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Although entertaining, Hollywood stereotypes are rarely accurate. For example:

1. Cowboys were exceptionally diverse. Around one in four cowboys were Black, and many others were Mexican, Indigenous, or of mixed heritage. The Hollywood image ignores this multicultural reality.

2. Gunfights were rare. The classic “high noon” duel was extremely rare. Most towns had strict gun control laws, including weapon checks when entering town. Dodge City, for example, had ordinances banning the carrying of firearms.

3. Towns were often safer than today. Despite their rowdy reputations, many Western towns had lower murder rates than modern cities. Tombstone, AZ, had fewer than 10 murders a year at its peak.

4. Stagecoach robberies were rare and often nonviolent. There were fewer than 10 major stagecoach robberies per year across the West during its peak. Most robbers avoided violence, opting for speed and efficiency. Continue reading…