Stories

Discover the man behind the legendary name. From his breakout role in The Young Land to his lifelong commitment to his father John Wayne’s legacy, here are 10 facts about Patrick Wayne.

From her legendary roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Shadow Riders to her life with Sam Elliott, discover the story of Western icon Katharine Ross.

Learn how a 1902 hunting trip with President Theodore Roosevelt inspired the creation of the teddy bear, a childhood classic with an enduring—and adorable—legacy.

Discover the remarkable life of Yvonne De Carlo, from Hollywood Western star to beloved Lily Munster in the TV classic The Munsters.

Uncover the violent Lee–Peacock feud of Northeast Texas, where bitter Civil War loyalties fueled a deadly struggle that left dozens dead between 1867 and 1871.

Discover the true story of the Horrell-Higgins feud, a violent clash in Lampasas, Texas, where family honor and frontier justice shaped a deadly rivalry.

Learn the true story of the Hatfield and McCoy feud, a decades-long rivalry rooted in pride, violence, and justice along the Kentucky-West Virginia border.

A deadly feud between two families gripped a frontier town in Indian Territory from 1896 to 1902, ending in bloodshed, betrayal, and a lasting legacy.

By Reagan Johnson Before highways crisscrossed the country and air travel crowded the skies, the train was America’s first ticket to discovery. It connected small towns to big cities, carried families westward in search of…

By Reagan Johnson There’s no shortage of family drama in the Old West—but few Westerns delivered it with as much grit, grace, and staying power as The Big Valley. First airing in 1965, the series followed…

By Reagan Johnson You’ll find it on front porches, flying over Main Street parades, and stitched into the fabric of the American spirit. The Stars and Stripes have long stood as a symbol of freedom,…

By Reagan Johnson If you’ve ever seen Richard Boone ride onto the screen—quiet, steady and commanding—you might’ve wondered: Was he related to the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone? With a shared last name and a knack…

By Reagan Johnson In the 1944 film The Fighting Seabees, John Wayne portrays Wedge Donovan, a civilian construction boss who pushes for the creation of a combat-ready construction unit within the U.S. Navy. The movie dramatizes…

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By Reagan Johnson Before he became the face of Western cinema, he was just Marion Morrison—a lanky college kid with a football scholarship, a summer job in the film business, and a dog named Duke.…

Explore the unique on-screen bond between John Wayne and son Patrick Wayne through 10 memorable movies that span more than 20 years of film history.

Discover 10 fascinating facts about Western star Chuck Connors, from his dual-sport career to his iconic role in The Rifleman.

Curious about the U.S. Cavalry? This Cavalry 101 guide explains its origins, key battles, legendary units, and lasting legacy in history and film.

By Reagan Johnson When it comes to Western icons, James Garner and Tom Selleck stand tall. Garner was the fast-talking gambler Bret Maverick and the no-nonsense lawman in Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969), while Selleck made his…

By Reagan Johnson March is National Reading Month, making it the perfect time to crack open a classic Western novel. But let’s be honest—Louis L’Amour’s towering tales don’t need a designated month to shine. His stories…

By Reagan Johnson Cowboys of the Old West were known for their grit, hard work, and unshakable code, but that doesn’t mean they ignored signs and superstitions. After all, life on the frontier was unpredictable,…

By Reagan Johnson The Western genre has gifted audiences unforgettable female characters who brought their own unique flair to the frontier. From television to the silver screen and beyond, many leading ladies have left their…

By Reagan Johnson Sam Elliott’s deep, resonant voice and rugged good looks have made him a Western icon. But towering over it all is another unmistakable feature: his height. You may be wondering, just how…

By Reagan Johnson One of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Kirk Douglas, delivered unforgettable performances in classic films like Spartacus (1960), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), and Lust for Life (1956). Given his legendary status, it’s easy to see why many…

By Reagan Johnson Glenn Ford remains one of the most beloved actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, thanks to his unforgettable performances in classic Westerns. But was he really the fastest gun in Hollywood? Fans have debated this…

By Reagan Johnson In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17, we turn to the timeless wisdom of the Cowboy Code. Cowboys of the Old West lived by an unwritten set of…

By Reagan Johnson Cowboys have long been a symbol of the American frontier, but the stories of Black cowboys—who made up a significant portion of cattle drivers and ranch hands in the Old West—are often left…