The Oxford History of the American West

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When envisioning the American West, we often think of iconic images like bearded forty-niners, the Oklahoma land rush, and the legendary cowboy. However, these depictions represent only a fraction of the West's rich history. The narrative begins with the Navajos' arrival over seven hundred years ago, continues through the Spanish settlements in New Mexico in the late sixteenth century, and includes the Mormon migration to the Great Salt Lake, culminating in the modern tourist attractions of Las Vegas. The West embodies a diverse tapestry of voices and cultures, reflecting the broader American experience. Lavishly illustrated and grounded in rigorous scholarship, this comprehensive study presents the multifaceted nature of the region, showcasing contributions from twenty-eight leading historians. They offer nuanced portrayals of the West as a unique landscape populated by various peoples—native and non-native, European, Asian, African, and Latino—and diverse terrains, from the Pacific Northwest to the Dakota Badlands. The exploration includes the economic booms from gold and oil, the West's role in the national and global economy, and the environmental challenges arising from human activities. Additionally, it delves into the social dynamics that fueled violence and the significant political movements that shaped the region.