Wild About the West

Watch Wild About the West

  • 2006
  • 1 Season

Wild About the West is a fascinating and exhilarating documentary series from HISTORY Vault that explores the American West during the late 19th century. The show provides a comprehensive and enthralling look at the people, events, and locations that shaped the Western United States during this tumultuous and exciting time period.

The series follows a range of characters, from homesteaders and cowboys to outlaws and lawmen, as they navigate the harsh conditions of the wilderness and the rapidly changing social and political landscape of the West. Through a combination of historical accounts, expert analysis, and stunning reenactments, Wild About the West presents a vivid and engaging portrait of life in this unique and pivotal era.

The episodes cover a wide range of topics, exploring everything from the iconic showdown at the O.K. Corral to the fascinating lives of notorious outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. Along the way, Wild About the West delves into the complex relationships between Native American nations and European settlers, the emergence of major cities in the West, and the fascinating innovations and technologies that transformed the region.

One of the most compelling aspects of Wild About the West is its focus on the people who lived and worked in the West during this time period. The series introduces viewers to a diverse array of individuals, from hardworking pioneers and farmers to legendary figures like Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill. By examining the lives of these individuals, the show provides a nuanced and detailed perspective on the social and cultural complexities of the American West.

Another key aspect of the series is its emphasis on the natural environment of the West. As viewers watch the characters navigate harsh terrain and wild weather, they gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible challenges these individuals faced on a daily basis. From treacherous snowstorms to dangerous animals, the West presented a range of obstacles that required immense skill, courage, and perseverance to overcome.

Throughout the series, Wild About the West also highlights the role that technology and innovation played in shaping the region during this time period. Viewers learn about the development of the telegraph, the emergence of railroads, and the subsequent growth of cities like Denver and San Francisco. These advances not only transformed the physical landscape of the West, but also played a crucial role in shaping the social and economic dynamics of the region.

Overall, Wild About the West is a captivating and immersive series that provides a rich and engaging look at one of the most fascinating eras in American history. With its compelling characters, stunning scenery, and expert analysis, the show offers a unique window into the challenges and opportunities that defined life in the West during the late 19th century. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about this pivotal time in American history, Wild About the West is a must-see series that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Wild About the West is a series that ran for 1 seasons (17 episodes) between December 29, 2006 and on HISTORY Vault

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Seasons
Texas
17. Texas
August 23, 2014
There's no state in America like Texas. Its history is an epic adventure full of macabre spectator events, exotic animals, pirates, natural disasters and an almost inconceivable political secret weapon.
Alamo
16. Alamo
October 10, 2009
Bill Chemerka, founder of the Alamo Historical Society, helps re-create an aerial view of the Texans' infamous last stand that was impossible to see in 1836.
Bounty Hunters
15. Bounty Hunters
October 11, 2005
From Charlie Siringo to Frank Hamer, meet some of the greatest trackers the West ever saw: men hunting human prey with incredible rewards on the line.
Native American Tech
14. Native American Tech
May 11, 2004
Explore the might and power of Native American tribes of the early West, from their sophisticated weaponry and battle strategies to the various medicinal and surgical procedures they used to heal their wounded warriors.
The OK Corral
13. The OK Corral
March 12, 2012
How much of what we know about the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral is actually true? Historian David Eisenbach heads straight to the scene of the crime to unearth the facts.
Gold Rush Tech
12. Gold Rush Tech
June 8, 2004
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 changed the American West -- and the world. Keith Carradine hosts this look at inventions that took mining from a one-man operation to a multi-billion dollar industry.
The Mexican-American War: Battle Of Palo Alto
11. The Mexican-American War: Battle Of Palo Alto
December 10, 2004
On May 8, 1846, Mexico and the U.S. met in battle at Palo Alto, deep in Southern Texas, but the events of the battle remain unclear. Archaeologists, forensic scientists, and historians join forces to find out what really happened.
The Real Lonesome Dove
10. The Real Lonesome Dove
November 29, 2009
The epic adventure of Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving defines the spirit of the American cowboy and the brutal reality of the West in the wake of the Civil War.
The Real McCoy
9. The Real McCoy
November 22, 2009
As a mysterious disease threatens to derail the dreams of Texas cattlemen, one man vows to find a cure -- and get fabulously rich at the same time. In a bold gamble, Joe McCoy builds a city in the middle of nowhere.
The Real Wyatt Earp
8. The Real Wyatt Earp
November 22, 2009
The fabled Wyatt Earp, credited with spreading law and order in the Wild West, was in reality a complex character who straddled both sides of the law.
Frontier Hitman
7. Frontier Hitman
December 5, 2009
The notorious Tom Horn, hanged for a murder of a 14-year-old boy in 1903, is a pivotal figure in the taming of the Old West. Was he a cold-hearted assassin or a framed innocent man?
Deadwood Tech
6. Deadwood Tech
November 30, 2004
Commerce and corruption collided in Deadwood, South Dakota. Some of the technological advancements to come out of this gold rush town include stagecoaches, smelter mills, electric marquees, and mortuary science.
The Real Billy the Kid
5. The Real Billy the Kid
December 5, 2009
Who was Billy the Kid? A cold-blooded killer who murdered 21 men, or an orphaned teenager driven to revenge the death of the only man who offered him a place to belong?
Battle Of Little Big Horn
4. Battle Of Little Big Horn
October 22, 2004
Angered by the Gold Rush and railroad construction, the Sioux tribes rebel. General George Custer charges a major Sioux village, but Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull lead their people in a fierce resistance.
Native American Wars: The Apache
3. Native American Wars: The Apache
November 19, 2004
The North American Apache tribes were remarkably successful, beating opponents who were wealthier and better armed. Uncover clues that may explain how they were eventually overpowered.
Wild West
2. Wild West
August 2, 2005
Western shootouts were messy, drunken, and deadly affairs and were typically up-close and personal. Learn about some of the most memorable shootouts of all time, like the Jesse James' Northfield Raid and the Ingalls raid.
The Plot To Kill Jesse James
1. The Plot To Kill Jesse James
December 29, 2006
The story of the infamous outlaw, his gang, his 1882 murder, and the mystery surrounding it.
Description
Where to Watch Wild About the West
Wild About the West is available for streaming on the HISTORY Vault website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Wild About the West on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    December 29, 2006