This Week in the West

This Week in the West: Charles Goodnight

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🤠This Week in the West

🎙️ Episode 18: Charles Goodnight

📢 Episode Summary:

This episode of “This Week in the West” explores the life and legacy of Charles Goodnight, a legendary cattleman and trailblazer born on March 5, 1836. From his early years in Texas to his role in the Texas Rangers and the Goodnight-Loving Trail, Goodnight made a lasting impact on the American West. He was instrumental in the development of cattle drives, the invention of the Chuck Wagon, and the establishment of vast ranching operations. His story intertwines with major historical events, including Cynthia Ann Parker's recapture and cattle trade expansion into New Mexico and Colorado.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

  • The Goodnight-Loving Trail & Cattle Drives – How Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving created a historic cattle route to supply reservations and military forts.
  • Goodnight’s Innovations – The invention of the Chuck Wagon, a key tool for cattle drives, and his role in crossbreeding bison with cattle.
  • His Role in Western History – His time as a Texas Ranger, involvement in the recapture of Cynthia Ann Parker, and contributions to ranching in the American West.

    • 👥 Behind the Scenes

    Host: Seth Spillman
    Producer: Chase Spivey
    Writer: Mike Koehler

    🔗 Further research:

    • Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site: https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/goodnight-ranch
    • “Goodnight: Panhandle Trailblazer” Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/video/kacv-presents-goodnight-panhandle-trailblazer/
    • “The Goodnight-Loving Trail”, 1960 educational film: https://texasarchive.org/2009_00963

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      This Week in the WestBy The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum