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Black Cowboys of the Old West: True, Sensational, And Little-Known Stories From History
The word cowboy conjures up vivid images of rugged men on saddled horses—men lassoing cattle, riding bulls, or brandishing guns in a shoot-out. White men, as Hollywood remembers them. What is woefully missing from these scenes is their counterparts: the black cowboys who made up one-fourth of the wranglers and rodeo riders. This book tells their story.
When the Civil War ended, black men left the Old South in large numbers to seek a living in the Old West—industrious men resolved to carve out a life for themselves on the wild, roaming plains. Some had experience working cattle from their time as slaves; others simply sought a freedom they had never known before. The lucky travelled on horseback; the rest, by foot. Over dirt roads they went from Alabama and South Carolina to present-day Texas and California up north through Kansas to Montana. The Old West was a land of opportunity for these adventurous wranglers and future rodeo champions.
A long overdue testament to the courage and skill of black cowboys, Black Cowboys of the Old West finally gives these courageous men their rightful place in history.
Praise for an earlier book by the same author:
“Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of adventure stories, African American Women of the Old West presents the reader with fascinating accounts of ten extraordinary, generally unrecognized, African Americans. Tricia Martineau Wagner takes these remarkable women from the footnotes of history and brings them to life.” —Ed Diaz, President of the Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation
When the Civil War ended, black men left the Old South in large numbers to seek a living in the Old West—industrious men resolved to carve out a life for themselves on the wild, roaming plains. Some had experience working cattle from their time as slaves; others simply sought a freedom they had never known before. The lucky travelled on horseback; the rest, by foot. Over dirt roads they went from Alabama and South Carolina to present-day Texas and California up north through Kansas to Montana. The Old West was a land of opportunity for these adventurous wranglers and future rodeo champions.
A long overdue testament to the courage and skill of black cowboys, Black Cowboys of the Old West finally gives these courageous men their rightful place in history.
Praise for an earlier book by the same author:
“Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of adventure stories, African American Women of the Old West presents the reader with fascinating accounts of ten extraordinary, generally unrecognized, African Americans. Tricia Martineau Wagner takes these remarkable women from the footnotes of history and brings them to life.” —Ed Diaz, President of the Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation
200 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 13, 2025
3.5 stars.
I decided to give Black Cowboys of the Old West a go because I had access to the audiobook, the subject very much interests me, and I was building my reading list for Black History Month. I'm glad I gave it a go, even if it has its issues!
First, what I liked. That's most of it, really! I generally really like collected biographies, and that's what this is. It has a pretty fascinating array of figures featured, ranging from rodeo stars to archeologists to songwriters to ranchers to cattle rustlers, so it manages to show a lot of different ways things could go for men, specifically Black men, in the Old West. This also means that as a reader, you're getting a real variety in the types of stories you're reading. It's an interesting piece of history for anyone who has ever felt that sense of fascination with the Old West but is tired of only hearing about what white people were doing in that place and time. The storytelling is engaging, and the audio narrator (one whose work I've enjoyed) does a solid job.
My number one issue with this book doesn't appear to be the fault of the author to the best of what I can find, but it's still a pretty big problem in my view: one chapter features details that are dramatically incorrect. I only uncovered this accidentally because I was confirming the spelling of his name. Isom Dart has a pretty elaborate history without elaboration, but this book features an entire fictional identity and fictional events associated with that identity (not originating with this author), and this information being incorrect is featured heavily on his Wikipedia page. I confirmed the sources, which include local news sources and a museum. That said, everything I found about this information being incorrect is either dated to the last few years or doesn't have a date on it, and this book was originally published fifteen years ago, so I'm not sure it was easily available knowledge at the time. I think it's important to note for anyone who might read this book that this chapter requires some fact checking (I did fact check as I went through the book though as a result of this, and that appears to be the only thing that isn't true).
There are a couple of smaller complaints I have about the overall. I had kind of hoped for more information on a broader scale of what it was like for Black cowboys, which as a biography collection this doesn't have. I would have liked to see more critique of colonialism in the narrative, but it's not really concerned with that at all.
Overall, this is a solid intro to a little known pat of history that deserves the extra light on it. If you're willing to fact check, it's worth the read, but I'd be wary of recommending it on a larger scale just because of the inaccurate portion. Still, I'm glad I read it, it was incredibly interesting.
