Wild West Podcast
Welcome to Wild West podcast where fact and legend merge. The Wild West Podcast presents the true accounts of individuals, who settled in a town built out of hunger for money, regulated by fast guns, who walked on both sides of the law, patrolling, investing in and regulating the brothels, saloons and gambling houses. These are stories of the men who made the history of the Old West come alive - bringing with them the birth of legends, brought to order by a six-gun and laid to rest with their boots on. Join us now as we take you back in history, to the legends of the Wild West.
Wild West Podcast
Rethinking the Chisholm Trail: Challenging Myths, Revealing History, with Gary and Margaret Kraisinger
Forget everything you thought you knew about the Chisholm Trail. Historians Gary and Margaret Kraisinger have conducted groundbreaking research that challenges the traditional story of this iconic route. Contrary to popular belief, the Chisholm Trail wasn't a singular path from South Texas to Kansas. Instead, it was a vast network of military, stagecoach, and trading roads used by cowboys in the post-Civil War era.
The story of Jesse Chisholm, often credited with creating a trail for cattle drives, takes on a new dimension. His role is now understood as establishing a wagon road connecting the South Canadian River in Indian Territory to the Arkansas River in Kansas. This nuanced understanding underscores the importance of primary sources in ensuring historical accuracy.
The Gary and Margaret Kraisinger story reminds us that history is not static but a dynamic narrative that evolves with new discoveries and perspectives and we, as part of this narrative, have the power to shape it. The Kraisingers' research invites all who cherish historical accuracy to participate in rethinking the Chisholm Trail and the broader context of cattle drives in post-Civil War America. By doing so, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of this period and the diverse routes that define it.
Come along, boys, and listen to my tale. I tell you about my troubles on the old Chisholm Trail. Come a-tie-yippie-yippie-yippie-yippie-yay, come a-tie-yippie-yippie-yay.
Speaker 2:For generations, the Chisholm Trail has been a significant part of American history, capturing the imagination of historians, enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of America's past. But what if much of what we've believed about this iconic route is in fact a myth? In this podcast episode, we plunge into the Chisholm Trail's storied history with renowned historians and authors, gary and Margaret Kreisinger. With renowned historians and authors, gary and Margaret Kreisinger, whose groundbreaking research challenges long-held narratives, this episode invites listeners to examine the real pathways the cowboys used during the post-Civil War era, shifting the spotlight away from a single legendary trail to a complex network of routes. This shift in perspective will illuminate and unfurl the minds of our listeners to new viewpoints.
Speaker 2:The common understanding of the Chisholm Trail as a distinct path from South Texas to Kansas is not only tricky but, according to our expert, largely fictional. Instead of one specific trail, cowboys of the time relied on an intricate patchwork of pre-existing routes. These included military paths, stagecoach routes and trading paths that spanned the vast landscapes from Texas to Kansas. This insight fundamentally reshapes how we view the historic cattle drives, revealing a more nuanced understanding of how these trails were actually utilized. Central to this story is Jesse Chisholm himself. While the legend often attributes the trail's fame to him. Our discussion reveals a different picture. Jesse Chisholm's contributions lay not in creating a trail for cattle drives, but in establishing a wagon road that connected the South Canadian River in Indian Territory to the Arkansas River in Kansas. This route, spanning about 220 miles, became one of the many that cowboys used, rather than the sole path often depicted in popular culture. Used rather than the sole path often depicted in popular culture. This clarification underscores the importance of examining historical figures and their legacies with a critical eye.
Speaker 3:We would now like to play for you an excerpt of an interview we did with On September 26th 2024. The Chisholm Trail today is a legend and everybody believes, according to what has been told to us for 150 years, that the Chisholm Trail had its own system. It was a standalone trail that started in South Texas and even as far south as the Gulf of Mexico and went all the way to Abilene, kansas. And it even branched, branched over into Ellsworth, branched even into Dodd City. And we are saying that that is a myth. That is not true and we are writing a book to prove that.
Speaker 3:Because, you see, after the Civil War the cowboys followed in order to go to Kansas and beyond. They followed any route from Texas to Kansas that has already been established. They would follow military runs, they would follow stage routes, they would follow trading routes. And Jesse Chisholm had a trade route, a wagon road, and it went from the South Canadian River in Indian Territory to the Arkansas River in Kansas, to the Arkansas River in Kansas, only about 220 miles, and they followed that wagon road. We base our research only on actual primary sources developed during the time of the cattle drives. If you look in the Kansas papers from 1867 up to 1870, there's no mention of the Chisholm Trail. If you look at the archival maps that were survey maps, government maps of that time period they do not call it the Chisholm Trail. And if you try to look for a Chisholm Trail in Texas on a map, it doesn't exist. And so, you see, we say that the Chisholm Trail is just one of those little routes that the Cowboys used to go to market.
