As the 19th century came to an end, the Wild West was slowly fading into history, its rugged landscapes and untamed spirit giving way to the march of civilization. Between 1880 and 1910, the frontier era reached its final chapters, and the stories of cowboys, outlaws, and pioneers began to be captured in rare photographs. These images offer a window into a world on the brink of transformation, showcasing the resilient individuals and vast, untamed landscapes that defined a time of hardship. With each frame, we are reminded of the profound shift that took place in America as the Wild West gave way to a new, more settled way of life. Here are 17 vintage photos from the last days of the Wild West.
1. An outlaw’s card game, 1880.
Pictured second from left is the Wild West’s outlaw Billy the Kid.
2. The Wild West Town of Deadwood Dakota Territory.
I love westerns, but you can only imagine the smell of a place like this.
3. Cowboys enjoying a drink.
This photo was taken at the equity bar in Old Tascosa, 1907.
4. Life was different in the 1890s.
These don’t look like the most inviting fellows.
5. Martha Jane Cannary or “Calamity Jane.”
Calamity Jane was an American frontierswoman and performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
6. Texas, 1910s.
The guy in the white shirt was photo-ready.
7. One of the Old West’s most talented horses, Sky Rocket.
Those boys have a lot of faith that they won’t get kicked in the head.
8. Games of croquet with Billy the Kid must have been tense.
It’s not every day you play a game that might cost you your life.
9. This band is ready for the rodeo.
I wonder what kind of music they played in the Old West. I have a feeling that classical band music would cause a shootout.
10. Just a few proud farmers and their homestead, 1909.
This is definitely a crew you wouldn’t want to mess with.
11. The Bob Saloon, Miles City, Montana.
That’s one surprisingly new-age-looking sign.
12. Harry Longahaugh and Etta Place, 1901.
These two were members of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch.
13. Annie Oakley showing off her skills, 1890.
She’s doing a wheelie on a horse; that’s pretty legendary.
14. Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch.
This photo was taken at Fort Worth, Texas, in 1900.
15. Tillie Baldwin did tricks on her horse.
A move like this takes some serious trust. One false step and an 800 lb animal is on top of you.
16. Children looking at bison at a zoo, 1899.
This zoo wouldn’t be up to code today.
17. Calamity Jane at the grave of Wild Bill Hickok, 1903.
She couldn’t look happier.
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