“The Real West: Legendary Cowboys”
Video Guide
1.
The cowboy became a symbol of freedom and _independence.
2.
Why should we learn about the myths of cowboys?
We should understand the myths so we can understand the reality and see the
difference between myths and reality
3.
What are the two roots cowboys came from?
1. Old South
2. Vaquero
4.
Longhorn__ is considered a symbol of the American West.
5.
When was the busiest time for cowboys, and how many times a year did this occur?
Round-ups, two times a year-Spring and fall
6.
What does open range mean?
Massive area of land; ranchers would share their routes and share the area of cattle
drives.
7.
What kind of work did cowboys do during roundup?
Branding newborn calves and castrating them.
8.
What attitude did cowboys often have about themselves?
Superior to other men and better than other men.
9.
How many miles would cattle drives cover, and how long did they usually last?
800-900 miles 2-3 months
10.
The _Trail Boss_ had the most responsibility during the cattle drives.
11.
What were the six roles of cowboys during a cattle drive?
1. Point
3. Swing
5. Wrangler
2. Drag
4. Flank
6. Chuck Wagon
12.
Losing sleep_ was the greatest hardship cowboys endured.
13.
Name three cattle towns:
1. Abilene
2. Newton
3. Wichita
4. Ellsworth
5. Dodge City
14.
What were some of the first things cowboys would do as soon as they had arrived in a
cow town?
A parade-like entrance, barber-shop, bathe, go to a nice place to eat, or buy new clothes
15.
How were cowboys a blessing to the cow towns?
Businesses depended upon cowboys.
16.
How were cowboys a curse to the cow towns?
Rowdy behavior did not help family image.
17.
What signs indicated that the “Golden Age” of the cowboy was coming to an end?
Abilene’s opposition, overgrazing, Barbed wire, 1881-2 Texas fever in cattle, weather
(Blizzard of 86), closing of Kansas borders to Texas cattle
18.
What did people in the East call cowboys at first?
Criminals/cattle thieves
19.
America was transforming into an Industrialization/urbanization__ society as the age of
the cowboy ended.
20.
In myths, cowboys were always _white_ and worked alone__.
21.
In reality, cowboys were also black_ and worked as a team_.
22.
Where do the myths about cowboys that exist in American culture come from?
1. West shows
2. Motion Pictures (movies) 3. Books