cowboy legends
Frontier hero tales
Cowboy legends are the stories, myths, and larger-than-life figures associated with the American Old West.
Some were real people whose exploits became embellished—Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill.
Others are purely fictional or composite creations.
The phrase captures both the historical figures and the romanticized mythology of frontier life: He grew up on cowboy legends and Western films.
- Wyatt EarpOld West lawman
- Buffalo BillScout turned showman
- Spaghetti WesternsItalian-made cowboy films
- tall taleWildly exaggerated story
- Billy the KidLegendary juvenile gunfighter
Annie Oakley · Pecos Bill · Jesse James · outlaw gang · Kit Carson · Doc Holliday · high noon · quick draw · six shooter · frontier justice · Calamity Jane · Wild Bill Hickok · Wild West · Butch Cassidy · Sundance Kid · cattle drive · Lone Ranger · Davy Crockett
- American folklorePaul Bunyan, tall tales, folk heroes, John Henry, folk narratives
- Western folklorePecos Bill, tall tales, jackalope, ghost towns, outlaws
- equestrian books
- rodeo peoplebull riders, bronc busters, barrel racers, cowgirls, rodeo clowns