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5 Classic Old West Locations To Visit In The United States

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While the days of cowboys and outlaws may be long gone, the spirit of the iconic American Old West era lives on in several well-preserved towns across the United States. If you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of Western films, or simply curious about life on the frontier, these five classic towns will surely give you an unforgettable taste of frontier life. 

Dodge City, Kansas

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If you’ve ever watched a Western, chances are you’ve heard of this place. It’s inspired countless novels and movies, including the classic “Gunsmoke.” Famous gunslingers like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday once walked these streets. While you’re there, stop by the Boot Hill Museum or visit Fort Dodge.

Bandera, Texas

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When a place calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” it’s got to be special. One of Bandera’s main attractions is its authentic cowboy culture. This little Texas town, founded in 1856, has a fascinating mix of history, including Mormon settlers and Polish families. You can explore historic buildings at Bandera and soak up some genuine cowboy culture.

Tombstone, Arizona

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Have you ever heard of the Gunfight at the OK Corral? This is where it went down. Founded in 1879 after some lucky prospector struck silver, Tombstone is like a time machine to the Old West. They even put on reenactments of those famous shootouts. It’s a tiny place with only about 1,600 folks, but they know how to keep history alive. They don’t call it “The Town Too Tough to Die” for nothing. 

Deadwood, South Dakota 

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Deadwood nestles in the rugged Black Hills, straight out of a Wild West storybook. With just over 1,000 residents, tales of legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane fill the town. Wild Bill met his untimely demise at Saloon No. 10, where he was famously shot during a poker. Don’t forget to wander the streets of Deadwood, the same streets the outlaws and ‘lawmen’ once roamed. 

Virginia City, Nevada

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This city is one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, and it hit the jackpot in 1859 with the Comstock silver strike. At its peak, nearly 30,000 people called this boomtown home. Fun fact: this is where Samuel Clemens first used the pen name “Mark Twain.” Today, about 2 million visitors come yearly to soak up its preserved Wild West charm.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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