Stories

Get to know the actor who played Chester Goode on Gunsmoke. Plus, his roles in the epic mini-series Centennial, and McCloud.

Joel McCrea appeared in 80 films, including many historic Westerns. One of the oft-asked questions about the star was how much his off-screen life mirrored his on-screen performances.

Inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, this ribeye is cold-seared to perfection with a flavorful crust and tender center. Perfect for any cowboy.

An ode to President Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite fried chicken— buttermilk brined, crisped to perfection, and smothered in bacon fat gravy.

Theodore Roosevelt was shot while preparing for a campaign speech in Milwaukee on Oct. 14, 1912, during his run for a third term as president, this time on the Progressive ticket.

Curious about Westerns? From iconic classics to hidden gems, this beginner’s guide will have you talking cowboy lingo like a seasoned fan.

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.

The story of female leads in Western films begins as early as 1908 and stretches across decades of innovation, struggle, and reinvention.

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

Did Theodore Roosevelt ride a moose? Did he coin a coffee company's tagline? Here are some myths about Theodore Roosevelt that have stood the test of time.

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.

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was said to drink a monumental-sized portion of coffee a day, but just how much is a lot?

Graham Greene, the acclaimed Indigenous actor whose career spanned more than four decades across film has passed away at 73.

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 Henry C. Parke One of the few benefits of the Covid pandemic was a temporary revival of the drive-in movie-going experience. Whether it involved the re-opening of a long-shuttered venue, or a make-shift theatre…

By Darlene Cah Key Takeaways June Carter Cash won five Grammy Awards She was Johnny Cash’s second wife June Carter was friends with Elvis Presley Overview Singer, songwriter and five-time Grammy Award winner, June Carter…

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 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 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 Darlene Cah Cowboy, marshal, gunslinger—Dad! While the lone gunslinger just passing through town is a mysterious and compelling character, some of the most well-rounded and thought-provoking Western figures are the men who have kids.…

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 Jay Coffin Few supergroups in the history of music commanded the reverence of The Highwaymen. Comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson—each a towering figure individually—they created the term and…

By Robert Deason Key Takeaways James Watt’s steam engine breakthrough sparked a technological revolution by dramatically improving energy efficiency. Steam locomotives reshaped societies, driving the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, and the rapid settlement of the American…

By Amber Holzman No trifle dish, no problem! This clever sheet pan rendition offers a low-fuss alternative to a beloved dessert classic. And what’s better- it’s completely oven-free! Creating generous layers of cake, cream, and…

By Robert Deason Key Takeaways Curtis made his mark as Festus in Gunsmoke. Before Gunsmoke, Curtis gained fame as a singer. Curtis has hidden connections to Hollywood’s biggest names. Ken Curtis is closely identified with his…