Before the Churches Came to Montana Mining Towns

 

Life in the early Wild West was anything but orderly, and religion didn’t play much of a role—at least not at first. In gold rush towns like present-day Montana's Bannack and Virginia City during the 1860s, daily life revolved around mining, money, and staying alive. Churches were nowhere to be found, and faith, if it existed at all, was something people kept to themselves.

Gold, Lawlessness, and Survival

Bannack sprang to life in 1862 with the discovery of gold along Grasshopper Creek. It was the first territorial capital of Montana and one of the most dangerous towns west of the Mississippi. Virginia City followed in 1863, growing rapidly after a major gold strike in Alder Gulch.

Log house in Bannack, Montana

In those early years, these weren’t towns so much as improvised camps full of makeshift cabins, gambling halls, brothels, saloons, and gunfights. Law enforcement was either corrupt or nonexistent, and vigilante justice quickly became the only reliable form of order. Some historians tell an opposite story, but the whole truth lies buried in boot hill. Either way, the situation was not good.

Faith—at least organized or public religious practice—was conspicuously absent. Historian K. Ross Toole described Bannack during its boom as “a place where whiskey was more common than bread, and where a man might be killed for his boots.” Churches were not only missing—they were largely unwanted by the rowdy, transient population.

What the Historical Record Tells Us

A rare first-hand account comes from Emily R. Meredith, one of the few women in Bannack in 1863. In a letter to her father dated April 30, she described a town overrun by lawlessness and “immorality,” with no mention of churches or spiritual gatherings. Her focus was on the absence of decency, not the presence of faith.

“There are many men here, but little order or kindness… The Sabbath is not observed, and the saloons are always full. I have not seen a Bible since my arrival.”

Saloon in Bannack, Montana

This silence about religion speaks volumes. In places like Bannack and Virginia City, religious life didn't take root until several years after the initial gold rush, when families began to settle and look toward permanence.

When Faith Arrived—And How

It wasn’t until 1866 that the first church service was held in Virginia City—three years after its founding. The Methodist Episcopal Church is often cited as the first formal religious institution in the area, and it began under the leadership of Reverend George Comfort. Prior to that, there were a few small prayer meetings or informal gatherings, often led by women or laypeople in their homes. But they were the exception, not the norm.

It’s also important to note that, even when churches were established, their presence didn’t immediately transform these towns into moral beacons. Saloons still outnumbered sanctuaries, and church attendance was sporadic, especially among single miners and drifters.

Hangman's Building in Virginia City, Montana

What began to change things was the gradual arrival of families and settlers planning to stay, rather than chase the next gold strike. Women played a pivotal role in shaping moral and spiritual life in these communities. They organized Sunday schools, started temperance movements, and lobbied for schools and churches.

Why This Matters for Historical Fiction

For readers—and especially writers—of Christian western historical fiction, this reality offers a more nuanced and compelling setting than the myth of a devout frontier. The early Montana camps weren’t filled with outward expressions of faith. Instead, if belief existed, it was often quiet, personal, and hidden under the daily demands of survival.

Characters shaped by this environment would wrestle with moral ambiguity, witness brutality, and find themselves far from the support systems of traditional religious life. Faith, if it emerged at all, would be hard-won—tested in isolation, forged through suffering, and practiced without the comfort of a church community.

That’s the kind of faith that rings true.  

Bringing History to Life—Responsibly

Many romanticized depictions of the West paint mining camps as places where faith always rode alongside the wagon wheels. The truth is more complicated. Faith didn’t lead the way—it often trailed behind, arriving only after greed had run its course and violence had exhausted itself.

But that doesn’t mean God was absent. It simply means that, in these early years, faith had no steeple. It flickered quietly in rare personal moments, waiting for a foothold in a land that had little room for it.

---

Sources & Further Reading:

• Montana Historical Society Archives: Letters from Emily R. Meredith (1863)
• Montana: An Uncommon Land by K. Ross Toole
• A Decent, Orderly Lynching by Frederick Allen
• Montana Women’s History Project: Manuscript collections and diaries from early female settlers

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Learn more about Janalyn Voigt.

