Out Where the West Begins: Profiles, Visions, and Strategies of Early Western Business Leaders

by Philip F. Anschutz, William J. Convery (Contributor), Thomas J. Noel (Contributor)

Between 1800 and 1920, an extraordinary cast of bold innovators and entrepreneurs—individuals such as Cyrus McCormick, Brigham Young, Henry Wells and James Fargo, Fred Harvey, Levi Strauss, Adolph Coors, J. P. Morgan, and Buffalo Bill Cody—helped lay the groundwork for what we now call the American West. They were people of imagination and courage, adept at maneuvering the rapids of change, alert to opportunity, persistent in their missions.

They had big ideas they were not afraid to test. They stitched the country together with the first transcontinental railroad, invented the Model A and built the roads it traveled on, raised cities and supplied them with water and electricity, established banks for immigrant populations, entertained the world with film and showmanship, and created a new form of western hospitality for early travelers. Not all were ideal role models. Most, however, once they had made their fortunes, shared them in the form of cultural institutions, charities, libraries, parks, and other amenities that continue to enrich lives in the West today.
 
Out Where the West Begins profiles some fifty of these individuals, tracing the arcs of their lives, exploring their backgrounds and motivations, identifying their contributions, and analyzing the strategies they developed to succeed in their chosen fields.

Genres: History, Westerns, Business

392 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 2015

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 1800 and 1920, a cast of innovators and entrepreneurs, such as Cyrus McCormick, Brigham Young, Henry Wells and James Fargo, Fred Harvey, Levi Strauss, Adolph Coors, J. P. Morgan, and Buffalo Bill Cody, helped lay the groundwork for the American West. They were people of imagination and courage, adept at maneuvering the rapids of change, alert to opportunity, persistent in their missions. They stitched the country together with the first transcontinental railroad, invented the Model A and built the roads it traveled on, raised cities and supplied them with water and electricity, established banks for immigrant populations, entertained the world with film and showmanship, and created a new form of western hospitality for early travelers. Most, once they had made their fortunes, shared them in the form of cultural institutions, charities, libraries, parks, and other amenities that continue to enrich lives in the West today. A great book with 50 small chapters, each about a different person. Very insightful.

[Adam Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about how different people began their businesses and what they did with their wealth. I liked to hear about the people who began famous brand names such as Levi Straus, Coors, Wells Fargo, etc. This isn't really a page turner book and it took me longer than normal to read. But it's more of a coffee table book to read a chapter or two each morning and learn about how various people made their fortunes or lost them, but each contributing to the expansion of the West in a significant way. I'll probably keep this book as a reference book when I come across some of these people in future old west books I read, especially about the railroads, which are hard to keep track of who ran each one.

[Leah K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out Where the West Begins: Profiles, Visions, and Strategies of Early Western Business Leaders by Philip F. Anschutz
392 pages

★★★

This book goes over 50 different men who helped form the early American west – mini biographies coming in at about 6-10 pages per person. It’s separated into categories: early trade, agriculture and livestock, transportation, manufacturing, financing, and entertainment.

Last year I saw a special on some people who forged the United States and in looking up on information one guy in particular (don’t remember who now) – this book was recommended. My library had TONS of copies of this book so I just waited until I found time to read it. It was interesting. Some interesting people, some I didn’t care for, but all crucial to expanding the United States in the 1800s (up until 1915 when this author decided it was be forged enough). The author lays down all his sources nicely. The book is very heavy for coming in at under 400 pages. The stock of paper is great quality and full pages of colored painting are put in-between each section. But something was rubbing me the wrong way in some section, maybe it was in the foreword when he declares the start of the US with Columbus discovering America. Maybe it was on page 221 when he states “…the group of fourteen. Including Simon and his 5 children, and Rachel and her eight children, reached Philadelphia…” ok, now I’m not a math major (actually I was a history major) but I’m pretty sure that equals a group of 15? I little mistake perhaps but somewhat annoying.

When I was volunteering at the history museum here and this book came up, it was discussed between me and a couple employees and I found out 1) the author is local which probably why there were masses of this book (let’s admit it, this isn’t a type of book people clamor for in most cases), 2) the guy is far from being a historian, he’s an entrepreneur (which makes sense his choice of topic), and 3) this guy is the second richest man in my state (1st richest at the moment being the co-founder of DISH), Colorado, who seriously owns A LOT of big name businesses in my city and elsewhere and also owns many soccer teams, entertainment industry, etc etc etc. Which made everything makes sense on the writing and made me feel a little better about being rubbed the wrong way at parts – he doesn’t write like a historian and heck, his book was published by a printing company he owns in Oklahoma. Pretty much he could have written whatever and no one was going to argue the case.

With the being said, the author did introduce me to several new people that changed the west and that I hope to delve further into. The author attempted and sometimes failed but hey, he tried.

[James Barr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biographies of business leaders who made important early contributions to the development of the West. There is some effort to explain the development and motives of these men, and the book does not shy away from reporting disgraceful behavior along with the benevolent.

