American West

On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, beginning the California Gold Rush. Thousands quickly flocked to the area in hopes of striking gold.

Nurse, businesswoman, and philanthropist Nellie Cashman died on January 4, 1925, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  Spending much of her life running boarding houses near mining camps and caring for sick miners, she became known as the “Miners’ Angel.”

Cowboy and showman Bill Pickett was born on December 5, 1870. During his life, he was famous for his “bulldogging” act at rodeos. Decades after his death, he became famous once again, as the subject of rare modern stamp error…

Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey on August 13, 1860, in Darke County, Ohio. She was one of the most talented sharpshooters of her day and solidified the image of the American cowgirl.

On August 18, 1846, Stephen W. Kearny declared himself military governor of the New Mexico Territory.  He had captured Santa Fe without firing a shot, as part of the Kearny Expedition.

John Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, on May 26, 1907.

Artist Thomas Moran was born on February 12, 1837, in Bolton, Lancashire, England.

Acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin.

Artist Albert Bierstadt was born on January 7, 1830, in Solingen, Germany.