Discover Montana Gold
Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. Learn More

Heroes of the Wild West: Ranchers

When we think of the heroes who tamed the American frontier, our minds may leap to lawmen, cowboys, or pioneers in covered wagons. Yet one group quietly shaped the West in profound and lasting ways: the ranchers. They were not only stewards of cattle and land but also guardians of a way of life that required faith, determination, and resilience. Nowhere is this more evident than in Montana’s Deer Lodge Valley, where lush grasslands, open skies, and enterprising hearts gave rise to one of the most iconic ranches of the West—the Kohrs Ranch.

A Divine Opportunity

As settlers pushed westward during the 1800s, wagon trains heading toward Oregon and California often left behind cattle that were sick, lame, or simply too exhausted to continue. Left to the mercy of the wilderness, these abandoned cattle thrived on Montana's rich grasses. Ranchers rounded them up, nursed them back to health, and integrated them into their growing herds. This practice not only salvaged valuable livestock but also reflected a culture of stewardship rooted in frontier practicality and Christian compassion.

One of the greatest exemplars of this spirit was Conrad Kohrs, a German immigrant who came to Montana seeking opportunity and built an empire instead. Known as the "Cattle King of Montana," Kohrs began modestly, buying and raising cattle that others had given up on. With hard work, vision, and an eye for opportunity, he turned abandoned animals into thriving herds, building what would become the legendary Kohrs Ranch.

The Open Range and a Growing Industry

The success of ranching in Montana hinged on the concept of the open range. Without fences to constrain them, cattle could roam for miles, feeding on the bounty of the land. For ranchers like Kohrs, this meant lower overhead and larger herds, but it also required trust—trust in neighbors, hired hands, and God.

Ranch life was demanding. Days began before dawn and ended well after sunset. The weather could be merciless, isolation was common, and profits uncertain. Yet, through it all, many ranching families held fast to their faith. The Bible was as essential to life as the branding iron, and Sunday worship, whether in a distant town or around the family hearth, provided spiritual rest and direction.

Markets for beef flourished as railroads connected Montana to the rest of the nation. Towns like Chicago and Kansas City became key destinations for Montana cattle, and British investors began pouring money into massive herds, hoping to cash in on the boom. But such rapid growth brought its own dangers.

Greed, Overgrazing, and the Storm to Come

By the mid-1880s, overgrazing had become a serious problem. The open range, once an Eden of opportunity, began to show signs of strain. Driven by greed and fueled by speculative foreign capital, especially from British syndicates, ranchers allowed too many cattle to graze the same stretches of land. The balance that had once sustained the cattle industry was tipping dangerously.

Then came the winter of 1886–87.

Known as “The Great Die-Up,” it was one of the harshest winters in Western history. Cattle by the tens of thousands froze or starved, unable to paw through snow to reach grass. Entire herds were lost, and with them, the dreams of many ranchers. Conrad Kohrs himself lost more than half his stock.

This devastating winter spelled the end of the open range era. Fencing, controlled grazing, and winter feeding became necessary to survive. While this change marked the beginning of modern ranching, it also closed a chapter in the romantic but rugged life of frontier cattlemen.

The Whispering Wind

Learn More

This poignant and powerful moment in history provides the setting for my novel, The Whispering Wind, a historical Christian romance that takes place during the summer just before the Great Die-Up.

Phoebe, my heroine, is the daughter—and niece—of ranchers, living on her uncle’s ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley. Skilled with horses and determined to prove her worth in a man’s world, she persuades her uncle to take her on as a ranch hand—no small feat in an era when women were expected to remain in the background.

She finds herself working under Will, the ranch manager, a man of quiet strength who has seen both the promise and perils of the cattle business. As he trains her to work cattle, their bond deepens. But their growing affection is shadowed by the troubling signs of a range pushed to its limits, and the rising tide of ambition and foreign greed threatening to unravel all they hold dear.

Writing The Whispering Wind allowed me to explore the resilience and faith of people living on the edge of change. I was inspired by the courage of women like Phoebe, who defied cultural norms, and men like Will, who bore responsibility with integrity. The novel is steeped in the rich detail of ranch life—branding cattle, riding herd, and wrestling with the moral questions raised by unchecked growth. Yet, at its heart, it is a story of love, faith, and finding strength in God when the world around you begins to shift.

