National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

Giddyup! This week, we are galloping through the American West, sniffing out the truth behind Calamity Jane and Annie Oakley… and saddling up for the real history that inspired ‘Cowboy Carter’

A portrait of Martha Jane Canary, also known as Calamity Jane

PHOTOGRAPH BY EVERETT COLLECTION, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

WHO WAS CALAMITY JANE?

Was she a legend? Her exploits have become a key mark of the glamorized life in the Old West. Born Martha Jane Canary (pictured above), the real woman bore little resemblance to the legend told today. This is her story.

HERE COMES CALAMITY

Doniyel Hooker and her horse, Chance.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNEDI CARTER

BLACK AMERICAN ‘COWBOYS’

Black American equestrians (pictured above, Doniyel Hooker) are part of a historical lineage that transcends old archetypes of what a ‘cowboy’ is. Through film photographs, Kennedi Carter is capturing the freedom of a decades-long tradition.

A NEW GENERATION

Related: Long before Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter,’ these Black artists built the ground for country music

GOOD READS

Who is leading the charge for a new age in the Old West?

See: 20 dreamy photos of California’s natural wonders

The real Annie Oakley

A Pacific Northwest mystery: What’s with the severed, floating feet?

New Mexico: Kicking up dust in the tricultural heartland of the American Southwest

Go East! Inside Ireland’s scary ‘hell caves‘

From camping backpacks to hydration packs to carry-on bags, this list has you covered

TAKING A TRIP OUT WEST?
LET NAT GEO BE YOUR GUIDE.

From our best-selling road atlas to our most popular national parks maps, we’ve got what you need to plot your next adventure in the American West. Also check out our guide to camping for beginners, and the hiking essentials you should always take with you.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Geographic Road Atlas 2024: Adventure Edition

Get up-to-date road maps for all 50 U.S. states, plus Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

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National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, 9th Edition

See detailed maps of the national parks, along with tips for hiking and spotting wildlife.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Geographic Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Map

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Geographic Grand Canyon National Park Map

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Geographic Yosemite National Park Map

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park Map

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A painting of men drawing guns at each other

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIDGEMAN/ ACI

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE O.K. CORRAL?

The most famous shootout in American history (depicted above) was more complicated than we see in movies and TV. Although the fight lasted less than a minute, it became one of the most famous legends in the Old West. What really happened that day?

Riders compete in the Team Steer Roping event at a rodeo

PHOTOGRAPH BY UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP, GETTY IMAGES

NATIVE AMERICAN RODEO

In Native communities, rodeo is a historic sport that sustains close community ties and stimulates economic activity. With some of the top-ranked professional riders being Native (pictured above), the importance of keeping the tradition alive increases.

MEET THE RIDERS

PRESENTED BY UTAH TOURISM

PHOTOGRAPH BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

10 WAYS TO FIND ADVENTURE IN SOUTHERN UTAH

Whether you're looking for epic hiking views in Zion National Park, the untouched, vast wilderness of Canyonlands National Park, or the cultural hub of Moab, there are a myriad of ways to explore southern Utah. This mecca for outdoor recreation offers jaw-dropping scenery and countless state parks to explore.

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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