The Western Trail

During the late 1860s, the Western Trail was one of the most important and popular routes for cattlemen to move their stock north. It was first traveled by Captain John T. Lytle in 1874, and became famous for its capacity to move thousands of longhorns from Texas to Nebraska. By 1893, six million cattle had…

A Brief History of Western Civilization

Throughout the centuries, Western civilization has developed a variety of great ideas and innovations. In the modern era, Western culture has spread to most parts of the world. The ancestors of Westerners are believed to have originated in Europe, where they created a variety of indigenous religions. These include Hellenic, Slavic, Germanic, and Celtic religions….

Life Insurance – Protect Your Family’s Financial Future

Purchasing life insurance is an affordable and effective way to protect your family’s financial future. In addition to covering your spouse and children, a life insurance policy can help pay for day to day living expenses for your surviving dependents. In some cases, the policy can also help pay for large medical bills and other…

Western Union History

Founded in 1851, Western Union began as a telegraph company in Rochester, New York. It grew from the delivery of telegrams to become a national oligopolist in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1861, Western Union opened the first transcontinental telegraph line. The company later acquired 500 other telegraph companies. The company also started offering telex services…

A Guide to American History

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Americans began to demand independence from the British. By 1776, the country became a republic. The United States Constitution was passed and provided for three branches of government. This included a House of Representatives with representation based on population, and a Senate with a representative based on equality of…

Western Europe History – The Rise of Capitalism and the Great Schism

During the centuries of conflict and unrest, Western Europe history has been shaped by numerous factors. For centuries, Europe was dominated by the Roman Empire, which had a profound effect on the development of the region. However, the Roman Empire weakened during the Late Antiquity. Eventually, the Eastern Roman Empire flourished, and the Western Roman…

Benefits of Western History Association Membership

Whether you are a student, scholar, or researcher, you can join the Western History Association and enjoy many benefits. Members benefit from the organization’s publications and conferences, including the Western Historical Quarterly, and its online communities and job postings. Membership also includes access to the WHA library, where members can find books and articles written…

A Brief Overview of Western World History

During the past three centuries, the Western world has undergone a series of transformative changes. The rise of industrial civilization has created a different view of human dignity. The Industrial Revolution, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration have all contributed to the development of Western civilization. These changes have also led to the…

The Western History Museum

Located in Oklahoma City, the Western History Museum strives to preserve and present the rich cultural heritage of the American West. It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute and offers research materials, archives, family-friendly activities, and more. The museum also aims to give visitors an authentic experience of the turn-of-the-century Western prairie town. Guests can…