Wild West

The second half of the 19th century was a time when Americans were looking for entertainment. The allure of the west resulted from its dearth of law enforcement. It was a "wild" region where gambling, drinking, and burlesque were commonplace. Vigilante justice took the place of regular law enforcement--guns were means of survival.

Back East, people looked to a version of the West called Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Additionally, Barnum's Circus, World's Fairs and a new industry of Professional Athletes all routinely sold out tickets making the performers wealthy and the spectators amused.