American West Courses and Certifications

The Aspen Institute

The Story of Land, Water, and Wildlife in the American West

Explore the complex history of the American West, examining water issues, wildlife conservation, and the roles of cowboys and women in shaping the frontier.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Wondrium

Western Violence, Law, and Order - The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

Explore the evolution of justice in the American West, from vigilante groups to corporate conflicts, examining the impact of violence on society and the eventual triumph of due process.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

Kit Carson and the 19th Century American West - A Legendary Journey of Exploration

Explore the complex life of Kit Carson, a legendary figure of the American West, and his impact on 19th-century frontier history and cultural clashes.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

Kit Carson and the 19th Century American West - A Legendary Journey of Exploration

Explore Kit Carson's complex legacy and the 19th century American West, examining historical perspectives and the challenges of interpreting controversial figures.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 5 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

176 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Discover what the Wild West was really like as acclaimed Professor Patrick N. Allitt reveals the truth behind our cherished stories.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 12 hours 12 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Trial Available

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Ice Age Horses of the American West

Explore the fascinating history of ice age horses in North America, their ecological significance, and recent paleontological discoveries in Nevada and Wyoming.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Tasting History with Max Miller

What Did Cowboys Eat on the Open Range?

Discover the authentic frontier diet of American cowboys through historical recipes and culinary traditions that sustained cattle drives across the vast open range.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

IT'S HISTORY

The Rise and Fall of Saint Elmo, Colorado - Abandoned Mining Town

Explore the boom and bust of Saint Elmo, a Colorado mining town that flourished in the 1880s before becoming a haunting ghost town, preserved as a testament to frontier life.

• YouTube
• 17 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

IT'S HISTORY

The Rise and Fall of Rhyolite, Nevada - A Ghost Town's Story

Explore the rapid rise and dramatic fall of Rhyolite, a Nevada gold rush boomtown that flourished briefly before becoming a ghost town, illustrating the volatile nature of mining settlements.

• YouTube
• 13 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

IT'S HISTORY

Nebraska's Landlocked Lighthouse - The Story of Lake Minatare and Agricultural Irrigation

Uncover the surprising story of Nebraska's Lake Minatare Lighthouse and how vital irrigation reservoirs shaped the state's agricultural legacy and economic development.

• YouTube
• 13 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

Values in Conflict - The Code of the West

Explore ethical dilemmas and moral challenges through the lens of Western American history, examining how conflicting values shape our decisions and society.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

From Territories to States: The Civil War and the End of the Frontier

Explore the Civil War's impact on Western expansion, federal power, slavery, and race relations in America, examining key historical events and their lasting consequences.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Celebrating Diverse Voices in Montanan Heritage

Uncover forgotten Montana histories: African American soldiers and Chinese immigrants who shaped the state. Challenge old narratives and redefine Montanan identity by embracing diverse voices in heritage.

• YouTube
• 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video