As I was exploring the new mechanics in Civilization VII recently, particularly how Firaxis has reimagined historical progression, it struck me how much our perception of iconic figures evolves across different media. The way civilizations now transition between eras with more dynamic, sometimes contentious systems made me reflect on how we memorialize historical personalities. Today I want to share my personal take on the five most iconic cowboys in American history - those figures who've shaped our national mythology much like how Civilization games shape our understanding of historical narratives.
When most people think of cowboys, they imagine the romanticized versions from Hollywood westerns, but having studied this era extensively, I've found the reality is far more fascinating. My number five spot goes to Charles "Charley" Reynolds, a scout whose real-life adventures would put any video game character to shame. What makes Reynolds particularly compelling to me is how he bridges the gap between myth and reality - he served with General Custer but also maintained the rugged individualism we associate with cowboy culture. He participated in the Black Hills Expedition of 1874, which directly led to the gold rush that populated the Dakota territories. In many ways, Reynolds represents the transition from frontier exploration to settlement, much like how Civilization VII handles era transitions with more organic systems rather than abrupt changes.
At number four, I have to go with Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick. Now here's a character whose life reads like something straight out of an adventure game - born into slavery in 1854, he won his freedom and became one of the most famous cowboy figures of the Wild West. What I find most remarkable about Love is how he documented his own story through his autobiography, giving us firsthand accounts of cattle drives and shootouts. He claimed to have won the name "Deadwood Dick" after winning a roping and shooting contest in Deadwood, South Dakota in 1876. While historians debate some of his more colorful claims, there's no denying his impact on popular culture. His story demonstrates how individuals could shape their own narratives on the frontier, not unlike how Civilization VII gives players more agency in directing their civilization's story.
For my third pick, I'm going with Butch Cassidy - and yes, I know some purists might argue he was more outlaw than cowboy, but having visited many of the locations associated with his life, I've come to appreciate how he embodies the rebellious spirit of the West. Born Robert Leroy Parker in 1866, Cassidy led the Wild Bunch gang and became famous for his train and bank robberies. What fascinates me about Cassidy is how he maintained a certain code of ethics despite his criminal activities - he rarely resorted to violence and was known for his charm and generosity. The mystery surrounding his eventual fate (whether he died in Bolivia or returned to the United States) only adds to his legend. His story reminds me of how Civilization VII introduces more unpredictable elements into historical progression - sometimes you can't control how things will turn out.
Number two on my list is Bill Pickett, a figure I believe doesn't get nearly enough recognition in mainstream discussions of cowboy history. Born in 1870 to former slaves, Pickett invented the technique of bulldogging (now known as steer wrestling) and performed in rodeos worldwide. I've always been drawn to Pickett's story because he overcame racial barriers to become one of the most celebrated performers of his era. His inclusion here reflects my belief that we need to broaden our understanding of who shaped the American West. He performed for royalty in England and became the first African American inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1971. Pickett's innovations in rodeo parallel how Civilization VII introduces new mechanics that change how we interact with familiar systems.
My top choice for the most iconic cowboy might surprise some readers, but after considerable thought, I keep returning to Theodore Roosevelt. Now I can already hear the objections - "He was a president, not a cowboy!" - but having spent time at his North Dakota ranch site, I'm convinced his cowboy years fundamentally shaped his presidency and thus American history. Roosevelt spent about three years as a cattle rancher in the Dakota Badlands during the 1880s, and this experience directly informed his conservation policies and rugged individualism. What makes Roosevelt so compelling to me is how he synthesized the cowboy ethos with progressive governance - he preserved approximately 230 million acres of public land while maintaining that frontier spirit. His story exemplifies how individual experiences can scale up to shape national policy, not unlike how player decisions in Civilization VII can lead to dramatically different historical outcomes.
Reflecting on these five figures, what stands out to me is how each represents a different facet of the cowboy mythology while remaining grounded in historical reality. Much like how Civilization VII's new era progression system creates more dynamic campaigns, the stories of these cowboys show how individual lives can redirect the flow of history in unexpected ways. The tension between player control and unpredictable outcomes that Firaxis has built into their latest game mirrors the actual historical experiences of these figures - they shaped their destinies within systems they couldn't entirely control. As we continue to reinterpret and reimagine history through games like Civilization VII, I believe we develop richer understandings of these iconic figures, recognizing both their historical significance and their mythological power. The cowboys we remember aren't just historical artifacts - they're evolving characters in our ongoing national narrative, much like how each Civilization playthrough creates new possibilities for understanding human development.