I decided to give Black Cowboys of the Old West a go because I had access to the audiobook, the subject very much interests me, and I was building my reading list for Black History Month. I'm glad I gave it a go, even if it has its issues!
First, what I liked. That's most of it, really! I generally really like collected biographies, and that's what this is. It has a pretty fascinating array of figures featured, ranging from rodeo stars to archeologists to songwriters to ranchers to cattle rustlers, so it manages to show a lot of different ways things could go for men, specifically Black men, in the Old West. This also means that as a reader, you're getting a real variety in the types of stories you're reading. It's an interesting piece of history for anyone who has ever felt that sense of fascination with the Old West but is tired of only hearing about what white people were doing in that place and time. The storytelling is engaging, and the audio narrator (one whose work I've enjoyed) does a solid job.
My number one issue with this book doesn't appear to be the fault of the author to the best of what I can find, but it's still a pretty big problem in my view: one chapter features details that are dramatically incorrect. I only uncovered this accidentally because I was confirming the spelling of his name. Isom Dart has a pretty elaborate history without elaboration, but this book features an entire fictional identity and fictional events associated with that identity (not originating with this author), and this information being incorrect is featured heavily on his Wikipedia page. I confirmed the sources, which include local news sources and a museum. That said, everything I found about this information being incorrect is either dated to the last few years or doesn't have a date on it, and this book was originally published fifteen years ago, so I'm not sure it was easily available knowledge at the time. I think it's important to note for anyone who might read this book that this chapter requires some fact checking (I did fact check as I went through the book though as a result of this, and that appears to be the only thing that isn't true).
There are a couple of smaller complaints I have about the overall. I had kind of hoped for more information on a broader scale of what it was like for Black cowboys, which as a biography collection this doesn't have. I would have liked to see more critique of colonialism in the narrative, but it's not really concerned with that at all.
Overall, this is a solid intro to a little known pat of history that deserves the extra light on it. If you're willing to fact check, it's worth the read, but I'd be wary of recommending it on a larger scale just because of the inaccurate portion. Still, I'm glad I read it, it was incredibly interesting.
March 8, 2019
I was amazed these stories have gone untold and are basically unknown. The grit and determination of these folks was amazing. The media has black people believing that all black people were just slaves or movers and shakers in the civil rights movement. Who knew the level of diversity these black cowboys displayed. There ability to over come odds, to pursue their goals and dream, and to never give up is inspiring. Each tale could be its own book. Well written; a book that is a must read.
May 14, 2022
I really enjoyed learning about these cowboys; the stories are fascinating and they're written in an engaging and entertaining style. My only complaint would be that this feels like it's written with very white liberal hindsight. The cowboys are frequently spoken of approvingly for tolerating racism and persevering through hard work and skill. Slave owners are spoken of as benevolent more often than not. It's a bit uncomfortable.
I listened to this on audiobook, and the narrator was excellent.
I listened to this on audiobook, and the narrator was excellent.
August 10, 2021
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard 'Cowboys weren't black'. I was ten the first time I heard it. A close family member was making fun of a coworker who belonged to a black cowboy club. And... someone said it to me just this past week.
Western movies would certainly have anyone believing that... But historical narrative and the entertainment industry has long been dominated by very insecure white people and government censor. (Look at all the female scientists and inventors who are only just getting credit for their achievements.) But thanks to a number of associations like the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, a void in history is slowly being filled.
As this book states: Traditionally, the black cowboy was virtually invisible in the story of the cowboy era; historically, that is inaccurate. And: History is not being rewritten to make room for cowboys of color; the record is simply becoming appropriately inclusive. The image of the black cowboy needs to be embedded in the nation's vision of a shared authentic Western heritage.
I've come across statistics stating 35%, 60%, and even up to 80% of cowboys were black. Black Cowboys of the Old West puts the estimate at 25%. This conservative estimate told me there'd be more fact than sensation in this book, which is just what a writer wants for research.
Imagine every western movie you've ever watched. Now imagine all those John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, James Stewart, movies with a fourth to one-half of the cowboys portrayed by black actors. Our perception of history changes in an instant. This is why it's important to be accurate in history and fiction.
