Faced with the task of finding employment after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many formerly enslaved people turned to working as cowhands in the American West. Prior to the advent of the United States railroad system, Black cowboys did the dangerous and difficult work of driving large cattle herds across the open plains and Native American lands to be sold further north. The invention of barbed wire (allowing for easier containment of herds during transport), expansion of the U.S. railroad system, and relegation of Native Americans to reservations around the turn of the century reduced the need for experienced cowhands. Despite a decline in the number of cowboys, Americans continue to be captivated by the history and imagery of the West to this day.
Black cowboys, settlers, and soldiers who lived their lives in the American West during the 19th century have often received less recognition than their White counterparts. During recent years, however, efforts to revitalize Black cowboy culture and honor the spirit of these hard-working individuals have gained significant traction and media attention.
This LibGuide offers a collection of resources about historic Black cowboys like Nat Love and Bill Pickett, buffalo soldiers, and African American life in the American West. You can also learn more about the people keeping Black cowboy culture alive today from the Compton Cowboys to pop culture icons like Beyoncé.
Though this is not an exhaustive list of resources, we hope it will provide a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about the rich history of African-American life in the American West.
We hope you enjoy exploring this LibGuide as much as we enjoyed making it.
