Cattle Rustling and Rustler's Wars

June 2026
1min read

Cowhands careless with branding irons invited a fatal attack of lead poisoning or the nether end of a rope.

Text to come

Help us keep telling the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has relied on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate

Related stories

Two Years That Made the West

by Elliott West
In a momentous couple of years, the young United States added more than a million square miles of territory, including Texas and California. 

Juneteenth!

by Bruce Watson
As General Granger read the announcement in the summer of 1865 that slavery had ended, the celebration began. The date would go down in history — June 19th, soon shortened to Juneteenth.

Struggle for the Alamo

by Jim Donovan
The untrained soldiers who fought at the Alamo believed freedom and the struggle for a better life were worth dying for.

Polk's Peace

by Michael De Sapio
President James K. Polk expanded U.S. territory by a third by war-making and shrewd negotiating.

Hall of State

by Virginia Leddy Gambrell
A magnificent historical center portrays the heroic tale of the Lone Star State.

Texas Cattle

by T.C. Richardson
Their trails pioneered new frontiers and colored the social, political and economic pattern of a nation.

Spirit of Texas

by Harry Ransom
Its peculiarly local exuberance is nourished by rare traditions and an untamed individualism.

The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson

by Jules Tygiel
He was a lieutenant in the Army of the United States: he saw no reason to sit in the back of the bus

Texas' Pacific War Museum

by The Editors

“I Reckon You’re One of Them New York Doves”

by Aaron Asher
What happened when an anti-Vietnam War activist met his new client - Lyndon Johnson

About American Heritage

For 75 years, American Heritage has been the leading magazine of U.S. history, politics, and culture. Read more about the magazine >>

The magazine was forced to suspend print publication in 2013, but a group of volunteers saved the archives and relaunched the magazine in digital form in 2017. Free subscription >>  

American Heritage is published by the National Historical Society,  a non-partisan 501(c)3 membership society. Please consider a donation to help us keep this American treasure alive. Support with a donation >>

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

© Copyright 1949-2025 American Heritage Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. To license content, please contact licenses [at] americanheritage.com.

AMERICAN HERITAGE
Trusted Writing on History, Travel, and American Culture Since 1949
 
X