Stories

While cowboys and Native Americans are traditionally enemies rather than friends in Western films and TV, here are some excellent exceptions.

By Amber Holzman For this festive fall comfort dish, the bigger the pork chop the better. While apples and pork take center stage, a supporting cast of pantry ingredients add surprising depth to this classic…

It’s time to discover the joys of Western-inspired gift-giving with these six new nifty holiday designs from INSP. Mosey through this selection of frontier-inspired designs and find the perfect present for all the ranch-handing, Western-watching,…

By Henry C. Parke How would you like the original Gunsmoke U.S. Marshal Office sign on your wall? How’d you like to own the jail-cell keys? Or a complete James Arness, Matt Dillon costume? Or…

By Darlene Cah Key Takeaways Green lipstick? Yes! Early TV cameras did not record red on faces Max Factor developed early film and TV makeup Men’s beards, even a light shadow, looked like splotchy dirt…

By John McGran  Key Takeaways It was the second Western TV series written for adults Gunsmoke was a top 10 most-watched program for 13 seasons Storylines often went beyond the simple good vs. evil narratives…

By Sophia Ulmer Key Takeaways Ballots were counted by local officials and volunteers Native Americans were not considered U.S. citizens until 1924 By 1848, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa were added to the electoral map Asked…

Key Takeaways The Great Depression and his mother’s hymns became the foundation for his unique sound. Cash’s time as a radio operator for the U.S. Air Force enforced his passion for music. Cash was also…

By Maria Schulz What do you get when you mix a Jack Russell Terrier with a Bulldog? A Jack Bull of course. If it was only that simple. The Jack Bull is the title of…

By Jay Coffin The quick answer is no, Quigley Down Under is not based on a true story. It is, however, based on the premise of an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times.…

By John McGran An unsung hero of the Old West is transporting much-needed supplies to North Carolina residents trapped in mountainous terrain following the apocalyptic devastation of Hurricane Helene. Emergency workers and Good Samaritan groups…

Discover the best Tom Selleck Western movies ranked, from classic adventures to fan favorites. Explore his iconic roles in unforgettable cowboy tales.

Kris Kristofferson, Legendary Country Music and Film Star, Dies at 88 By Jay Coffin Kris Kristofferson, an American icon whose life spanned music, film, and political activism, died Sept. 28, 2024, at his home, his…

In its 20-year run, Gunsmoke featured over 60 famous guest stars—Bruce Dern, Bette Davis, Suzanne Pleshette, Bruce Boxleitner, Ron Howard, William Shatner…

Often described as his least likable character, John Wayne considered The Searchers’ Ethan Edwards his favorite performance. But why?

Key Takeaways Learn about the difference between streaming and cable providers Understand the variety of options to still watch INSP while potentially saving money Explore options for watching INSP on a budget The way we…

Deadwood, South Dakota, is a town that wears its history on its sleeve. Known for its truly Wild West past, a host of legendary figures, and its enduring Gold Rush heritage, Deadwood offers visitors an…

Johnathon Schaech started his illustrious acting career in the early 1990s. Here he discusses how he selects his roles and why Sheriff Justin Wise in Blue Ridge: The Series suited him perfectly. INSP interview.

Where Red Rocks Reveal Timeless Tales Set amid striking and otherworldly red sandstone formations, Sedona, Arizona, has more to offer than a mere visual feast. In fact, it’s a spiritual sanctuary and an adventurer’s paradise,…

INSP exclusive interview! Janet Arness, wife of the late James Arness shares anecdotes about Gunsmoke, their first date, and Matt Dillon vs. Zeb Macahan!

Where Earth Meets Sky in a Dance of Red By Reagan Johnson Sprawling across both Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley looks like it’s straight out of a classic Western movie—and in many cases, it really…

Longtime INSP web content contributor, Henry C. Parke’s new book takes readers on a journey into some of Hollywood’s most memorable Western movies. In this excerpt, Robert Duvall talks to Parke about Lonesome Dove, John Wayne,…

Cowboys! This Is Your Day! Riding. Roping. Rodeoing. Cowboys are not just a symbol of America’s West, the subject of myth, legend, lore and dime novels. They were the real-life gutsy, gritty men and women…

Momentous Western Movie Milestones By Darlene Cah Raise a mug of strong cowboy coffee and toast these legendary Western movies celebrating their impressive milestone anniversaries! These classics not only stand the test of time, but…

The iron horse! The steam locomotive changed America—from passenger travel to transporting goods. A complex invention—see how it works in this INSP blog.

Western Stars and Fatherhood These men were Hollywood stars—and dynamite Dads! Funny, friendly, full of wisdom and happy to share adventures with their children, these actors of stage and screen never forgot their most important…

Ronald Reagan stars in Cavalry Charge (AKA The Last Outpost). Reagan loved horses and the cavalry. Did you know he was in the cavalry? INSP blog by Henry Parke.