American towns that take us back to the Old West

[jw5]

Medora, North Dakota​

The town is home to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The country Western variety show 'Medora Musical' is also a famous local attraction.

 

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Deadwood, South Dakota​

The Black Hills Gold Rush settlement dates back to 1876. The town had a reputation for being lawless. The murder of folk hero Wild Bill Hickok in a saloon contributed to this.

 

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Deadwood, South Dakota​

Today, you'll find many historic sites across Main Street, as well as a number of museums, including the Adams Museum, where artifacts belonging to Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and others are on display.

 

[jw5]

Florence, Arizona​

Florence can be found between Phoenix and Tucson and dates back to 1866. But it began attracting more people in 1875, when silver was discovered in the area.

 

[jw5]

Florence, Arizona​

Florence is also home to the oldest junior rodeo in the US, the Florence Junior Parada. Today, Florence is a National Historic District with many interesting buildings to you can visit.

 

[jw5]

Oatman, Arizona​

Found in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Oatman is a famous stop for those driving through Route 66.

 

[jw5]

Oatman, Arizona​

Oatman is most famous for its wild burros (Spanish for donkeys), which were once used by miners. Pictured is a mining town cabin dating back to 1910.

 

[Balls2U]

Tombstone, Arizona -

Tombstone is infamous for a gunfight that took place in 1881. The gunfight location was the O.K. Corral, where the lawmen Earp brothers and Doc Holliday fought against the Clanton-McLaury outlaw gang. The gunfight lasted 30 seconds.

 

[jw5]

Bandera, Texas​

The Cowboy Capital of the World was founded in the late 19th century. It was on the Great Western Cattle Trail.

 

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Bandera, Texas​

In addition to the rodeos, you can also celebrate Texan heritage and cowboy culture at the Frontier Times Museum.

 

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Pioneertown, California​

Okay, Pioneertown does not go back to the Old West originally, but it should be mentioned. It was established in 1946 as a movie set, though people did live there (and some still do).

 

[jw5]

Pioneertown, California​

There are quite a few cute wooden storefronts on Mane Street, so if you're into all things Wild West, Pioneertown is definitely worth a visit.