This photograph is of the frontier life in Sturgis, South Dakota. It was taken in the Library of Congress. The photographer behind this amazing photo is John C. H. Grabill. Do you think you can survive in a place like this for a long time?
The majority of Dakota Territory’s people were mostly prospectors, cowboys, hunters, and teams of oxen.
Buffalo Soldier
Remember Bob Marley’s iconic song Buffalo Soldier? Well, now we know where he got the term. In 1890, nobody was too sure who this specific soldier was, but his face will forever be known throughout history. These were the names given to the 10th Cavalry of the United States Army between 1866 and 1951.
The term Buffalo Soldier was given to black soldiers by the Native Americans when they fought during the Indian Wars, and the name has stuck with them ever since.
John C.H. Grabill
Here’s another great photographer, John C.H. Grabill. He mostly took photographs of the Dakota Territory. He also had a studio in Chicago. The photo you see now is of the Deadwood Coach. It was another icon of history that is the most well-known in stagecoach existence.
The stagecoach was also included by Buffalo Bill in all of his shows throughout Europe and America.
The Rodeo Queens
Believe it or not, cowboys weren’t the only ones who joined the rodeo back in the old west. In fact, some women were brave enough to join. The girls you see in the photo are called the Rodeo cowgirls, or the Rodeo queens.
Some of the most famous cowgirls at the time were Calamity Jane, Dale Evans, and Annie Oakley. Who says women can’t do what men can? Girl Power!
Alfred A. Hart
Another influential photographer to add to the list is Alfred A. Hart, who was named the official photographer of the Western half of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s.
This photo you see in front of you is a line of cliffs in Palisades, Nevada. Ain’t it a beauty?