Apache Spirit Dancers
Who remembers those cartoons of the old west, where you see Indians dancing in circles, then the rain comes down? The dance actually is real! This photo is of the Apache Spirit Dancers; this group consists of several Native American tribes that originated in the Southwestern United States. These tribes had to adapt to their own territories and live off the land. They had a hard time collecting food sources as well because of the harsh climate.
The dancers have believed to hold the ability to summon the spirits from the underground realm, which they have led to believe would also protect the Apache people.
Bath House Hot Springs, South Dakota
This photo is of the Bath House Hot Springs, South Dakota. Of course, where there are hot springs, there is healing. It is known to have medicinal properties and was a popular place to go to among Native American Tribes. Are you feeling any pain in your body? Go down to the spring and take a dip!
Hot Springs, South Dakota is an incredibly popular site that draws people from all over the US even to this very day. There are also multiple resorts and Facilities built around the springs providing the local population with a booming tourist industry.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
From Timothy O’Sullivan’s collection of gorgeous photos, this landscape is of Shoshone Falls, Idaho, which is located in the Snake River.
These falls are so giant that it is referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the West” and shortly became a great tourist attraction up to this day.
The Anti-Saloon League
Back in the Wild West, respectable women were not given equal rights to a drink at the saloon. Meaning that they always had a hard time getting their share of beer or hard liquor. Unless they were saloon girls, harlots, or dancers, women were barred from even entering almost all saloons up until World War I.
There were some, however, that allowed women - but mostly through the back door. A few years later, it was those women who were denied a drink that helped find the Anti-saloon League, which was the most powerful prohibition lobby in America.
The Gypsies
Like many other things in the old west, Fortune telling was a favorite pastime. When you think of a fortune teller, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Of course, Gypsies or Romani People.
Common fortune-telling methods are through tarot card reading, palm reading, and crystallomancy, in which crystal spheres are used to predict your future. Most of these methods are still used today.