The Legacy Lives On

The ranchers of Montana, like Conrad Kohrs and the countless others who followed, may not wear the same kind of fame as outlaws or gunfighters, but their legacy is every bit as enduring. They helped feed a nation, shaped the land, and left behind values of hard work, humility, and trust in God's provision.

Their stories—and the lessons they teach us—still speak today. Whether you're drawn to the sweeping romance of the open plains or the quiet faith of those who called it home, the ranchers of the Wild West remain true heroes of the American frontier.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, and subscribe for updates at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Heroes of the Wild West: Trail Guides

There’s something timeless about the Wild West. Maybe it’s the echo of hoofbeats on prairie ground or the image of a wagon cresting a ridge at sunset. For Christian readers of western historical romance, these wide-open landscapes offer more than scenic beauty—they provide stories of courage, faith, and the kind of love that thrives in hard places.

Imagine such a story with the hero as a trail guide. You know the type—quiet, rugged, full of knowledge and secrets. He’s the one helping settlers cross rivers, scale mountain passes, and make it to the other side of danger. He might not wear a tin star or ride into town with a posse, but he’s brave in ways that count. He leads others through the wilderness—sometimes even when he’s lost inside himself.

And what’s more romantic and evocative--not to mention literary--than a hero on a journey?

Real-Life Trailblazers

While fictional guides have captured our hearts, the history behind them is just as compelling—and even more inspiring. Let's look at three trail guides who truly walked the path, each with a story worth remembering.

1. Thomas “Broken Hand” Fitzpatrick

Thomas Fitzpatrick (1799-1854) trapper and Indian Agent; public domain image

Known as one of the most respected mountain men and trail guides of the 19th century, Thomas Fitzpatrick earned his nickname after a hunting accident, but his legacy runs far deeper. He led countless wagon trains west, including pioneers on the Oregon Trail, and helped guide military expeditions. Later in life, he served as an Indian agent and peacemaker, respected by both settlers and Native American tribes. Fitzpatrick was known for his integrity, fairness, and moral compass—traits that fit beautifully with the Christian ideal of servant leadership. His dedication to justice and peace makes him an excellent model for a trail guide hero grounded in faith and conviction.

2. Sacajawea’s Son: Jean Baptiste Charbonneau

Sacajawea and Jean-Baptiste sculpture in Washington Park, Portland; public domain image

Born during the Lewis and Clark expedition, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was the son of Sacajawea, a Shoshone woman who was one of the most famous Native American guides in history. Jean Baptiste grew up multilingual and deeply skilled in frontier life. As an adult, he became a scout, guide, and interpreter. What makes his story unique is how he navigated two worlds—Native and European—just like many mixed-heritage trail guides in western fiction. His life reminds us of the deep contributions Native Americans made to westward expansion—and how God works through all people, across all cultures.

3. Medicine Calf (also known as George Bent)

George Bent in wedding attire for the camera in 1867. A survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, Bent continued to translate for peace chiefs and Indian Agents of the Cheyenne; public domain image

Now here’s a story tailor-made for historical romance readers. George Bent, or Medicine Calf, was the son of a prominent Cheyenne woman and a white trader from Bent’s Fort in Colorado. Educated in both white and Cheyenne traditions, he later fought in the Civil War, then returned west to serve as a mediator, scout, and interpreter during a time of immense cultural upheaval. His mixed heritage gave him a unique perspective that helped him guide others—not just across physical terrain, but between two worlds at war. Imagine the kind of quiet strength and identity struggle he must have lived with. A character based on George Bent could easily step off the pages of a novel: scarred, spiritual, and steady in the storm.

These men, and others like them, weren’t just skilled at reading landscapes—they were navigating history, culture, and faith in incredibly complex times. And that’s part of what makes trail guides such captivating heroes in our favorite stories.

Why We Love Them

Trail guides often aren’t the loudest or flashiest characters. They’re the ones who’ve seen too much, said too little, and carry maps in their heads and burdens in their hearts. But in Christian romance, they often become the protectors, the steady hands, and sometimes the prodigals finding their way back to the Father.

