Time Machine

The Real Cowboy: Portrait of an American Icon (2 Parts)

He is the quintessential American hero; the embodiment of rugged individualism and independence. But who are the real cowboys, today and in the past? How did this working class identity reach cult status? How and why did he become an American icon? The Real Cowboys answers these questions with a realistic look at the American cowboy, separating fact from fiction, and reality from myth. The Real Cowboys would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Economics, Media Studies and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES: Students will learn the origins and evolution of cowboys from their European origins through their apex during the 19th century in the American West. They will discern the actual jobs of cowboys and their media produced parallel. They will also understand the role of imagery vis-à-vis American ideology.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS: The Real Cowboys fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9 and 10.

Discussion Questions

  1. The cowboy has reached icon status in American history and media. What is an icon? Why is the cowboy considered an icon? What are some other icons in American history and culture?

  2. Discuss how the American cowboy is a symbol of rugged individualism, masculinity and democratic ideals.

  3. Cowboys earn their living on cattle drives. But some people pay to go on cattle drives. Why do people go on cattle drives today? Why are they willing to pay for the privilege?

  4. Americans have romantic notions about cowboys. What is a romantic notion? Why do Americans have this view about cowboys? What are some other examples of romantic notions?

  5. Discuss the origins of the cowboy.

  6. Spanish cowboys descend from the Moors. Who were the Moors? What was their role in Spanish history?

  7. Discuss the role of Spanish missions in American history and culture. How have these missions shaped American society, especially in the Southwest?

  8. The American cowboy is a merger of the vaqueros and buckaroos. How and why did this merger take place?

  9. 9. The official birthday of the American cowboy is immediately after the Civil War. Why is this period noted as the birth date for the cowboy as we know him?

  10. Discuss some of the obstacles and dangers cowboys faced on cattle drives.

  11. What was the Chisholm Trail? Why did it reach epic proportions in American history and lore?

  12. What was the

  13. Every cowboy fears a stampede on a cattle drive. What is a stampede? Why are they so dangerous? How do cowboys handle stampedes?

  14. Discuss the traditions of cowboy music and poetry. How have these art forms contributed to the romantic image of the cowboy?

  15. Real cowboys differ significantly from their Hollywood manufactured counterparts. Discuss the differences between real cowboys and Hollywood cowboys.

  16. The rodeo is one of the country's most popular entertainment forms today. What are the origins of the rodeo? How is the origin a forum for a cowboy's work skills?

  17. Discuss the marketing of the cowboy and his image in American consumerism.

  18. Although the popular image of the cowboy is a white male, cowboys were often people of color. They were also sometimes female. Discuss the role of minority cowboys and females in American history.

  19. Native American stereotypes and images have been created and perpetuated by Hollywood. Discuss the popular image of Native Americans and compare and contrast this image with the realities of Native American history and life.

  20. Hawaii does not seem a likely place to find cowboys, but the state has a long history of ranching. Discuss the ranching industry in the Aloha State.
Extended Activities

  1. Imagine that you are a cowboy on a cattle drive in the 19th century. Create a journal or diary that tells of your experiences and adventures.

  2. Composer Aaron Copeland is responsible for much of the popular music associated with movie and television westerns. Research Copeland and his music on the Internet and write an essay or report on his role in these westerns.

  3. Design a memorial to the American cowboy.

  4. Research African American, Native American, Hispanic and female cowboys. How have these people been omitted in the myth and lore of the cowboy?

  5. Create a poster for a Wild West show of the 19th century.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
  • George Martin, interviewed in the 1930s by the Federal Writers Project

Air Dates

Classroom Materials