Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
There are quite a few cute wooden storefronts on Mane Street, so if you're into all things Wild West, Pioneertown is definitely worth a visit.
Okay, Pioneertown does not go back to the Old West originally, but it should be mentioned. It was established in 1946 as a movie set, though people did live there (and some still do).
The town's violent past is still visible in the 140 bullet holes in the walls of the Bird Cage Theater, for instance. There are numerous attractions today, including reenactments of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Today, visitors can walk down the streets of Bodie State Historic Park and marvel at the preserved buildings that were left untouched, including their interiors. It really is like traveling back in time.
Cody is now home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which consists of five museums. And if you happen to visit, you can actually stay at Irma Hotel, which was built by Buffalo Bill himself in 1902.
Cody was established in 1896. The town is named after its co-founder, the legendary William Frederick Cody (aka Buffalo Bill).
Tombstone is infamous for a gunfight that took place in 1881. The gunfight location was the O.K. Corral, where the lawmen Earp brothers and Doc Holliday fought against the Clanton-McLaury outlaw gang. The gunfight lasted 30 seconds.
Bodie was a prosperous gold-mining town founded in 1876. So much so that it used to have over 60 saloons! Sadly, it became a ghost town in 1915.
The city "where the West begins" is home to a former livestock market founded in 1866. Today, it's home to the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive.
In addition to the rodeos, you can also celebrate Texan heritage and cowboy culture at the Frontier Times Museum.
The Cowboy Capital of the World was founded in the late 19th century. It was on the Great Western Cattle Trail.
Fort Worth Stockyards is all about delving into cowboy history. And if you need further entertainment, don't hesitate to visit the iconic honky tonk Billy Bob's Texas.
If you're crossing Texas through the iconic Route 66, you must stop in Amarillo. Founded in 1887, Amarillo is known as the Queen City of the Crossroads.
Many buildings have been preserved, and the town is a joy to visit. There are also plenty of events going on, namely the '49er Days festival in May, which celebrates the town's Western heritage.
Like much of the Lone Star State, the city is all about cowboys and cattle. And if you're a meat lover, you can have one of the best steaks of your life at The Big Texan.
The Queen of the Cowtowns or the Wickedest Little City in America, as it was once known, is definitely worth a visit.
This quaint small town was founded after gold was discovered in the Slate Creek District in 1868.
Founded in 1872, Dodge City was one of the wildest towns in the Old West. Sheriffs Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday tried to keep order, but gunfights were still pretty common in Dodge City.
Today, you'll find many historic sites across Main Street, as well as a number of museums, including the Adams Museum, where artifacts belonging to Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and others are on display.
You will find several 1870s buildings down C Street, but also make sure you explore the amazing mining history of Virginia City. The local Virginia & Truckee Railroad puts on such tours.
The Black Hills Gold Rush settlement dates back to 1876. The town had a reputation for being lawless. The murder of folk hero Wild Bill Hickok in a saloon contributed to this.
Medora was founded in 1883. President Theodore Roosevelt famously used to hunt bison in the wilderness around it.
The town is home to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The country Western variety show 'Medora Musical' is also a famous local attraction.
Florence is also home to the oldest junior rodeo in the US, the Florence Junior Parada. Today, Florence is a National Historic District with many interesting buildings to you can visit.
Virginia City has a strong mining history, most famously the Comstock Lode silver ore that was discovered in 1859.
Florence can be found between Phoenix and Tucson and dates back to 1866. But it began attracting more people in 1875, when silver was discovered in the area.
Oatman is most famous for its wild burros (Spanish for donkeys), which were once used by miners. Pictured is a mining town cabin dating back to 1910.
Found in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Oatman is a famous stop for those driving through Route 66.
Founded in the 1880s, together with Virginia City, Nevada City was also a center of commerce during one of the "Richest Gold Strikes in the Rocky Mountain West."
The entirety of Nevada City is a historical museum. It really feels like you have traveled back in time. Interestingly, the Nevada City Music Hall is home to the largest collection of automated music machines in the country.
Most of us get a feel of what the Old West was like through fiction, including Western movies. But what if you could actually visit the real places where it all happened in the late 19th century? Well, you can do exactly that!
There are many towns (some now cities) scattered around the US that are packed with history and that you can visit. Some of these really feel like you've traveled back in time!
Click through the following gallery and start plaining your Old West vacation today.
American towns that take us back to the Old West
Travel back in time to the Wild West
TRAVEL American frontier
Most of us get a feel of what the Old West was like through fiction, including Western movies. But what if you could actually visit the real places where it all happened in the late 19th century? Well, you can do exactly that!
There are many towns (some now cities) scattered around the US that are packed with history and that you can visit. Some of these really feel like you've traveled back in time!
Click through the following gallery and start plaining your Old West vacation today.