The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains

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In 1902, the most popular book in America was The Virginian by Owen Wister.  This book changed America's perspective on the cowboy and turned the once maligned cowhand into a romantic hero.

Told at times through the eyes of the Tenderfoot, this is a story of a courageous but mysterious cowboy known only as “the Virginian”. He works as foreman of a cattle ranch in the Wyoming territory during the1880s and is admired by his friends and enemies alike. The gunplay and violence of his frontier code threaten his romance with Molly, the pretty schoolteacher from the East. The novel’s climactic gun duel is the first “showdown” in fiction. It also introduced the now-classic phrase that the Virginian utters when confronting Trampas, the villian of the story: “When you call me that, smile!”

The stories of our pioneers were brought to you by our partners, Hot Springs County Pioneer Association.  Descendants of Thermopolis, Wyoming can learn how to join their organization by sending us a text! Also send us a text if you have a story you would like featured on the podcast! 

 This episode would not be possible without the support of the Wyoming Humanities. www.thinkwy.org 

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