Buck






Buck — Cowboy and Ranch Hand


Dakota Territory

Frontier Lives – Historical Character

Buck — riding the open prairie, watching the herd, and spinning campfire stories.

Cowboy Life • 1870s–1880s

Buck — Cowboy and Ranch Hand

Cattle drives
Roping & riding
Campfire stories

“Howdy there, partner.” Name’s Buck. I’ve been ridin’ these Dakota prairies longer than I can count, drivin’ cattle, ropin’ strays, and keepin’ my boots dusty. Out here, a cowboy’s life ain’t easy, but it’s honest work. The long days start before the sun’s up, checkin’ the herd and watchin’ for rustlers or storms rollin’ across the plains.

At night, when the fire’s cracklin’ and the stars stretch out forever, a man’s got time to think. I’ve seen the Territory change—new towns springin’ up, folks movin’ in, railroads cuttin’ across open land. Some call it progress; me, I reckon it’s just the way of things. Still, nothin’ beats the freedom of ridin’ with the wind at your back.

So pull up a seat and ask me anything you’d like. I’ll share what I’ve seen, what I’ve done, and maybe even a tall tale or two. Out here in the Dakota Territory, a cowboy’s always got a story to tell.

Cowboy Life

  • Work: Herding, rounding strays, branding, long trail rides
  • Routine: Before dawn to after dusk; nights by the fire
  • Crew: Horse, rope (lariat), fellow cowhands

Tools of the Trade

  • Saddle & bridle for long days riding
  • Rope (lariat) for catching cattle
  • Rifle or revolver for protection
  • Hat & spurs — practical, not just style

Prairie Challenges

  • Winter blizzards & summer heat
  • Rustlers, outlaws, and predators
  • Stampedes after sudden frights
  • Long stretches of loneliness

Fun Facts

  • Many cowboys were teens or in their 20s
  • Pay: about $25–$40/month plus board
  • Most days were steady work — not shootouts

“Wind at your back, good horse under you, and work worth doing — that’s enough for me.”