American Biographies - History Books

A historic and folkloric path that meandered from Canada to Mexico, the Outlaw Trail was used by outlaws such as Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the James brothers. Following existing Western routes such as the Oregon Trail, the highway connected towns and natural hideouts essential for bandits escaping the law. Some in Western communities were  sympathetic toward the outlaws. Many, like Cassidy, were seen as Robin Hoods, fighting for common people who were under siege by economic forces, corporate encroachment, and other changes occurring in the Old West. Images of America: Wyoming's Outlaw Trail details the history, folklore, and geography behind some of Wyoming's outlaw towns and hideouts—chief among them the Hole in the Wall and Red Desert. Also highlighted are the deeds of the robbers, lawmen, and ordinary folk who rode those dusty trails during the late 1800s  and early 1900s.

The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps was founded in Casper, Wyoming, in November 1957. It was the dream of one man, Jim Jones. He believed that any kid who wanted to march with the Troopers should be afforded the chance. In 10 years, Jones took kids from Casper who had never marched before and turned them into national champions. The Troopers have played for celebrities and presidents, performed at football games and Disneyland, and marched in parades from California to New York. Drum and bugle corps have changed dramatically in the last 60 years, and the Troopers have as well. Today, the Troopers are an elite group of young people from across the country and all over the world, and they compete in Drum Corps International's World Class division.

Dude ranches were the West's first destination vacation. In the early 20th century, they lured East Coast elites and their families out to the unspoiled wilderness and ranching country of the Rocky Mountains. In order to get to the dude ranches, tourists, who were often looking for an escape from their city lives, had to travel long journeys via trains, stages, wagons, and horseback. Wyoming was home to two dude ranch firsts. Howard, Willis, and Alden Eaton were pioneers in the business, and their Eatons' Ranch continues today. Larry Larom, another dude ranch trailblazer, became the first president of the Dude Ranchers' Association. His tireless work, vision, and leadership secured the future of dude ranching in the West. Working successfully with the railroad and the government, Larom set the stage for important cooperation between ranchers and diverse agencies, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. Echoes of his wisdom are still felt today.

Ghost stories from Cheyenne, Wyoming have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of the Magic City of the Plains comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Plains Hotel to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or look for the ghosts of cowboys at the town’s Wrangler Store. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Casting the Cowboy State’s Past

 

Wyoming’s history is enshrined in the bronze sculptures lining Capitol Avenue and across Cheyenne. The idea, conceived only a decade prior, rapidly grew into the most successful public arts project in city history. Inspired by and committed to preserving the history of the state, private citizens donated bronze sculptures depicting important figures and contributions. Tribal leaders, explorers and governors are represented. The contributions of architects, artists and suffragettes are celebrated. And dedication to service in politics, agriculture and the military are honored. Authors Starley Talbott and Michael Kassel explore the state’s rich past cast in bronze. 

Resurrecting the legend of Wyoming's Forgotten Female Militia

In the summer of 1890, an army of teenage women with swords drawn and rifles at the ready marched resolutely toward the state capitol to deliver a message to Governor Francis E. Warren and the nation: women want equal rights. As Company K walked alongside women’s suffrage pioneer Esther Morris, one could hear the rhythm of their feet keeping step in perfect cadence. Western history remembers murderers, outlaws, prostitutes and saloon girls but not the famous Girl Guards, whose military precision rivaled that of West Point cadets.

Author Dan J. Lyon offers the definitive and evocative account of the young women warriors who defined the Equality State.

Wyoming History Enshrined

Created in 1871, Lakeview Cemetery serves as a repository of local and state history. Resting in the historic grounds are eleven of Wyoming's governors, including the first woman governor in the nation. Other hallowed, eternal residents include a wild west showman, the namesake of a military base, and a famed photographer of the west. Suffragists, Japanese railroad workers, and a young range war victim are buried here too. Authors Starley Talbott and Michael Kassel explore the rich past of the famous and not-so famous citizens of Lakeview Cemetery.