Author Mark Warren presents: The Cowboy’s Place in America’s Self-Image

America’s concept of its Wild West has played a big part in defining its collective psyche as a nation. In the early 20th century the iconic cowboy emerged as a unique standard for independence, self-reliance, Victorian courtesy, and unbending courage. Thanks to a wave of pulp magazines that touted the West as the new venue for adventure and romance, Americans now had Western heroes from the common ranks of the everyday worker.

After the Civil War, the West offered an opportunity for a man to begin his life anew . . . no questions asked. In fact, one of the so-called “codes of the West” prohibited one man from asking about another’s past. Crossing that line in a male-dominated society could erupt into violence, for these veterans of a most bloody war were inured to killing. Violence lay just beneath the surface of their skin.

When the West was commercialized by Buffalo Bill, by aspiring authors, by motion pictures, and finally by television, a new persona for the cowboy was invented and has stuck to this day. Join us to learn about the history of cowboys in the West and the grooming of their image as an American icon.

Program Date:

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

FREE for Museum Members
FREE with Museum Admission
$8 for program attendance only (does not include further admittance to the museum/galleries)