About 50 men are featured in the seven sections of the book:
1. Early Trade and Commerce
2. Agriculture and Livestock
3. Railroads and Transportation
4. Mineral Extraction
5. Manufacturing
6. Finance and Banking
7. Entertainment and communication

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book glorifies men who's business practices were shady. I'm not surprised, given the author's own shady business practices. In order to understand the truth of history, the truth must be written objectively. It is not so with this author. He tends to whitewash. I will not be reading the sequel.

[karl taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always known that Robert Speer died during the Influenza pandemic of 1918, but starting to find more about some of the names from that era can be a challenge. I think I have similar gaps in my knowledge about a lot of Western names, and that’s what drew me to this book.

I found this a remarkably helpful collection of short biographical vignettes about figures in Western history that are hard to learn more about in other places. I’m not sure that I walked away from the collection with as many ‘interesting tidbits,’ as I might have in a more focused volume, but there were a few really great details, and I feel like I have a clearer understanding of what I’d like explore next.

[M Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written by a contemporary western billionaire (and several historians) to highlight the role that capitalists played in shaping the American West in the 19th century. As this is usually glossed over in histories, it is a worthy task and is done in an even handed manner.

The profiles are about six pages each and the transitions between the profiles are not smooth, so this is best read over a prolonged period. Still, this is a useful addition to one's mosaic of how the West was won.

[David Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Anschutz gives us western history lovers a phenomenal overview of the west and its development. Volumes one and two are wonderful reads full of great information and insight. I highly recommend them to history buffs.

[Dave Wein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short bio's of people who helped to develop the west. Some of them were somewhat tenuous in terms of the West such as JP Morgan but still interesting to read about Americas successful early businessmen

[Mark Kloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is 50 short biographical stories about a wide variety of American pioneers who helped shape both the a American West and American culture. It is well written, interesting - each story will hold the reader’s attention.

[Aaron Zimola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offered a great perspective on early businessmen and how they shaped America between 1800 and 1920. This brought together much of American history for me and provided, what I thought, are great analysis of both the good and bad of early capitalism and it's creators.

[Oingo B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. A well-researched "best-of" collection of interesting entrepreneurs and leaders from the heyday of the American West. A great introduction to western industries. This book kickstarted an interest in biographies and made entrepreneurial pursuits feel attainable.

[Deborah Dawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

How the West was made

Great review of the histories and stories of many of the men who “made” the American West what it is today!

[James Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 4th generation Colorado native, my life has been focused first on survival, then later, raising a solid family and building a successful business; helping to facilitate the expansion of a local Colorado organic natural grocery store to 160 locations across 20 states in the western US. Seldom have I had time to reflect very long on the history of our part of the world but that all changed a few weeks ago when I started reading Out Where The West Begins, Volumes 1 and 2, by Philip F. Anschutz. I had no idea the relevance it would have to the background of our local and regional transportation, industry, culture, architecture and place names for cities, mountains, trails, buildings and companies. While the reading is at times a bit dry, at other times it is riveting and enlightening, making the overall read well worthwhile and sparking an interest to learn more. I will let you read the full story for yourself but my father, Berry Craddock worked at Ideal Cement (in the book) prior to and through college before starting his own successful real estate development company Craddock Development Company (not in the book). I appreciate that the author kept it real and didn’t varnish over the moral shortcomings of some of the people that developed our region as well. If you live in the western US or would like an introduction to the western expansion history, these books are for you.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Original review on my blog*

For America, the period of 1800 to 1920 was an unparalleled time of broad expansion and growth driven by extraordinary factors unlike almost any other in history. It was a period of empire building and empire builders. The risks are high, but then too, the opportunities and rewards were high as well. The men in this book made a lasting impact on the American West.

I chose to review this book because I love to read about history and I found it contains more than just the oil barons, robber barons, and well-known entrepreneurs and businessmen. I was fascinated by the many unknowns (to me) who made not one, but several innovative changes to the American West.

The book is separated into 7 sections with colorful hand-painted images of the American West: Early Trade and Commerce, Agriculture and Livestock, Railroads and Transportation, Mineral Extraction, Manufacturing, Finance and Banking, and Entertainment and Communication. Under these sections are short chapters, about 6-12 pages long, with a photo of the man being covered. Citations are listed at the end of each chapter and there is a very thorough index listed in the back.

Along with the men’s great accomplishments in the period of 1800 to 1920, readers can find out who created revolving credit and money-back guarantees, who created the first chuck wagon, who started the Bank of America, who created the first chain restaurant, and who was the father of Universal Studios.

These men were Quakers, orphans, abolitionists, butchers, farmers, educators, and miners. Some started with nothing and some were born into wealth. Some were ruthless and unscrupulous and some were generous and honorable. The things they had in common were their innovative minds and unwavering drive to conquer and improve the American West.

I enjoyed this very informative and well-organized historical biography. If you love American history and the men who overcame the odds and achieved greatness and notoriety, give this book a try. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Mr. Anschutz and The University of Oklahoma Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectation of a positive review given.

More book reviews at The Eclectic Review

[Libscigrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this in full, not because it wasn't good, but because it is definitely more of a reference book. After about the 3rd biography, they all started to sound the same. Great for a student or someone doing historical biographical research.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ton of great information, if you like history!