The American West of the late-19th century has become a type of American mythology. Like many myths and legends, the tales of the American West are based partly on the facts of life on a nearly lawless and often hostile frontier. It is also a story that has been greatly enhanced over time by novels, movies and television. The gunfighter, in particular, was the central character in the Western saga, and often, there was a fine line separating those who upheld the law from those who broke it. Women also played significant roles in Western “mythology,” adding flair and mystique to the legends of the frontier. In this class, you will meet these familiar and colorful men and women once again as we discuss their exploits, both real and imagined, and their contributions to the story of the West.