Send a text Can a man of faith truly make a difference in a town where gunfights and saloons rule the day? Join us on a journey to uncover the extraordinary impact of Reverend Ormond W. Wright, a young minister who dared to challenge the chaotic spirit of Dodge City in the late 1800s. Armed only with unwavering compassion and a mission of unity, Reverend Wright faced skepticism head-on and transformed a tumultuous community into one that embraced hope and peace. Through our vivid storytelling, y...
Dec 06, 2024•18 min
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how a refined gentleman could thrive in the wild, rugged landscape of the Old West? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary saga of Dr. Oscar H. Simpson, the daring dentist who swapped his silk top hat for a cowboy hat in Dodge City, Kansas. Known as the Mayo of Dentistry, Dr. Simpson's journey is a fascinating tale of resilience and ingenuity. From facing skepticism and ridicule in the notorious Long Branch Saloon to pioneering dental techniques that drew...
Nov 28, 2024•23 min
Send us Fan Mail Step into the Wild West with us as we unravel the colorful linguistic tapestry of Dodge City! Here, words like "stinker," "stiff," "joint," and "cooler" paint a vibrant picture of life on the frontier. Join us on a journey through tales of unforgettable characters and the gritty realities they faced as we uncover the rich cultural history woven into the very language of this iconic town. In this exciting episode, we explore how these terms have transformed against the backdrop o...
Nov 23, 2024•20 min
Send us Fan Mail What if one promise could define an outlaw's entire legacy? Discover the audacious life of Dutch Henry Born, a Wild West figure whose bold pledge to never steal a white man's horse captivated the frontier. From leading a daring horse-stealing syndicate across four states to his tense encounters with law enforcement and the military, Born’s story is one of fearless escapades and relentless pursuits. Unravel the intricate web of his criminal network, where thieves and fences opera...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min
Send a text Join us on a historical journey through the American West with Brad Smalley, a vibrant storyteller and fourth-generation Dodge Citian, as we uncover the compelling tales of the Western Cattle Trail. We promise you’ll gain a deeper understanding of a transformative era in American history, as Brad shares vivid accounts from the post-Civil War period, highlighting pivotal moments such as the establishment of military forts along critical trade routes and the impactful Medicine Lodge Tr...
Nov 07, 2024•19 min
Send a text What if one man's rebellion against the military set him on a path to infamy in the untamed territories of the American West? Join us as we unravel the saga of Dutch Henry Born, a figure whose life was as wild as the frontier itself. Born to German immigrants in Wisconsin, Born’s journey through the 1870s is a riveting tale of accusations, escape, and eventual notoriety. From his alleged murder charge in Michigan to his scouting days alongside George Armstrong Custer and Wild Bill Hi...
Oct 24, 2024•23 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how military forts without traditional defenses managed to secure the American West during the 1860s? Discover the strategic brilliance behind Kansas forts like Fort Zarah and Fort Larned, as we unravel their critical roles along the Santa Fe and Smoky Hill Trails. Through the voices of historical figures such as Elizabeth Custer, we bring to light the stark living conditions and immense challenges soldiers faced while safeguarding settlers and aiding railroad cons...
Oct 22, 2024•18 min
Send us Fan Mail Unearth the history of the American West as we celebrate the momentous 150th anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail. Join us for an unparalleled event scheduled for November 1st and 2nd, 2024, where you'll secure insights into the legendary tales that shaped the frontier. Historian Brad Smalley will captivate you at the newly added Upland Ranch Fireside Stories event on October 31st, sharing enchanting stories of Dodge City and cowboy life by the fire's glow. Discover how you c...
Oct 17, 2024•3 min
Send a text Prepare to be transported to the wild and mischievous streets of 1877 Dodge City, where history and legend collide in a Halloween tale like no other. Our featured guest, the acclaimed historian Brad Smalley, guides us through the shadowy alleys of folklore, bringing to life the notorious pranks and ghostly apparitions that haunt this frontier town's past. Discover the mythical mischief of Luke McGlue—a character as infamous as he is fictional—whose legendary antics are said to have l...
Oct 15, 2024•30 min
Send a text Forget everything you thought you knew about the Chisholm Trail. Historians Gary and Margaret Kraisinger have conducted groundbreaking research that challenges the traditional story of this iconic route. Contrary to popular belief, the Chisholm Trail wasn't a singular path from South Texas to Kansas. Instead, it was a vast network of military, stagecoach, and trading roads used by cowboys in the post-Civil War era. The story of Jesse Chisholm, often credited with creating a trail for...
