The Western Union History

The company that we now know as western union began operations in 1851 as a telegraph business. It added money transfer services in 1871 and became a global leader in both areas. The company has been through many changes, including mergers and acquisitions. It is now a publicly-traded company with a strong presence in the…

The USC Libraries Collection of Western Europe History

Western europe history is the social and cultural development of a large group of European countries. Historians use terms such as the “Romantic Era”, “Middle Ages” and “Enlightenment” to describe periods in the evolution of European societies. The USC Libraries collects materials primarily in print that support teaching, research and learning in the study of…

The Benefits of Western History Association Membership

For over six decades the Western History Association has brought together teachers, academic historians, public historians, students, and enthusiasts to further study of the North American West in its many aspects and broadest sense. Today the WHA has over 4,000 members, including individuals and organizations in universities, museums, libraries, non profit agencies, and other institutions….

Top Western History Museums

A western history museum houses and showcases a wealth of artifacts from a region that is deeply embedded in America’s national culture. These institutions also serve as cultural centers that are dedicated to preserving and educating the public on the importance of the American West. From iconic figures such as Buffalo Bill to the literary…

The People and Culture of North America

North America is the planet’s third-largest continent, comprising 23 countries and dozens of dependencies and territories. It extends some 37,000 miles (59,000 km) from the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific, and encompasses Greenland (the largest island in the world), all of Mexico and Central America, much of the Caribbean Sea, Canada, the United States, and…

Clearing the Western Trail

The Western Trail was the main route that Texas cattlemen drove north to markets. Between 1866 and 1890 as many as six million cattle made this trek. The town of Dodge City, Kansas was once known as “cowboy capital of the world.” The towns of Ogallala, Nebraska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Miles City, Montana and Medora, North…