Speaker 2:Mike. What I find interesting about this historic soundbite is the use of primary sources to form the backbone of our guest's argument, providing a robust foundation for this revisionist history. Archival maps and exclusive, or rather elusive, kansas newspapers from 1867 to 1870 play a crucial role in uncovering the truth. These documents conspicuously omit references to the Chisholm Trail, further supporting the claim that it was not a distinct or widely recognized route at the time. Instead, the trail appears as one of the many paths that cattle drives might have followed, challenging the simplistic narratives that have persisted for over a century.
Speaker 1:Brad. What we found from Gary and Margaret Kreisinger's comments and research invites all of us who cherish the fact behind history to actively participate in rethinking the very nature of the Chisholm Trail and the broader historical content of cattle drives in post-Civil War America. By doing so, we gain deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of this period and the diverse routes that define it. The vital research being done by the Kreisingers serves as a reminder that history is not static. It is a dynamic narrative that evolves with new discoveries and perspectives, and we, as a part of this narrative, have the power to shape it.
Speaker 2:In conclusion, for anyone interested in American history, particularly those intrigued by the legendary tales of the Old West, must hear Margaret and Gary's story, as they will be available to answer questions at the upcoming 150th anniversary Western Cattle Trail Conference. Their presentation is a must for anyone interested in the challenges of preconceived notions and provides a fresh perspective on the cattle trails, urging us to question and redefine the stories that have shaped our understanding of the past. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or a curious listener, this exploration of the cattle trails promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking. So get ready to saddle up for the 150th anniversary conference of the Western Cattle Trail. Mark your calendars for November 1st and 2nd 2024. Don't miss out on this historic event. Secure your seat now at westerncattletrailassociationcom slash conference dash info or contact us at wildwestpodcast at gmailcom to get your enrollment form. Hurry, the deadline to sign up is October 23rd 2024. Those interested in attending the conference should note that the registration fee is $75 per person and registration can be completed via the organization's website. Also, we have added two additional events to your calendar. Also, we have added two additional events to your calendar On Thursday, october 31st at 7.30pm.
Speaker 2:The Western Cattle Trail Association is excited to introduce a new Upland Ranch Fireside Stories event. This event offers participants arriving early for the conference an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening of cowboy fireside stories with historian Brad Smalley at the prestigious Upland Ranch on the edge of the Western Cattle Trail. Brad will regale attendees with unique stories of the Old West, including tales from Dodge City, cattle trail stories and insights into life on the frontier. This promises to be an event you will want to attend. Don't miss the special film screening of Home on the Range at Boot Hill Museum on Saturday November 2nd, following the Western Cattle Trail's 150th anniversary conference. The film screening will begin at 4 o'clock, followed by a panel discussion from 5 to 5.30. The film tells the unforgettable story of the authorship, preservation and legacy of the iconic song Home on the Range and the location where this unofficial anthem of the West was written in Smith County, kansas. After the viewing, the film's director, wichita native Ken Spurgeon and the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, mitch Holtus, along with Mitch's father and 2024 Kansas City Hall of Fame inductee, dean Holtus, will lead a Q&A about the film and its subject matter. That's it for now.
Speaker 2:We're excited to announce that Wild West Podcast will produce exclusive content offering our listeners a unique opportunity to delve deeper into our shows. This premium content, available by monthly subscription for just $3, will provide you with in-depth analysis and expert opinions on the history we cover. This $3 will go a long way in supporting our show as we strive to tell the true stories of the American West. Take advantage of our Wild West podcast shows on various platforms such as iTunes and our website, wildwestpodcastbuzzsproutcom. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on these platforms to stay updated with our latest episodes. You can also connect with us on Facebook at facebookcom slash wildwestpodcast and check out our YouTube channel.
Speaker 2:Get ready for an exhilarating story about the most legendary horse wrestlers, a tale you won't hear anywhere else. On the next episode of Wild West Podcast, tune in for a thrilling two-part series on Dutch Henry Bourne, as we travel back to the 1870s, when Dutch Henry carved out a reputation as a notorious outlaw and horse thief in Kansas. We'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about the past and forthcoming episodes, so be sure to share them with us. Get set for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. You.