A certain generation of American kids grew up on Hollywood’s version of the American Western, featuring Caucasian cowboys and gunfights with Mexicans and Indians, who were almost always the bad guys. But in this ethnic mix of people, where were the people of African descent? In Hollywood westerns they were conspicuously absent. In our minds, this fictional version became fact and then became actual history.
But the truth is that in the reality of the American West following the Civil War, the black cowboy played a key role. It is estimated that one out of four cowboys on the western frontier was black. In fact, for the years 1865 through the 1880s (the heyday of cattle drives), being a cowboy was one of the few professions a former slave could pursue that provided for a life of relative dignity, greater opportunity, more personal safety, and some equality and respect, over the life of a sharecropper in the South.
Back in Africa a number of tribesmen from countries like Gambia were cattle herders and had the necessary skills for controlling cattle by using herding dogs, whips, and salt. They did this on foot. When kidnapped into slavery and brought to the United States, these men became prized for their abilities with cattle.
There were several regions in the South where these herdsmen were utilized by slave-holding plantation owners and ranchers.
Sections of the lower South, such as pine barrens, marshes, and tall grass savannahs across South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida, and into the Gulf states, provided grazing land for cattle. The plantation owners would send out groups of slaves to control and drive their cattle in these areas. The further westward these owner-ranchers moved, the greater numbers of slaves would escape into Mexico. There, they learned even more techniques, such as horseback riding and roping cattle, from the Mexican vaqueros. These escaped slaves became some of the best cowboys on Texas ranches and in cattle drives.
A second group of escaped slaves made their way into Seminole Territory in southern Florida. There, they practiced their trade of herding cattle on the savannahs. Many went to Oklahoma with the Seminoles and some ended up in Mexico to fight with the Mexican army.
A third and large group of escaped or former slaves migrated to the coastal prairies along the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to locations in Texas along the Sabine and Guadalupe rivers. In this region, black cowboys predominated in ranching.
After the Civil War, all of these now emancipated men were able to get paying jobs on Texas ranches and on cattle drives to northern stockyards in Kansas, Colorado, the Dakotas, and Wyoming. It is estimated that there were 9,000 to 15,000 black cowboys, representing 25 percent of all cowboys. Working alongside white, Indian, and Mexican cowboys, they shared the same working conditions and performed the same jobs (except being trail boss). While prejudice and bigotry still existed toward people of African descent, the black cowboy could attain a better life than a black sharecropper in the south. This is because his white counterparts depended on him. They lived, worked, ate, and slept together. A crew would consist of a trail boss, a horse wrangler, a cook and eight cowboys. The average crew would have two to three black men. Their trip north took two to three months.
Some black cowboys later joined rodeos after the heyday of cattle drives. Others continued to work on ranches or bought their own land. Some became federal officers in Indian Territory. A number became Pullman porters on the railroads that had made cattle drives obsolete.
History
GENEALOGY: Black cowboys played a key role in history
- History
-
-
Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
-
Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
-
Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
-
Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
-
Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
-
Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
-
Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
-
Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
-
Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
-
Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
-
Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
-
Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
-
GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
- More History Headlines
-
Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Today in History June 19
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
