The True Story of the End of the Old West: Beyond Civilization and Railroads

The notion that the Old West was subjugated by civilization between 1865 and 1895 is a misconception. In reality, the West simply changed its clothing, with violence, fortunes, and survival struggles altering in form rather than disappearing altogether. The railroads, while immensely influential, were just one piece of this complex puzzle. Let's explore the real story of the Old West's demise and the enduring impact of this period on American society.

Cattle Drives and the Limits of Profitability

One of the key factors that contributed to the decline of the Old West was the diminishing profitability of cattle drives. In 1886, Richard Henry Dana Jr.'s work Two Years Before the Mast describes another short-lived cattle transport industry. This industry, much like the cattle drives that preceded it, eventually lost its economic viability.

California's Dana Point

California's Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., documenting the rich history and literary legacy of the region. Cattle drives, while once lucrative, could no longer be profitable ventures, marking a significant turning point in the Western economy.

The End of the Wild West and the Metastasis of Violence

Conventional wisdom often holds that the end of the Wild West was marked by the taming of the frontier between 1865 and 1895. Barbed wire, the railroad, and law enforcement, represented by badges, supposedly brought an end to the era. However, this narrative is far from the truth. The violence and struggles for survival did not disappear; instead, they adapted and spread.

The Changing Nature of Violence

Consider the current state of Texas. The oil barons have taken over what was once the domain of cattle barons. Despite the shift to legal land grabs, the Permian Basin remains as wild as Tombstone was. Outlaws have changed, but their merciless instincts for opportunity and contempt for laws remain unchanged. Jesse James, a notorious outlaw of the Old West, would easily understand the strategies of contemporary white-collar offenders. Today's outlaws wear Armani suits instead of cowboy hats but retain the same drive and disregard for the law.

The Dakotas: Modern Boom Towns

The Dakotas, once home to the Wild West, now host modern boom towns due to the shale oil frenzy. This boom-and-bust cycle, coupled with similar hunger and dreams as in Virginia City, illustrates that the Wild West has not truly passed away. Instead, it has metastasized, spreading throughout various aspects of American society.

The Railway and the Economic Basis of the Old West

The railroads played a crucial role in the economic foundation of the Old West. Before the advent of railroads, pioneers and settlers made their way west, but it was the railroads that enabled large-scale cattle ranching and the eventual transport of beef to the east.

The Cowboy and Cattle Drives

The iconic cowboy, yearly cattle drives, and frontier cattle towns at railheads were the pillars of the Old West's economy. The half-civilized range hands, with their yearly bonus burning a hole in their pockets, frequently found themselves in saloons, brothels, and gambling dens. This era also coincided with the end of the Civil War and the transformation of frontier bad men from guerillas and terrorists into cattle rustlers and payroll robbers.

The End of the Wild West

Factors such as the introduction of barbed wire, the closing of the frontier, and the opening of the former Indian Territory to white settlement in 1890 marked the end of the Old West. The last gasp of the Wild West occurred just before World War I, with Arizona and New Mexico becoming states and the infamous attacks by Mexican bandit Pancho Villa.

The Lasting Impact of the Old West

While the Wild West may have ended in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its legacy lives on. The violence, fortunes, and struggles for survival that defined the era have evolved but not disappeared. Instead, they have metastasized into various aspects of American society. As we move forward, we are both living in and struggling with the enduring impact of the Old West.