The USA is famous for many things. The Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood, Elvis. But none of these can boast having quite the same influence as the Wild West. Its history and culture have been the source of fascination for moviegoers and academics alike. The entertainment and fashion industry have kept the characters, symbols, and events of the American frontier alive over the centuries, constantly attracting visitors to locations associated with that lost world.
Even today, Texas enjoys a steady stream of tourists venturing to such towns, wanting to hear stories of cowboys and outlaws, if not experience them through Wild West-themed attractions.
The Wild West Market
by AntMan3001
Fashion’s cowboy hats and leather boots aside, it’s Western movies and TV shows that have seen the most success. Netflix has been happily accommodating the genre, those at the thecinemaholic.com explain, with productions like The Pinkertons (2014), Godless (2017) and Frontier with Jason Momoa, still running since 2016. The modern silver screen has not failed to provide its contributions in the form of the Coen Brothers’ True Grit (2010), Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012) and several more highly praised revivals of Wild West cinema.
Video games joined the action before open world productions like Red Dead Redemption were even possible. Rockstar Games has made a name for itself with this series, featuring everything from gun-slinging, poker-playing cowboys to surviving off the frontier’s untamed land. Simpler examples include themed slot games provided by online casinos on Bonusfinder.com. For example, Wild Wild West: The Great Train Heist on Party Casino, apart from using a popular western pastime as its theme, is designed as a comic book, its reels spinning outlaws and lucky Number 7s in the creative style of classic Western comic strips.
With all this entertainment keeping Wild West fans on their toes, it’s no wonder they are inspired to seek out Texas as a go-to destination.
The Wild Way to Amarillo
Established in 1887, this place evolved from a railroad-worker camp to a cattle town, with its rodeos and longhorns remaining as some of its key features. In addition to simply breathing in the historical significance of Amarillo, planetware.com points out popular activities for visitors. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is dedicated to the most prized breed of sprinters in the US, and the colourfully eerie Cadillac Ranch, a free-to-visit art installation in the middle of the Amarillo sands.
You could also learn about Native American culture at the beautiful Kwahadi Museum that glows pink with the setting sun. Also, a final bit of fun that should not be missed is the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation’s annual Texas drama, an incredible outdoor musical show commemorating the nation’s foundation.
Beautifully Blindin’ Bandera
“100-year-old Bandera, Texas Farmhouse” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Bill Staney
The Great Western Cattle Drive began here and subsequently shaped Western history. Dubbed the Cowboy Capital of the World, this is where horses are now tied alongside motorbikes outside saloons. Dude ranches enjoy teaching wide-eyed tourists about persevering the cowboy lifestyle, including horse riding, lasso throwing and the Texas Two-Step.
Visittheusa.com emphasises that this little town of no more than 1,000 people is not to be underestimated. Its character is steeped in the ideals of independence and simple but wholesome living. For extra historical immersion, you can explore the Frontier Times Museum, Polly’s Chapel, or its expansive wild landscapes.
The memories and eccentric lifestyles of the Wild West have endured. This is what tourists, and Texas’ own people, marvel at the most: its untameable spirit.