 6-part series will unveil the visceral realities and mounting tensions of Sheridan's winter campaign, taking you along the uncharted trails to the Battle of the Wachita. We're going to traverse untamed lands, discovering the narratives of Native American tribes fiercely safeguarding their territories against the relentless march of modern civiliz...
Mar 29, 2023•4 min
Send a text Welcome brave hearts, to a thrilling journey back to the Wild West, where law and chaos danced a deadly tango. This episode unearths the gritty life of Dodge City lawman, Dave Mather, a controversial figure whose actions and alliances often blurred the line between villain and hero. His return to Dodge City amidst the bloody backdrop of the Dodge City War is a tale of suspense and intrigue. Rather than joining the chaos, Mather chose to become an assistant city marshal, a move that s...
Mar 05, 2023•28 min
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever paused to ponder how the iconic saloons of Dodge City sprang to life? If you have, then this episode is designed just for you! Picture yourself journeying through time as you uncover the captivating chronicles of Dodge City's early saloons with our esteemed guest, Keith Wondra, the freshly minted curator at Dodge City Museum and a renowned author and historian. From dark, inexpensive origins to their influence in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape, ...
Feb 18, 2023•38 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the Wild West's most reckless outlaws and their thrilling adventures? Buckle up as we take you on a wild ride back to 1879 when the infamous Dave Mather and the Dodge City gang held sway over Las Vegas, New Mexico. We'll explore the life of the enigmatic Mather, his unanticipated arrival in this notorious town, and his alignment with the disreputable Dodge City gang. Prepare to be captivated by tales of lawlessness under the rule of Hoodoo Brown, the formatio...
Feb 16, 2023•35 min
Send a text Ready to get a tantalizing taste of the Old West? Meet Dave Mather, a man as mysterious as the era he hails from. This episode peels back the layers of 'Mysterious Dave', from his humble beginnings in Connecticut to his daring escapades in the lawless lands of Arkansas and Kansas. Wander through the winding paths of his eventful life, exploring his transition from an outlaw to a lawman, and his encounters with famed figures such as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. We'll also delve into ...
Feb 03, 2023•33 min
Send us Fan Mail Get ready to embark on a historical journey as we explore the captivating narrative of the Northern Cheyenne people. In this poignant narrative, we delve into their westward migration, their split into Northerners and Southerners, and the heartrending tale of seven Cheyenne prisoners' journey from Fort Leavenworth to Dodge City. Join us as we shed light on this neglected chapter of history, enabling you to understand the trials and tribulations faced by the Northern Cheyenne peo...
Jan 25, 2023•20 min
Send a text Ever thought you've lived through some intense rivalries? Strap in, folks, because your neighborhood squabbles have got nothing on the animosity simmering between James Spike Kenedy and Mayor James Dog Kelly in the unbridled days of the Wild West. We're painting a vivid picture of Dodge City, Kansas, as you've never seen it before - mired in tension, scandal, and the glamour of entertainment from Dora Hand and Fanny Garretson. The stakes are high, the insults fly, and the gunfire? Le...
Jan 16, 2023•29 min
Send us Fan Mail Looking to get your cowboy boots dirty and take a wild ride through time? We're here to give you a taste of the cattle industry's past, bringing the Chuck Wagon's pivotal role into the present day. Join us as we unpack the rich history and fascinating intricacies of this mobile kitchen, all while serving up some hearty cowboy tales to wet your appetite for the Old West. Promise us you're ready for a good chuckle, because we're pulling back the curtain on cowboy humor, revealing ...
Jan 14, 2023•28 min
Send us Fan Mail As much as we like to romanticize cattle drives, they were more complicated than we imagined. Hours were long, food was monotonous, horses were bad, cattle were worse, and sleep was hard to come by. Yet, despite the hardships, many young men answered the call for trial hands during the second half of the 19th century. The allure of trailing thousands of cattle over wild lands and visiting far-off cattle towns like Abilene, Dodge City, and Ellsworth was too much to resist. Like m...
Nov 17, 2022•24 min
Send a text Driving cattle over the various trails was no easy or unassailable task. The cowboy was forced to cope with the perils of the frontier. These perils included terrible roads, rough weather, cattle stampedes, and requiring men to pass through Indian Territory to reach their destinations. In addition, the Indians encountered often demanded tributes from the cowboy as compensation for being allowed to traverse their lands. Wild West Podcast proudly presents—hazards on the trail, includin...
Nov 12, 2022•25 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how cattle branding came about, or the intricacies of a cowboy's life during cattle drives? Prepare to be enlightened as we journey back in time to the Wild West. We uncover the Spanish influence on cattle branding and the roundup process. Experience the cowboy way of life, from levering their unique skills to the responsibilities of a trail boss and the invaluable role of the cook. Discover the adventure in the journey of herds, the paths they trekked, and the mon...
Oct 29, 2022•28 min
Send a text Prepare to journey through the raw, romanticized visions of the American cowboy. We're kicking the dust off the myths, winding through the stories, and riding into the heart of their gritty reality. Together, we'll unravel the hidden layers of this iconic figure, their deep, cross-cultural roots, and the pivotal role they played in shaping our nation. In this captivating exploration, we take a deep dive into the undeniable influence of Mexican vaqueros on the American cowboy. As we p...
Oct 21, 2022•40 min
Send a text Ever wondered about the historical roots of cattle trails in America and their significance? Get ready to saddle up as we embark on a journey that dissects this fascinating era; from the rise of the famous Chisholm and Western Trails to the notorious Red River Crossing, we uncover the stories and the people who shaped these trails. Our discussion begins with an in-depth exploration of the most prominent cattle trails between 1867 to 1889. We shed light on the controversies and debate...
Oct 08, 2022•37 min
