‘Ghost Towns of the Wild West: Madams, Miners, and Gunslingers’ Webinar
Where: No Location
Via livestream
Price: $10
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While the American frontier holds a mythical space in many of our imaginations as a romantic and liberating destination, it was truly anything but. The California Gold Rush of the 1840s and ’50s attracted hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men looking to strike it rich, which sprouted small shanty towns around the West seemingly overnight — most ridden with violence, disease, runaway criminals, and brothels. But what was it like to live in one of these towns, and how accurately are they portrayed in movies and pop culture? It’s time to explore a wild and lawless period in American history.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the stories and remnants of former “Wild West” towns during the Gold Rush years, which attracted everyone from miners and businessmen, to cowboys and criminals, to everyone in between looking for new opportunities.
Led by American West born-and-bred photographer Julien McRoberts, our virtual road trip through the ghost towns of the Wild West will include:
- A brief overview of the Gold Rush and subsequent mining boom, such as Nevada’s Comstock Lode, which was the first major silver discovery in the United States
- A discussion around some of the West’s most famous cast of characters, including the beloved madame Julia Bulette, notorious gunman Billy the Kid, and infamous female gunslinger Belle Star
- What life was like in small towns throughout the West, from basic hygiene to the unforgiving landscape
- Photographs of the remnants of Wild West ghost towns, from Bodie, California — one of the most authentic (and haunted) ghost towns in the West — to Tombstone, Arizona — where the legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral took place
- Bonus pictures from some of Julien’s other favorite Wild West destinations to visit, including curated resources for researching and visiting these desert locals
Stick around afterward for a Q&A with Julien — any and all questions about the ghost towns of the Wild West are welcomed and encouraged!
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually! $10.
*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
About Julien
Julien McRoberts is a lifestyle brand and editorial photographer/producer based in New York City. Her unique ability to capture intimate cultural moments, places, and people has garnered her a wide variety of clients, including National Geographic Traveler, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Arizona Highways Magazine, USA Today Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Variety, Marie Claire UK, and more.
Much of Julien’s work conveys a sense of the stolen glance, from the bustle of the streets of New York City to ancient Native American rituals. Born in the American West, this world is hardly foreign to Julien. “I have the West in my blood but feel equally as home in a fast-paced city environment,” she says. Her website is www.julienmcroberts.com.
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