Spectacular wide open spaces, along with colorful history and legendary characters, continue to draw millions of visitors from around the world to America's "Wild West." This Globe Trekker special (featuring several hosts) travels to well-known historic sites such as the Alamo, as well as markers along the Lewis and Clark trail, plus obscure ghost towns and saloons where prospectors would hit it big on mineral strikes during the day (only to lose it all gambling that night). Viewers will learn that riders on the Pony Express (which only operated for 19 months) were issued a pistol and a Bible, and that early builders of railroads would be shadowed by "tent towns" that provided dubious services to the men, including alcohol, gambling, and women (leading to the coining of the term "hell on wheels"). Of course, some settlements became permanent, notably the large Mormon community at Salt Lake City, and religious freedom itself was a motive to move West, along with greed—the latter well-evidenced in the California and Yukon gold rushes, which attracted many, although few struck it rich. The Wild West doesn't gloss over the shameful treatment of Native Americans, and notes that while 60 million buffalo once roamed the prairies, the herds were almost wiped out within a few short decades—shot for food, sport, or spite. The battle of Little Big Horn marked a rare victory for the Indians, but tribes would later pay a dear price for their triumph over General Custer. In addition to history, the West also offers modern diversions, such as rodeos, re-creations of roundups, and stagecoach rides. Viewers can also savor the tributes to characters like Wild Bill Hickok, who was ambushed while playing cards in a saloon, holding what forever became known as a "dead man's hand." Like most Globe Trekker titles, this one aims for a hipper and at times cornier vibe than most historical travelogues. Likely to appeal to armchair travelers with an interest in Americana, this is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)
The Wild West
(2016) 60 min. DVD: $24.95. Globe Trekker (www.globetrekkerstore.com). PPR. ISBN: 1-937103-99-6. Volume 32, Issue 1
The Wild West
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