Oct 14, 2024•12 min
Send a text Dr. Michael Miller, a historian with a former career in technology, brings his expertise and passion for the American cattle industry to our latest episode. Discover how a chance encounter with rare historical documents led Dr. Miller down an unexpected path, exploring the history of the XIT Ranch and the Capital Freehold Land and Investment Company. We promise a journey into the complexities behind the cattle trailing that persisted into the 1890s, challenging the oversimplified nar...
Oct 12, 2024•38 min
Send us Fan Mail Gather 'round the campfire, folks! I'm Brad Smalley, your trusty storyteller of the Wild West Podcast. Imagine sitting under the vast Kansas sky, warmed by the crackling flames at Udland Ranch, a historic site steeped in the lore of Dodge City. It's here that we resurrect tales from a time when cowboys roamed and legends were born. If you can't make it out to join us in person, fear not! We've brewed up a concoction of stories you won't want to miss, including the curious life o...
Oct 04, 2024•2 min
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a flamboyant newcomer meets the unpredictable characters of Dodge City? Fairchild, the not-so-brave Indian fighter, steps into the Wild West with all the theatrical flair of a Broadway show. His garish attire and bold persona quickly make him the talk of the town, but it's Bat Masterson's mischievous streak that truly sets the stage for this comedic tale. Listen as Billy Dixon recounts Fairchild's misadventures, including a memorable nighttime turkey hunt that ...
Oct 03, 2024•13 min
Send a text Have you ever wondered how the Wild West celebrated Halloween? Join Mike King and Brad Smalley as they resurrect our favorite troublemaker, Luke McGlue, to share a spellbinding tale of Dodge City's unique Halloween traditions. Picture a town square ablaze with carved pumpkins, flickering lanterns, and vibrant costumes as the community gathers for a night steeped in Native American-inspired festivities. From traditional games to breathtaking costumes, the ambiance is electric, capturi...
Sep 28, 2024•9 min
Send a text How did mysterious ruts on a Kansas ranch lead to an expansive journey uncovering the Western Cattle Trail? Join us as we welcome Gary and Margaret Kraisinger, distinguished researchers with a deep passion for American West history. Starting with a curious find in 1967, the Kraisingers embarked on a relentless quest, piecing together the trail’s forgotten paths and extending its known reach all the way to Oglala, Nebraska. Their groundbreaking work has shed new light on the often-ove...
Sep 27, 2024•32 min
Send a text Unravel the cultural and economic tapestry of the American West through the lens of the Western Cattle Trail in our conversation with Brad. Ever wondered how cowboys, cattle, and cow towns like Dodge City became iconic symbols of the West? Brad reveals the trail’s indispensable role in shaping these enduring images, making the American West a captivating tale of resilience and adventure. Discover how the trail was not just a route but a lifeline, driving millions of cattle from Texas...
Sep 18, 2024•10 min
Send us Fan Mail What if a single trail could redefine the cattle industry and shape the American West? Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of John T. Lytle, and his 3,500 cattle, an endeavor that led to the creation of the iconic Western Trail. Spanning from Texas to Nebraska, this trail transported six million cattle over a decade, surpassing the Chisholm Trail in its pivotal role within the industry. Discover the legendary stops along the way, from Doane's Crossing to Dodge City a...
Sep 17, 2024•8 min
Send us Fan Mail What if the true story of resilience and struggle in American history has been overlooked for too long? Explore the harrowing journey of the Northern Cheyenne tribe after the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From the brutal winter attack on Dull Knife’s village by Colonel Ranald S. McKenzie to the relentless military pursuit leading to the eventual surrender at Fort Robinson, we unravel the heartbreaking events and the courageous leadership of chiefs like Dull Knife and Little Wolf...
Sep 11, 2024•34 min
Send us Fan Mail What if a single magazine article could immortalize a man into legend? This episode explores how Colonel George Ward Nichols' sensational account in Harper's New Monthly Magazine transformed James Butler Hickok into the iconic "Wild Bill." Through Nichols' eyes, we unveil post-Civil War Springfield, Missouri, and the momentous meeting in a dimly lit saloon that forever altered Hickok's legacy. Step back in time with us to experience the unique ambiance of a town recovering from ...
Sep 10, 2024•35 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how the foundations of America were built on "beef and bread"? Join us for an eye-opening journey into the heart of cowboy culture with Michael Grauer, the McCaslin Chair of Cowboy Culture and curator at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Michael's expertise shines as he previews the unique and exciting 150th anniversary conference in Dodge City, unraveling the immense impact of the Western Cattle Trail on America's economic landscape. His passion for...