Along with being informative, this book was also entertaining! Its focus was on celebrating black cowboys of history. From Jesse Stahl, who iconized the hat in hand bronc riding pose, to Bill Pickett who invented 'bulldogging', and so many others. But since the focus is on celebrating the cowboy... don't expect much sympathy for the plight of Native Americans. And I felt that it glossed over issues of slavery. For example, in the chapter about Nat Love it states that '(his family) was fortunate to have a master who was both kind and compassionate...' But while reading Nat Love's autobiography, he paints another picture. Yes, his family wasn't tortured like most enslaved people, but he still says they were treated no better than a horse or cow and weren't allowed an education. And states... 'Surely "war is hell" but slavery is worse.'
Still, if you have any interest at all in rodeo, the Wild West, or American History, Black Cowboys of the Old West is definitely worth the read.
Western movies would certainly have anyone believing that... But historical narrative and the entertainment industry has long been dominated by very insecure white people and government censor. (Look at all the female scientists and inventors who are only just getting credit for their achievements.) But thanks to a number of associations like the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, a void in history is slowly being filled.
As this book states: Traditionally, the black cowboy was virtually invisible in the story of the cowboy era; historically, that is inaccurate. And: History is not being rewritten to make room for cowboys of color; the record is simply becoming appropriately inclusive. The image of the black cowboy needs to be embedded in the nation's vision of a shared authentic Western heritage.
I've come across statistics stating 35%, 60%, and even up to 80% of cowboys were black. Black Cowboys of the Old West puts the estimate at 25%. This conservative estimate told me there'd be more fact than sensation in this book, which is just what a writer wants for research.
Imagine every western movie you've ever watched. Now imagine all those John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, James Stewart, movies with a fourth to one-half of the cowboys portrayed by black actors. Our perception of history changes in an instant. This is why it's important to be accurate in history and fiction.
Along with being informative, this book was also entertaining! Its focus was on celebrating black cowboys of history. From Jesse Stahl, who iconized the hat in hand bronc riding pose, to Bill Pickett who invented 'bulldogging', and so many others. But since the focus is on celebrating the cowboy... don't expect much sympathy for the plight of Native Americans. And I felt that it glossed over issues of slavery. For example, in the chapter about Nat Love it states that '(his family) was fortunate to have a master who was both kind and compassionate...' But while reading Nat Love's autobiography, he paints another picture. Yes, his family wasn't tortured like most enslaved people, but he still says they were treated no better than a horse or cow and weren't allowed an education. And states... 'Surely "war is hell" but slavery is worse.'
Still, if you have any interest at all in rodeo, the Wild West, or American History, Black Cowboys of the Old West is definitely worth the read.
January 18, 2022
It's a good resource to get more acquainted with the names of black cowboys that got lost in time compared with their white contemporaries and Hollywood cowboys. It was short retellings of each cowboys life, which some will find lackluster if theyre hoping for an action pack fanfare like in the movies and it doesnt go into great detail more of a summarization of their life. But it kinda puts a perspective on what and how real cowboys lived and the struggles black cowboys faced.
September 5, 2020
Wow! This is a strongly written book on the esoteric stories about black cowboys. - Jesse Stahl, Isom Dart, Nat Love and many more. Phew! These guys don't mess around. It's assorted biographies on rodeo stars, cattle drivers to cooks on chuck wagons and there's even a horse whisperer. This was a fantastic read!
April 18, 2022
Terrible audio narrator. Good story about some less known figures of the old wild west
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May 19, 2022I don't know how to rate this because it's a case of "Why did they choose that narrator for this book?"
April 24, 2023
Topic is intriguing. The story telling was not.
February 28, 2022
A great selection of historic cowboys that deserve much more attention. The book does not address the larger historical context, especially issues of race (and including that of the indigenous peoples mentioned), which would have added real depth and substance to these vignettes. Instead this compilation is an interesting collection of stories from another time. *Thanks to @librofm for a complimentary audiobook listening copy, author Tricia Martineau Wagner, read by Allyson Johnson,
Tantor Media, Inc. (2021).
Tantor Media, Inc. (2021).
October 16, 2022
I’m giving it three stars because it’s well written and would be interesting for someone who is more interested in the subject. I don’t think I’m interested enough in real cowboys to have ever truly appreciated a book like this. I thought a well written non fiction audiobook would do the trick! But it didn’t. So three stars. Not enough fleshing out here to really get me into it (understandable—not great record keeping on this subject). Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC!
November 19, 2021
3.5 stars. Inspired by The Harder They Fall coming out, I wanted to read about black cowboys, and there were a few characters from that in this book. It's terrible how the myth-making of Hollywood whitewashed cowboy stories so much. One fascinating fact: the origin of bulldogging was Bill Pickett literally chomping onto a bull's lip and driving it into the ground wow!