They also have a habit of falling in love with strong, stubborn heroines who challenge them—ladies who are just as determined to survive the journey west and make a life out of the wilderness. These relationships aren’t built on ballrooms and pretty words—they’re forged in hardship, patience, and prayer.

And really, what better soil is there for love?

Final Thoughts

Maybe one of the reasons we love trail guides so much is because we’re all on a journey of our own. We might not be dodging rattlesnakes or crossing rivers on horseback, but we are trying to find our way. And just like in the stories, we need guides—mentors, pastors, friends—who’ve walked the path before us and can point us to truth when the trail gets hard to see.

Ultimately, the best trail guide in any story—and in life—is the One who promises to never leave us or forsake us. As Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Whether we’re walking the Oregon Trail or facing a personal wilderness, God goes before us.

So the next time you open a western romance and meet a brooding, Bible-carrying hero with trail dust on his boots and a mysterious past—pause and remember: you’re meeting someone with roots in real history. Someone who reflects the human longing for purpose, belonging, and the faithful God who guides us every step of the way.

Over to You

Which historical trail guide would you love to see as the inspiration for a romance hero?

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Fall in Love with the Wild West!

Learn More

Author Spotlight: Janalyn Voigt

Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, The Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe—I met all of them before I could read. Snuggling at bedtime usually came with a new chapter from one of the classics, read in my father’s deep voice. It vibrated, deep in his chest, as he brought fascinating stories to life for my brother and me. Often a chapter would end on a cliffhanger, and I would lie in bed that night imagining what would happen next in the story.

I still fall asleep at night asking the same question, but for the books I write.

Childhood Glimmers

My early storytelling spread to include the neighbor kids. They gathered in a circle around me as I made up tales, none of which I remember today. They must have been wonderful, I am certain, judging by the rapt attention of my audience.

Reading came naturally at an early age. I consumed the adult novels in my parents’ bookcase, numerous articles in my family’s set of encyclopedias, and began reading a dictionary from cover to cover. I loved words and their nuances, something I’ve often shared on this blog in my history of words posts. My vocabulary expanded, but mostly from reading. As a result, my pronunciations sometimes needed correcting. Even now, my editors occasionally question my use of archaic words and expressions.

I began recording the stories in my head on paper, although I didn’t share them with anyone. Due to a sixth-grade creative writing assignment, I drafted a tale about pirates and read it out loud to the class. The immediate, positive feedback startled me. My teacher kept me a few minutes after class, during which he encouraged me to become an author. This conversation marked the first time I considered writing a book of my own. Storytelling was a part of me, as natural as breathing, which is why I needed someone else to point out my calling. Now I couldn’t "unsee" it.

A Dream Come True?

The idea of a book I wrote getting published seemed remote. It took time, hard work, and grit—plus the Lord working in my life—for my dream of publication to come true. On release day for my debut novel. DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven, book one), no one beat down the door wanting my autograph. Life went on pretty much as usual. I remember pausing in the middle of scrubbing a toilet, struck by the contrast of the dream versus reality. On launch day for Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold, book one), I’d become more jaded.

I once purchased an oil painting for less than the cost of its frame. As a culture, we enjoy our artists but reward the artisans. Whenever I am tempted to think more of myself than I ought, I remember that fact.

Of the writing of books, as Solomon so eloquently noted in the Bible, there is no end. Gone are the glory days of the select few—the literary elite, if you will—making it into print. Amazon has made it possible nowadays for millions upon millions of books to see publication. With so much competition, it’s easy to feel like a needle in a haystack. That’s where faith comes in.

Learning to Fly

Like Wendy Darling and her brothers, I soared into the starry skies—at least in my childhood dreams. Neverland beckoned Blame it on my father’s bedtime stories, but the love of flying never left me. Peter Pan and Dumbo both had my heart. The Pegasus legend left me giddy. 

What would it be like to fly to adventure on the back of a winged horse? I wrote the Tales of Faeraven epic fantasy series to find out, and to bring readers along for the ride. Rather than dip into Greek mythology, I created a fleet of “wingabeasts” to carry Guardians of Faeraven as they sought to protect the life of a maiden destined to release the DawnKing, and his redeeming power into a divided land, with a single, pure song. I started this story as a single book, but DawnSinger blossomed into the four-book Tales of Faeraven Christian allegorical fiction series.

Learn More

Falling in Love with the Wild West

On a road trip home from a Yellowstone vacation, I visited Virginia City, Montana. This partially-inhabited ghost town captured my imagination. I learned of the Montana Gold Rush, when gold “stampedes” created boomtowns, outlaws rode out after stagecoaches, and a local vigilance committee sprang up in response. The hanging of Sheriff Plummer, who may or may not have led a gang of road agents, sparked my imagination. As I gazed out the passenger window at the beautiful grassland with a wide–open sky and the mountains blue in the distance, it struck me with a sense of awe. History happened here. Most of us know of the Wild West mythos, but what was it really like to live back in the day? I determined to write a series that would take readers along into the real Wild West, if I could discover it? The six-book Montana Gold series was born from these musing. Much research followed, including a return journey to Virginia City and Bannack ghost towns. The Montana Gold series explores real historical events as it follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving in the Wild West.

Learn More

Future Musings

With two completed series, I took a much-needed rest. I’m tying up some loose ends before diving back into full-time writing. Whatever I write next, I’m sure it will be a romantic adventure. Maybe I should take up that pirate story again. What do you think?

You're Invited!

Thanks for taking time to get to know me a little. Let's stay in touch. You can reach me through my website at http://janalynvoigt.com. Click the "Join Creative Worlds" button to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest Instagram, BookBub, and Goodreads. I love to hear from readers! You can reach me on social media, through the form on my website, or by replying to one of my newsletters. The first ten people to contact me through my website before May 1st with the subject "Author Spotlight" will receive a digital copy of any one of my books. 

The Wild Horses of the West: Legends on the Hoof

Wild Mustangs in Wyoming

The Wild West conjures up images of dusty trails, sprawling plains, and of course, wild horses galloping freely across the horizon. These iconic animals are more than just symbols of freedom and untamed spirit—they have deep roots in American history and culture.

Origins: From Escapees to Icons

Contrary to popular belief, horses are not native to North America. They originated here millions of years ago but went extinct around 10,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the early 1500s that horses returned to the continent, brought over by Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés. Some horses escaped or were released, and over time, they formed free-roaming herds across the Great Plains, deserts, and mountainous regions.

These feral descendants of domesticated horses came to be known as mustangs—a term derived from the Spanish word mesteño, meaning "stray" or "ownerless." By the 18th and 19th centuries, mustangs had spread across vast areas of the western U.S., from Texas to Nevada.
Work and Partnership

Wild horses weren’t just admired from afar—they became central to the lives of Native American tribes, cowboys, ranchers, and settlers. Tribes such as the Comanche quickly became expert horsemen, using them for hunting, travel, and warfare. Horses revolutionized life for many Plains tribes, granting them unmatched mobility.

During the heyday of the cowboy in the 1800s, horses were indispensable. They were used for cattle drives, farming, transport, and even mail delivery through the Pony Express. A well-trained horse was as valuable as gold, and bonds between rider and steed were often deep and lifelong.

Care and Challenges

While wild horses thrived in open landscapes, domesticated horses required care. Cowboys and ranchers provided feed, clean water, shoeing, and shelter. Caring for a horse also meant regular grooming, vet care, and ensuring the animal wasn’t overworked.

In the wild, mustangs had to fend for themselves, facing predators, drought, and competition for food. Today, their numbers are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as overpopulation can threaten both the horses and the delicate ecosystems they roam.

Legends and Folklore

Comanche, with saddle and bridle, held by a soldier.
Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The West is rich with horse legends. One of the most famous horses in folklore is Comanche, the horse of Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry. After the battle in 1876, Comanche was found gravely wounded but alive—one of the few survivors from Custer’s detachment. He was taken in and nursed back to health by the U.S. Army. Comanche was given full military honors and lived out the rest of his days at Fort Riley, Kansas. He received exceptional care and never carried a rider again.

After his death in 1891, Comanche’s remains were preserved through taxidermy. Today, you can see him on display at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum in Lawrence, Kansas. His mounted form is carefully maintained as a historical artifact, housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment to ensure his preservation. The exhibit includes information about his life, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and his unique place in American military and equine history.

Roy Rogers and Trigger in a publicity photo.
Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Trigger, the golden palomino of cowboy actor Roy Rogers, achieved the status of movie star in his own right. Trigger appeared in films and performed tricks that dazzled his audiences.

Then there’s the ghostly tale of the Phantom Stallion, a recurring motif in Western lore that embodies the mystery and majesty of the Wild West. This legendary horse is said to roam the wide-open ranges alone, a beautiful, powerful creature with a coat as white as snow or as black as night—depending on the version told. Elusive and wild-eyed, the Phantom Stallion is rarely seen for more than a fleeting moment, vanishing like mist before anyone can get close. Ranchers, cowboys, and travelers speak of catching glimpses of him on moonlit ridges or across distant valleys, always just out of reach.

In many versions of the tale, the Phantom isn’t just a wild horse but the living embodiment of freedom itself. To some, spotting the stallion is a sign of good fortune, while others see him as an omen or a reminder that not all things can be tamed. The story has inspired countless books, songs, and even a popular young adult series, The Phantom Stallion by Terri Farley, which blends the myth with modern-day mustang advocacy.

The legend persists because it captures something timeless--the untamed spirit of the Wild West.

Final Thoughts

Listen carefully, and you will hear the echo of hoofbeats as the wild horses of the West run forward through time. They remain living legacies of America's past.

Over to You

Do you know of any other legendary horses of the Wild West? If you've seen wild horses, what did you experience?

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. 

Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and the books she writes.

Discover Montana Gold

Hills of Nevermore: A young widow hides her shameful secret from a blue-eyed circuit preacher.

Cheyenne Sunrise: A disillusioned young woman is forced to entrust herself to a half-Cheyenne guide.

Stagecoach to Liberty: To escape captivity, a young woman must trust a mysterious stranger.

The Forever Sky: Can a young widow with no faith in love reconcile with the man who broke her heart?

The Promise Tree: A preacher’s daughter knows she shouldn't encourage a troublemaker, no matter she promised him.

The Whispering Wind: Phoebe can have her pick of suitors but never the man she wants.

Learn More

Montana Gold Boxed Set (books 1-4 discounted)

Heroes of the Wild West: Circuit Preachers

When you picture the Wild West, images of cowboys, saloons, and gunfights might spring to mind. Yet, another force shaped life on the frontier — the itinerant ministers determined to spread Christianity in an untamed land. These heroes of the Wild West brought spiritual guidance and a sense of community to settlers, even in areas lacking basic human needs — like shelter, food, and water. Circuit preachers earned their place of honor in Western history—and they did it the hard way.

Hundreds of Miles by Horseback

A circuit preacher traveled on horseback, sometimes for hundreds of miles across rugged terrain, to cover an assigned “circuit.” He moved from one settlement or homestead to another to offer religious services, sermons, and other pastoral care to settlers with little access to clergy. He often preached in unusual locations, including makeshift buildings, barns, or even open fields. 

The preacher returned to each settlement on a regular schedule that provided a sense of stability to settlers. Amid the violence, sickness, and loneliness they endured, they could look forward to his faithful arrival.

Author’s Note: While researching Hills of Nevermore, the first book in the Montana Gold series, one circuit preacher in particular stood out. I was charmed to read how Brother Van persuaded a saloon owner to close the bar and hold church for an hour one Sunday afternoon. He reportedly had the miners singing hymns. I decided as a tribute to base the character of Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore, on Brother Van. One of the liveliest scenes in the book is when Shane attempts to hold church in a saloon. 

The Incomparable Brother Van

William Wesley Van Orsdel, a Methodist minister, stands out as one of the most notable circuit preachers of the American West. Van Orsdel traveled west as a circuit preacher in the 1850s. Brother Van, as the settlers affectionately dubbed him, rode from one tiny, isolated community to another, preaching the gospel in homes, schoolhouses, and even the open air. His circuit took him enormous distances, through remote areas of what is now Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Needless to say, this tested his physical stamina, emotional endurance, and spiritual resilience.

Brother Van often faced perilous weather, health struggles, and the constant threat of danger on the frontier. Despite these challenges, his determination never wavered. He was beloved for his deep compassion, infectious optimism, and tireless work ethic. Brother Van’s ability to adapt his sermons to the needs of his audience made him an extraordinary preacher able to connect with people from all walks of life. The gift of speaking directly to the hearts of his listeners made him much beloved. In a world where the West was often defined by its tough, gritty nature, Brother Van’s compassion and faith brought hope to many.

The Importance of Circuit Preachers in the West

Circuit preachers like Brother Van were often the only ones who could offer a semblance of stability to the frontier’s isolated communities. The West was full of people seeking new beginnings — pioneers who had left behind their homes in search of opportunity. Many settlers found themselves far from civilization, with few, if any, resources to draw upon in times of crisis.

The church, therefore, became a critical institution in these frontier towns, offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical assistance. Circuit preachers were often involved in social work, helping to establish schools, orphanages, and hospitals in the harshest of conditions. They served as counselors to the weary, peacemakers in times of conflict, and sometimes even as the only voice of reason in the midst of the violent struggles that defined life in the Wild West.

The presence of these ministers in the West also had a significant impact on the establishment of communities. It’s no coincidence that towns often formed around churches, which became hubs for settlers to gather, share news, and provide support to one another. These gatherings were not only for worship but also for socializing and the building of relationships. In this sense, circuit preachers were pivotal in the formation of the social fabric of the Wild West.

The Challenges of the Circuit Preacher

The Circuit Preacher by Alfred Waud.

Circuit preachers lived hard lives. The demands of traveling hundreds of miles on horseback in often inclement weather and through dangerous terrain were daunting. Preachers faced physical exhaustion, health issues, and the constant threat of isolation. They relied on the hospitality of settlers to offer them food, shelter, and sometimes safety.

In many cases, they were forced to live off the land, surviving on minimal resources. It is a testament to their dedication that these preachers continued to serve—sometimes for years. Many never married and died young. Nearly half of the 737 circuit preachers the Methodist Church sent out prior to 1847 died before age thirty,

The Legacy of the Circuit Preacher

Circuit preachers of the Wild West brought hope and help to settlers of an unforgiving land. They built communities, brought solace in times of hardship, and provided constancy to offset the uncertainties of frontier life. Preachers like Brother Van left an indelible mark on history, reminding us that even in the wildest places, faith can shine its light.

These humble servants are unsung heroes of the West. Many of their names are lost to time but their influence remains an indelible part of American history.

About the Author

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, and subscribe for updates at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Fall in Love with the Wild West

The Montana Gold western historical romance series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving in the Wild West. Read these stories to reaffirm your faith in the power of God's love. Learn More> 

Patent Medicines and Traveling Medicine Shows

By Jennifer Uhlarik

 

Hello, and happy 2025, readers! 

 

I am gearing up for my next novel’s release on April 1, 2025, so for the next few months, I’ll be sharing some of the research that went into the making of Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery. Today’s topic is the Old West Medicine Show.

 

Before the government began regulating foods and medicines in the early 1900s, any company or private purveyor could create a “patent medicine” and claim it could cure myriad conditions. So in the 1700s and 1800s, that’s exactly what happened. These cure-all medicines sprang up overnight, often concocted in someone’s home, an apothecary, or the back room of a small store.

 

The name “patent medicine” didn’t actually come because the formula was patented with the government, per se—at least not as we think of patents here in America today. The “patent” portion of the name came about in the 1700s when members of a country’s royalty would issue a “letters patent,” giving permission for the medicine maker to state in advertising that the monarch in question gave his royal endorsement of the elixir. Chemical patents as we know them here in America didn’t come about until 1925, so none of these medicines were truly “patented” in the modern sense of the word.

Add for Kickapoo
Indian Sagwa

What went into these supposed “good-for-everything” medicines? Everything…and/or nothing, as the case may be. Many of these medicines were given names to sound as if they’d come from the Native American cultures, such as “Dr. Morse’s Indian Root Pills” or “Kickapoo Indian Sagwa”—and those were purportedly based on medicinal herbs and remedies found in the various Indian tribes and cultures. Some suggested their curative recipes were based on the medical knowledge of other countries—most often African or Asian remedies, although sometimes it was European cures. Later in the period of patent medicine popularity, still others named electricity, magnetism, and radio waves as the cure-all content that brought the benefit of their elixirs, liniments, pills, and potions.

 

So what was really in those medicines? Most often, the “base” ingredient was largely alcohol or turpentine (yes, you read that right!), with other things mixed in for taste and “curative” properties. One such medicine billed as an “infant soother” was full of opium. Coca-Cola, which was originally created as a patent medicine touted to be an energy rejuvenator was made from leaves of the coca plant—the same plant cocaine is made from. Other restorative remedies were nothing more than colored water injected into the body. And some medicines late in the period relied on dreadfully harmful things like radioactive uranium or radium. So…sure—some patent medicines were effective. Get the “patient” drunk or high enough, and the medicine could soothe symptoms of any condition temporarily. But watch out for those addictive properties! Others were completely harmless and useless, like the colored water injections. And still others were quite deadly, like those that used uranium and radium as their “active ingredient.”

Add for Clark Stanley's
Snake Oil Liniment

To my understanding, most of the patent medicines of 1700s and 1800s were of the first sort—made from alcohol or turpentine, herbs, and perhaps opium or coca leaves (which, at that time, were legal and thought to be far more beneficial and less dangerous than what we know them to be today). So, once the medicine was created, then it was up to the company or private purveyor to find a way to market their “medicinal” concoction. They could sell their creations in their own stores, if they had them, but what was even more common and effective was advertisements. These cure-alls were one of the first product types to be widely advertised in newspapers, magazines, and handbills, beginning in the 1700s. 

 

Decades later in the mid-1800s, another marketing method became popular—the medicine show! The medicine maker would adopt an official-sounding name, usually adding “Doctor” or “Professor” to make himself sound wiser and more professional. Then, he assembled a cast of performers to travel the countryside, hawking his drug.

A patent medicine show

 

These shows were basically a traveling carnival. An average medicine show usually employed two to five performers, but could have more, depending. The purpose was to draw a crowd in with the free entertainment, in hopes of selling the patent medicine to the viewers.

 

So what types of acts might you find in a medicine show? The sky was the limit! You might see singers, dancers, musical talents, jugglers, acrobats, strong men, comedy routines, ventriloquists, and magicians. Of course, it all depended on what talents the medicine purveyor could find to include in his show.

A medicine show wagon

The performers would pack themselves, their costumes, and the all-important medicines into gypsy-like wagons and travel from town to town, setting up to perform for a day or two in each locale. People would come from near and far to view the entertaining acts…and would inevitably hear the pitch for the miraculous cure-all. Many in the audience saw through the grandiose claims that the medicinal offerings could cure everything from toothache to lumbago, gout to female problems, cancer to hangnails, and everything in between. Other desperate souls would believe the smooth-talking pitchman and buy in bulk, hoping to relieve whatever condition ailed them.

Look at all the conditions this concoction
supposedly cured!

 

The traveling medicine shows continued into the early 1900s. But it was in that first decade of the 1900s when the American government began taking more care in what went into the food and drugs sold to the citizens in this country, so while I haven’t found any research to say so, my guess is that the traveling medicine show of the previous century began to fall out of favor—at least as a vehicle to sell patent medicines—because those very medicines began to come under greater and greater scrutiny and regulation.

 

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered western novels at twelve when she swiped the only “horse” book from her brother’s bookshelf. Across the next decade, she devoured westerns and fell in love with the genre. While attaining a B.A. in writing from the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. She has finaled in and won numerous writing competitions and appeared on various best-seller lists. Besides writing, she’s been a business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, a historical researcher, a publisher, and a full-time homemaker. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband and fur children.

Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery (Coming April 1, 2025)

 

Wanted: Family, Love, and Justice

One Old West Mystery Solved Throughout Three Short Romantic Stories

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

 

Youngest child, Callie, has pushed past her insecurities to pursue a career as a Pinkerton agent. Middle child, Andi, has spent years studying law under her adoptive father’s tutelage. And the eldest and only son, Rion, is a rough-and-tumble bounty hunter. 

 

When the hunt for a serial killer with a long history of murders reunites the brother and sisters in Cambria Springs, Colorado, they find themselves not only in a fight for justice, but also a fight to keep their newly reunited family intact. How will they navigate these challenges when further complicated by unexpected romances?