Aug 28, 2024•19 min
Send a text Step back in time to the heart of the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, where 28 brave buffalo hunters faced off against a coalition of Native American tribes in an epic struggle for survival. You'll discover the intricate history behind the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867, designed to safeguard Native lands but ultimately undermined by the relentless buffalo hide trade following the Civil War. Find out how pioneers like J Wright Moore and George Hoodoo Brown revolutionized the hunting ind...
Aug 23, 2024•32 min
Send a text Ever wonder how a modest village transformed into the Wild West's most infamous cowboy capital? Join us as we uncover the electrifying rise of Dodge City, from its economic boom fueled by the Western Trail to its diverse and lively social scene. Feel the pulse of Dodge City's nightlife as we recount the impact of the Can-Can performance that set the town ablaze in 1878. From the Variety Saloon's brief yet impactful run to thrilling altercations involving legends like Bat Masterson, D...
Aug 15, 2024•26 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a modest village grew into the legendary cowboy capital known as Dodge City? Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the vital role of the Western Trail and the economic boom that cattle drives ushered in, transforming this once-quiet town into a bustling hub of activity. With lenient laws allowing gambling, drinking, and prostitution to flourish, Dodge City attracted a colorful mosaic of cowboys, entrepreneurs, and adventurers. We'll toast to the unique whiskey...
Aug 02, 2024•33 min
Send a text Curious about the incredible transformation of humble villages into booming cowboy capitals? Join us as we uncover the captivating tales of pioneers like John T. Lytle, who blazed new trails, and how their efforts fueled economic prosperity in towns like Dodge City. Feel the pulse of the late 19th century as we bring to life the rise of the Western Trail, where cattlemen transported their herds to northern markets, revitalizing local economies and turning Dodge City into an iconic sy...
Jul 29, 2024•30 min
Send a text How did a young Irish immigrant woman become a pioneering force in Texas's booming cattle industry? Embark on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Margaret Borland as we trace her family's audacious voyage from Ireland to the untamed landscapes of early Texas. From the Spaniards introducing livestock in the 1690s to the critical role of ranching by the 1730s, we set the stage for Margaret's significant contributions. Experience the Heffernan family's audacious resilie...
Jul 23, 2024•39 min
Send a text Ever wondered how the rowdy buffalo hunters and cowboys of the Wild West spent their leisure time? Well, saddle up partner, because we're taking you back to the gambling halls of frontier towns like Dodge City, where poker and Faro ruled. From the Persian origins of poker to the intricacies of a Faro table, we're dealing you in on the high-stakes world of Wild West gambling. You'll get to know the legendary figures like professional gambler Richard Dick Clark and discover how this ri...
Jul 14, 2024•37 min
Send a text The Wild West podcast proudly presents The Great Bullfight of 1884. This unique American celebration occurred in Dodge City, Kansas, on July 4, 1884. The story, written and produced by Mike King, relays the facts behind the first Spanish bullfight ever held on American soil. Hundreds of visitors came from the East to witness a fight between man and beast. On this magical day, the town was crowded with sightseers from all over the West. Narrator Brad Smalley describes the scene at the...
Jul 03, 2024•9 min
Send a text Embark on a journey to the year 1867, where the grasses of the Plains whispered tales of imminent turmoil. Our episode chronicles the audacious maneuvers of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, as he brandishes the might of the military in a perilous dance with the Plains tribes. We peel back the layers of the government's attempts at peace—efforts that were doomed to fail against the tribes' pressing need for their ancestral grazing lands. The narrative escalates as we trace the fo...
Apr 23, 2024•37 min
Send a text Don't miss the chance to delve deeper into the history of the Western Cattle Trail. Sign up for a free Western Cattle Trail Newsletter for a limited time. The newsletter will include featured articles by noted Western authors on historical accounts of the cattle drives of the 1880s. Additionally, those who receive the free newsletter will get exclusive updates on upcoming conferences, minutes from the WCTA meetings, legislative updates to trail activities, and announcements of histor...
Apr 23, 2024•1 min
Send a text Ready to saddle up for a journey through history? Discover the riveting story of the Western Cattle Trail as we prepare for its 150th anniversary celebration in Dodge City, Kansas. Join us as we unveil the thrilling plans for our November conference, packed with insightful talks on trailing cattle from South Texas, the legendary King Ranch, and the pivotal history of Adobe Walls. Feel the camaraderie with fellow history enthusiasts at our meet and greet, featuring live country music ...
Apr 14, 2024•3 min