November 28, 2022
This was a quick read little book that told the stories of about 10 famous black cowboys, most of whom were active right after the Civil War when slaves were emancipated. In spite of continuing prejudice, many became skilled horse and cattle men who came to be respected by even their white peers. Some even went on to amass fortunes and become ranch owners.
February 6, 2024
The word “Cowboy” commonly comes with the image of white dudes in hats (thanks, Hollywood & Country Music), so it’s definitely nice to hear about these stories of real life black cowboys who managed to make a name for themselves.
The stories presented here are unique and well worth hearing for anyone curious about this era of history that too often only spotlights certain people.
The stories presented here are unique and well worth hearing for anyone curious about this era of history that too often only spotlights certain people.
July 23, 2020
I loved reading about the lives of these extraordinary and colorful cowboys. I see that the author has written one about Black Women of the Old West (yee haw!) which I will have to read. These short bios are great!
November 5, 2020
Very informative read! Ad a kid I enjoyed Cowboy movies but never had the opportunity to see someone lile me on the screen.
April 25, 2021
Neat stories
I love cowboy tales and these didn’t disappoint. The range of experiences was fascinating, from ranchers to rodeo celebrities to amateur scientists.
I love cowboy tales and these didn’t disappoint. The range of experiences was fascinating, from ranchers to rodeo celebrities to amateur scientists.
July 12, 2021
It was a bit lackluster to me. It was cool to learn about the prevalence of black cowboys in the old west but overall it didn’t wow me. Each chapter was of an individual man & his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
Short read of accounts of notable Black Cowboys in American History. This makes me want to delve further into the topic.
Thank you Libro.fm for my Librarian ALC!
Thank you Libro.fm for my Librarian ALC!
October 24, 2022
Awesome work detailing the little known history about Black cowboys. I learned a lot!
December 8, 2022
Fun stories, but excitement dwindled after most stories start the same way
April 8, 2024
Short bios of important black cowboys in the latter half of the 19th & early part of the 20th centuries.
Some very notable achievements by some of these men.
Some very notable achievements by some of these men.
April 10, 2024
Good collective biography of Black Cowboys and their accomplishments.
August 9, 2024
I wanted to know more about the color of American history in the old west. I knew there was more to the presence of Black people than the history of slavery. I found what I was looking for in this book.
February 11, 2025
3.5. For the life of me, I do not understand the audiobook’s choice of narrator.
March 17, 2023
this was cool! i wish there had been more & i hadn't realized that each chapter would be a different micro-biography so i was mildly disappointed with the content (would've loved more in-depth stories!) & felt a little like i was reading a short wikipedia page for each man- which wasn't necessarily bad, just not what i expected. a nice short little overview, though!
August 17, 2015
Each time I read one of Tricia Wagner's books, I admire her style and choice of stories. I didn't have the strong positive response to this book as I did to "It Happened on the Underground Railroad" and "It Happened on the Oregon Trail." But I did really enjoy the stories and all that I learned. I don't know that I ever thought much before about African-Americans as cowboys in the Old West. These books are wonderful books to read while traveling--short vignettes and stand-alone chapters instead of a long novel. Hats off, once again, to Ms. Martineau Wagner for her excellent writing, fascinating topics and giving me hours of "aloud" reading as we drive. I hope she writes more because I think I've read all but one of her books. I'm looking for the African American Women of the Old West book now.
I highly recommend any of these well-written books. You will find interesting topics and stories in all of them and the writing style will keep you interested and desiring more.
Tricia, if you ever read this, how about writing one on Baseball's Negro Leagues. Think about it! :-) I want the first copy!
I highly recommend any of these well-written books. You will find interesting topics and stories in all of them and the writing style will keep you interested and desiring more.
Tricia, if you ever read this, how about writing one on Baseball's Negro Leagues. Think about it! :-) I want the first copy!
July 30, 2013
Very good. Learned something I didn't know & lived most all my life in cowboy country.
May 15, 2015
One of the best books about Black Cowboys there is an excellent read. It was a short book but gave a lot of information in a time where blacks were hardly noted at all
January 4, 2016
Black cowboys, cattle ranchers, rodeo stars and cowpunchers who made a life that defied convemtion as they established themselves in the Old West.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews