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How Life Was in the Old West
Forget the myth of Hollywood and pulp-peddlers; The people of America's frontier each had an interesting tale to tell. Our tribal, frontiersman, and pioneer ancestors were masters of ingenuity in addition to being far more self-reliant than we are today. Understand their mindsets and learn about their lives, occupations, and tricks of the trade long since laid aside by vanishing generations. Stand in the shoes of previous centuries and see a vibrant world of iron will and unlimited opportunity across a seemingly endless landscape.


Frontier Campfires, Then and Now
The campfire is one of history's greatest outdoor traditions. Here are som e quick tips for the next generation of frontiersmen from managing the fire to cooking just as our Old West ancestors did. Dave Rodgers is Chief Editor of the Frontier American Illustrated News. He is a tribal member and westerner descended directly from Squire and Edward Boone (father & brother of Daniel Boone). With an old-west family lineage of farmers, ranchers, railway men, lawmen and desperadoe

Dave Rodgers
Jan 213 min read


Old West Gunfights, Guns & Methods, The Truth vs. Fiction
Old West Shooting Methods and Eyewitness Accounts Shed Some Light on the Truth Hidden Behind Hollywood Myth Dave Rodgers is Chief...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 10, 202422 min read


Survival Tricks for When Less is More: Alternate Uses for Common Old West Items
How Did Old West Travelers Treat Life's Little Emergencies Without Towns or Stores Nearby? Here are Some Ideas on Making Do With What...

Dave Rodgers
Apr 21, 202413 min read


The Mesquite: Super-Food Treasured by The Ancients. It is Delicious & Easy to Prepare. Here's How...
By Dave Rodgers If you are Diabetic and looking for a Sugar Substitute, or a Health Enthusiast who likes ancient grains, you might want...

Dave Rodgers
Jul 11, 202213 min read


Mules in the American West
The American Mule deserves more credit than it's given as the trailblazer's companion. In fact, it is more versatile and valuable than...

Dave Rodgers
Jul 27, 202124 min read


The Western Wagon Train: Part-Two, Life on the Trail
Hear from those who traveled the trail as to what life really was like in a wagon train. How did they 'circle the wagons' or what was the...

Dave Rodgers
Mar 16, 202125 min read


The Western Wagon Train: Part-One, The Routes West, Wagons, Prairie Schooners & How They Were Packed
What were the routes of the western emigrant? What kinds of wagons were used? How were they made and was there standard wagon-wheel...

Dave Rodgers
Mar 4, 202120 min read


The ‘Bedroll’ or ‘Blanket-Roll’ from the Frontier to the Civil War
Knowing the old ways of the blanket-pack is important for bushcrafters and historians alike. Here is more about the lightweight knapsack...

Dave Rodgers
Jan 30, 202120 min read


Money in the Old West: Coins of America's 1840s-1870s Beyond the Mississippi
If you like gold and silver from America's past, you should read this. Many people don’t know what the coins of the American West even...

Dave Rodgers
Jan 5, 202110 min read


Introduction to 19th Century Penmanship & How to Do It.
Regardless if you call it 'Calligraphy' or just 'Fancy Handwriting', here is a good way to get you started on a vanishing art. Learning...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 25, 202012 min read


Keeping Time in the Old West & Why You Should Still Carry an Almanac
Denver, Colorado – 1869 The pre-dawn air was still in the small bedroom of Clell Garrett’s farmhouse as he rose to greet the day. The...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 7, 20206 min read


A “Penny” for Your Thoughts
Despite the name, the USA has never issued a “Penny” as federal currency…ever. The one-cent denomination has always been officially...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 3, 20202 min read


PICKING THE RIGHT WOOD FOR YOUR CAMP FIRE
Do you know how to choose the best fuel for your fire? Here is some helpful Frontiersman advice on how some firewood types are better...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 1, 20204 min read


Hunting Bag Medicine & Methods
How early American travelers and frontiersmen attended to their medical needs using the basic essentials carried on their person. In his...

Dave Rodgers
Dec 1, 20209 min read
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