Throughout the centuries, American history has been full of rich characters, and one of the most exciting periods was definitely when settlers began traveling to the Wild West.
Of course, the chaotic activity has been embellished over the years in John Wayne flicks and various spaghetti westerns, but the truth really isn't all that far off from what folks endured throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. They definitely required learning several skills that we've let fall to the wayside with our more modern habits.
Looking back at all they needed to survive then makes me wonder: How long would someone like me last back then? Sadly, I'm pretty sure the answer is not as long as I'd like, but take a look at some of the necessities below to see if you'd fare any better.
Did we miss anything you know was a must-have for those living in the Old West? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
Thumbnail Source: Wikimedia Commons 1, 2
1. Pack A Saddlebag Full Of Essentials
A tinder box for starting fires when camped out at night, travel-friendly food — like cornbread or a canister of beans — with a small pan or pot, canteen of water, maybe some whisky, a rope or long line of leather, and spare ammo.
They would also roll up a blanket to throw on top for cold nights and, if they were lucky enough to have a photo of someone special, toss that in, too.
2. Swap Stories
Behind the bragging and exaggerating from fellow cowpokes, there was also a lot of helpful information about places they might be stumbling upon in their own travels.
It made a huge difference knowing where the good campsites are, what the climate was like, where to refill water, and maybe even a spring to rinse off in.
3. Keep A Keen Eye
Situations could change without a moment's notice, so being able to recognize a subtle shift in the clouds could indicate if there was a bad bout of weather coming. Being able to tell what rustling in the grass meant — from a dangerous critter to an enemy — was a skill every traveler needed to learn quick.
4. Stockpile Up At Home
We tend to stockpile goods only when we know we're going to be snowed in, but back in the day, it was normal for families to store goods all year-round.
That meant gathering firewood, canning food, salting meat, and all the veggies they planted during harvest months.
5. Always Pack Heat
Though there weren't quite as many brawls as western flicks would lead us to believe with their embellishments, it was still a good idea to keep a loaded gun, like Annie Oakley shown above. This would be used to ward off mountain lions, wolves, or bears who want a peak at what's in your saddleback — or just have you for a snack.
6. Rely On Community
Once a family found a spot to settle in, they'd often find themselves quickly surrounded by like-minded neighbors who they could form bonds with, and help each other persevere in harsh conditions or times of illness.
7. Know How To Tie A Knot
In addition to this: mend a broken wire in their fence, herd cattle, prep animals for meat and tan their hides for leather, and make long shots with their rifle to bring home food or fend off trouble.
It certainly wasn't a place for the lazy, squeamish, or shy!
8. Remember Sheriffs Weren't Always Trustworthy
Whether they were crooked themselves and working for the outlaw gangs, or simply untrained and insufficient, it was pretty much every man, woman, and child for themselves in the face of dastardly foes.
That meant learning how to either outsmart or outshoot the criminals, like Jesse James and Wyatt Earp, who also dabbled in politics and is pictured above.
9. A Wild Horse Could And Should Be Tamed
They couldn't exactly go to the used horse lot and lease a low-mileage steed, so being able to work with what they were given was a necessity. That meant taking unruly horses and letting them know who's the boss — something I definitely wouldn't have the guts to attempt.
Did we miss an essential survival tip from old cowpokes? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
