Compare the myth of the "Wild West" with its reality. What elements of truth would these stories have contained, and what was fabricated or left out? What was life actually like for cowboys, ranchers, and the few women present in mining towns or along the cattle range?

The myth of the "Wild West" is an idea that remains in the minds of many Americans and has contributed to the folklore of the country.

Although the myth contains some true aspects about life in the West, it is also exaggerated.

To some extent, it is true that the West was "wild" and uncivilized. Populations were small, which meant that infrastructure was limited. This forced people to be very resourceful and self-reliant, and created an atmosphere of less sophistication than that in the East. Moreover, the isolation of these communities led to people becoming less accountable and police being less effective or present, which could result in higher rates of crime. Finally, conflict with Native Americans was more common here than in other areas of the country.

However, these stories are sometimes exaggerated as well. Many families that lived in the West led normal, calm lives. As women and children became more common, the communities began to resemble those of other regions of the US. Crime was rampant in some areas, but unheard of in others. Many communities cooperated peacefully with Native Americans. Therefore, the myths are not entirely accurate when it comes to a correct depiction of the "Wild West."