Welcome to the first wing to open in our museum, Legends of the West! This exhibit promises to take visitors on a journey through America's rich cultural heritage, exploring the history, folklore, and legends of the western frontier. Featuring interactive displays, immersive exhibits, and captivating artifacts, "Legends of the West" offers a unique glimpse into the lives and stories of the people who shaped this iconic period of American history. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of folklore, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, the new wing of the Museum of History & Magic is not to be missed.
Come on in, pardner
Wild, Wild, Wild West
Gun Fight or Flight
Let’s start with our two state-of-the-art animatronic mannequins facing off in a heart-pounding, nail-biting gunfight. Experience the excitement and danger of the iconic showdown, as mannequins move and interact in a recreation of a classic western dual. Watch out! To achieve as much authenticity as possible, our dummies are firing real .45 rounds at one another.
Witness the precision engineering and advanced enchantments that bring these characters to life, and pay close attention to the subtle costume differences to differentiate the two vaqueros. This exhibit is a thrilling blend of history, art, magic, and technology, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience for all visitors that are able to dodge the stray ricochets!
Notable Firearms
Gunslinging is only made possible through one thing: guns. Take a close look at some of the most famous firearms in American history.
Get up close and personal with Annie Oakley’s .22 Marlin rifle, the very gun that she used in her renowned shooting exhibitions. See Doc Holiday’s Colt Peacemaker, the iconic six-shooter that he carried throughout his legendary career as a gambler, gunslinger and dentist (at this time, the staff of the Museum of History & Magic would like to beg you to go watch Tombstone). Marvel at Wyatt Earp’s Bluntline pistol, the formidable firearm that he used to uphold law and order in the Wild West. Admire the long rifle used by Hugh Glass, the legendary frontiersman who inspired the movie “The Revenant”. And examine the Colt Navy revolver used by Ulysses S. Grant, the Union General who went on to become the 18th President of the United States.
Historic Fit Check
This exhibit showcases genuine clothing that was once worn by some of the most iconic figures in American history. From Davy Crockett’s coonskin cap to Wild Bill Hickok’s quickdraw holster, each piece tells a unique story and transports you to a different time and place.
Get a glimpse into the life of Johnny Appleseed with his iconic tin pot hat and the bag of seeds he used to plant apple nurseries across the territories. See Teddy Roosevelt’s signature Rough Rider uniform and learn about his life as a hunter, conservationists, and 26th president of the United States. But especially pay close attention to Quanah Parker’s intricately crafted chieftain headdress paired with his bespoke suit. Being the last Comanche Chief, Quanah commanded the respect of his tribe and the negotiating government.
Don’t miss the chance to see these authentic pieces up close and personal, and experience the stories they tell.
Always take the opportunity to see more on Sketchfab!
Americana Mythos
Babe the Ox is one of the most famous and beloved animals in American history, known for his incredible strength, unwavering determination, and bright blue hide. This exhibit provides a unique chance to see the actual bones of this incredible creature up close and personal. Serving as the loyal companion to the legendary Paul Bunyan, Babe’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and animals and the important role that animals play in our lives. Notice the dummy included for size comparison!
Paul Bunyan
Feet.
For centuries, people have been fascinated by the idea of undiscovered creatures and the possibility of their existence. Now, you can get a firsthand look at evidence that may just prove their existence. The exhibit showcases an authentic cast of a Sasquatch footprint, taken from a remote area deep in the wilderness. With its immense size and unique features, this cast provides an incredible glimpse into the anatomy of this elusive creature. Additionally, you'll see a giant primate legbone that was caught in a trap. The bone is of an unknown species, and its size and shape suggest that it could belong to a creature much larger than any known primate. Could it indeed be the partial remains of an elusive bigfoot?
Paul Bunyan, as you may already know, was a larger-than-life figure in American folklore, known for his incredible feats of strength and skill. But perhaps his most famous tool was his trusty axe, which he used to fell entire forests and carve out the landscape. This exhibit showcases the gargantuan axe suspended in mid-air thanks to cutting edge advancements in enchanted tree stumps!
The incredible feat of engineering and magic allows you to examine every detail of the axe, from its massive size to its razor-sharp blade, without harming yourself or – more importantly – our priceless artifacts.
Something wicked this way comes
At the center of this exhibit is an authentic Wendigo skeleton, preserved for centuries and now on display for the first time. The skeleton provides a rare glimpse into the anatomy of this mythical creature, known for its unnaturally thin and elongated limbs, razor-sharp claws, and contorted elk-like skull. To the right you’ll notice an excavated piece of a cavern wall on display. These cave paintings (and paintings like it) can be found all across North America. Take in this marvel and appreciate the hardship that our cryptozoologist, Dr. Monster, endured to procure such items for us.
The Wendigo is more than just a monster from legend. It is said to be a supernatural being that preys on humans, possessing them with a ravenous hunger for flesh! How fun is that?
The legend of the Wendigo originates from the mythology of several Native American tribes, including the Algonquin, Cree, and Ojibwe. The Wendigo is said to be a malevolent supernatural being that embodies the spirit of winter and starvation, preying on humans in times of famine and desperation. According to legend, those who consume human flesh are at risk of being possessed by the Wendigo, becoming consumed with a ravenous hunger for flesh and transforming into the creature themselves. The story of the Wendigo has been passed down through generations and has been the subject of countless myths, stories, and legends. Today, the legend of the Wendigo continues to captivate and terrify people, with its influence seen in popular culture, literature, and art.
O.G. Wagon
Well we certainly can’t leave you on a flesh-eating-monster-spirit note! So on a lighter topic, we’ve brought you this covered wagon to explore! Covered wagons were the preferred way for settlers to traverse the prairies. With their jumbo wheels, the wagons were able to travel through the high grasses of the plains, ford rivers, and trail blaze the treacherous Americana landscape. The only thing these wagons couldn’t do is save you and your loved ones from dying of dysentery. The simple and rugged design made it easy on the travelers to make repairs on the go, as these rose to popularity pre-Jiffy Lube. Take a closer look. Children are encouraged to climb on the wagon and play with the muskets inside.
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