It’s easy to get romantic about the American West, especially after being exposed to its depiction in popular culture. Movies and television shows frequently represent the West as a land of fearless cowboys, noble outlaws and untamed frontiers. However, these portrayals tend to oversimplify and distort the complex realities of Western expansion, leading to widespread misconceptions.
Educators must navigate these myths and misrepresentations when teaching kids about the American West. This approach is at the core of The American West, part of the The Great Courses series.
Examples of How Truth Diverges From Myth in the Old West
One of the most well-known lines of any Western movie comes from “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” It offers a memorable glimpse into what drove the early chroniclers of the West: “This is the West, sir. When a legend becomes fact, print the legend.”
That’s certainly the case in many aspects of what is often accepted as the truth about the American West. For example, one prevalent myth is the notion of the "Wild West" as a lawless and violent region. Contrary to popular belief, historical records indicate that bank robberies were relatively rare during this period. More bank robberies occur in the modern United States annually than during the entire era of the Old West.
That’s just one example of how real historical truth challenges dramatic depictions. Others include the following:
The Hard Life of Cowboys
One of the most persistent myths about the American West is the idea of the lone cowboy hero riding solo across vast landscapes to bring justice to lawless towns. While cowboys did play an essential role in the cattle industry, their lives were far from the adventurous existence depicted in many movies. Cowboys were often young men from diverse backgrounds—including Blacks, Mexicans and Native Americans — who worked grueling, low-paid jobs herding cattle across long distances. Their daily routines involved monotonous tasks like mending fences and managing livestock. The archetype of the lone gunslinger overshadows the fact that much of their work was collaborative and community-based.
The Myth of Manifest Destiny
Another common misconception is the belief that westward expansion was a smooth, inevitable process of manifest destiny, where pioneers peacefully settled the land. In reality, this period was marked by the violent displacement of Native American tribes through forced relocations, broken treaties and brutal conflicts like the Trail of Tears and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The government and settlers often justified these actions, believing it was their divine right to claim the land. This narrative conveniently ignored the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous peoples.
A More Diverse Culture Than Often Portrayed
Popular portrayals of the American West often suggest that towns were small, isolated and rudimentary, with primitive infrastructure and minimal cultural development. However, many Western towns were surprisingly cosmopolitan, with diverse populations and thriving cultural scenes. Cities like San Francisco and Denver quickly grew into bustling hubs with theaters, newspapers and public transportation.
Chinese immigrants played a significant role in building the transcontinental railroad and contributed to the cultural and economic growth of many Western towns despite facing considerable discrimination. However, this richer, more nuanced history often gets lost in the simplified, rugged frontier narrative.
Teaching kids about the American West should involve these more nuanced narratives. Teachers can foster critical thinking and help students appreciate the American West’s multifaceted history by addressing these myths and presenting well-researched historical accounts. Encouraging learners to question popular narratives and seek out primary sources will enrich their understanding and instill a lifelong appreciation for history's complexities.
Fresno Pacific University’s American West Course
Fresno Pacific University’s course, The American West, is designed for educators eager to deepen their understanding of the American frontier. It is one of many professional development courses offered online by Fresno Pacific University.
Drawing from The Great Courses series, The American West course explores the complex realities of westward expansion from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. Teachers gain practical tools to bring history to life in their classrooms. Topics covered include the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Indian Removal Act and the establishment of America's first national parks.
The course also illuminates lesser-discussed topics, including the roles of women in the West, the nuanced relationships between settlers and Native Americans, and the origins of Wild West myths. Educators can tailor assignments to their interests through project-based learning and develop materials suitable for their classrooms.
Upon completion, teachers earn 3 graduate-level credits, enhancing their historical knowledge and teaching methodologies.