Dr. Steven L. Danver, Core Faculty in Social Sciences in the Center for Undergraduate Studies at Walden University

Information and links on Native American history, the history of the American West, and course syllabi

American Indian History: Taos Pueblo Church

One of nineteen remaining Pueblos in the state of New Mexico, Taos remains today as a reminder of what life must have been like before Europeans arrived in North America and how a people's history is with them still. Today, the Pueblo buildings cater to the lifeblood of the Pueblo's survival: tourists. The church, still functioning today, was built by the Spaniards in order to convert the natives to Christianity. More information about Taos, the other Pueblos, and their history can be found at the All Indian Pueblo Council's website, http://www.indianpueblo.org.

American Western History: Diversity in the West

Approximately 35,000 men worked as cowboys between 1864 to 1884. Of the 35,000 men approximately 25% were black, 12% Mexican and 63% White. The cowboy worked in close cooperation with others during the drive and under the supervision of the trail boss. He was hired by the owner and was under contract for the drive north. Most cowboys joined labor unions to protect their interest. The Knights of Labor was the largest such union. Cattle owners also joined together to form their own organizations called cattleman’s associations. In fact, the last great cattle drive almost didn’t happen due to a labor strike by the cowboys. The fact of life in the West was not independence and self-reliance, but cooperation for survival in a marginal land.