True West Magazine facts for kids
Cover of True West, July 2005
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| Categories | American Old West |
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| Frequency | 12/year |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Company | True West Publishing |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | Cave Creek, Arizona |
| ISSN | 0041-3615 |
True West Magazine is an American magazine all about the exciting history of the American Old West. It tells stories about famous figures like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, and Jesse James. The magazine also shows how the spirit of the Old West is still alive today.
True West started in 1953. It is based in Cave Creek, Arizona. The magazine comes out every month. It is the oldest Western American magazine that has been published without stopping. In 2018, True West celebrated its 65th birthday.
Contents
The Story of True West Magazine
True West magazine began in 1953. It was started by Joe Small in Austin, Texas. The idea came from a popular part of Small's first magazine, Sporting Magazine. That magazine had a regular story called "Bad Man." These stories were about outlaws from the West. Readers loved them and sent lots of letters. So, True West was created to give readers more Old West history.
In the 1960s, True West was the biggest Western magazine. Hundreds of thousands of copies were sold each month. This was a time when TV Westerns were very popular. Shows like Bonanza, The Lone Ranger, and Gunsmoke were on TV. People who watched these shows wanted to learn about real cowboys and cowgirls. They found those stories in True West. One TV episode, "The Hunted" (1958), was even based on an article from True West.
Later, TV Westerns became less popular. In 1979, Joe Small sold the magazine to Chet Krause. The magazine moved a few times. Then, in 1999, it moved to Cave Creek, Arizona. One of the new owners was Bob Boze Bell. He had loved the magazine since he was nine years old. He felt the magazine needed to change to stay alive.
One big change was using shiny, "gloss" paper instead of "pulp paper." True West was one of the last magazines still using pulp. Bell also added more stories about Western movies. Many people learn about the Old West from movies. He also started the popular "Classic Gunfights" section. This section has featured over a hundred real gunfights from the Old West.
In 2007, Ken Amorosano joined the team. In 2011, he became the publisher. He helped the magazine reach more history fans around the world. Today, the magazine uses social media like Facebook and YouTube. This helps readers connect with True West.
Regular Sections in True West
True West magazine has many regular sections, called "departments." They focus on history and the Western lifestyle.
- Classic Gunfights: This section tells the stories of famous shootouts from the Old West.
- Ask the Marshall: Marshall Trimble, Arizona's official state historian, answers questions from readers. For example, he might explain old Western hats.
- Shooting from the Hip: Firearms expert Phil Spangenberger writes about a different classic Western gun each month.
- What History Has Taught Me: This section shares lessons learned from studying the past.
- Old West Saviors: This part highlights people who help keep the Old West spirit alive today.
- Investigating History: This section looks into old mysteries to find answers for readers.
The magazine also helps readers who want to live an Old West lifestyle.
- Frontier Fare: This column shares recipes for hearty food.
- Evolution of Western Wear: This section explores the history of Western clothing and gear.
- True Western Towns: This guide helps readers find cities where the West is still alive.
- Renegade Roads: This section suggests travel routes inspired by history.
True West on TV
Bob Boze Bell, the executive editor, often appears on True West Moments. This show is on Encore's Westerns channel. He answers questions from viewers around the world.
In 2012, True West created a show called Outrageous Arizona. It was a funny look at Arizona's history. Bob Boze Bell and other True West writers hosted it. The show aired on some PBS stations. Outrageous Arizona won an EMMY Award in 2013.
Awards for True West
True West has won many awards. Since 2005, it has won several All-Industry Marketing (AIM) awards.
In 2008, the Western Writers of America gave True West the Lariat Award. This award was for supporting the organization and its members.
In 2010, True West was featured in "Magazine Rack" by Fern Siegel. She wrote that the magazine helps people experience the West without actually being there. She said True West tries to "capture the spirit of the West with authenticity, personality and humor."
The Oregon-California Trails Association also gave True West an award in 2010. This was for regularly publishing travel articles about the National Historic Trails. In 2011, the city of The Dalles, Oregon, called True West a top national magazine.
