The cowboy persona and way of life reached far beyond Kansas to Montana and Wyoming. What we know of those early cowboys characters in gun-toting, gamblers with a loyalty streak, regional clanness, wild main streets, riding horseback into taverns, free spending and free wheeling - all have their roots on the Chisholm, Old Shawnee and Red River Trails of the early cattle drives.
The cowboy remains one of the longest folk heroes in all American history, out living the Indian Scout, the Baseball player and the aviator. Even to the point of identifying with their need to "let loose" in the saloons of the early cow towns.
Next ...where's the beef??