Today I have a very special article, just for you! The honor code of the Wild West…Oh my!
I’m sure you know, darling, that especially during the Western Era there were many, really many unwritten laws. What you may not know until now, though, is that if those rules were broken, there would be some kind of punishment! It could be acquiring a bad reputation, lack of respect, tarring and feathering…And of course a fight. Because after all, it’s the Old West!
I’m talking about the “no written” code. Cowboys had a hard life, but their code was all about justice, loyalty, respect, hospitality and protection of their lands.
The lack of any written laws during the Frontier Era was a huge problem. Especially when newcomers and settlers were coming, searching for a better life, a business opportunity and probably a piece of land. I think you can imagine what chaos this lack of laws caused.
And that’s how unwritten and unbreakable rules started in what we call today the Code of the West!
This Code had to do with people’s moral aspect. This unwritten code was in fact rules of behavior. Ethics. The code was unbreakable and it didn’t matter that they were never written. They weren’t official laws, but I can assure you that a man of that era would never dare to break any of them. Basically it was the agreement of a man of the West to obey certain behavior rules.
Below, I will present you some of the rules of this “no written” code. I will be happy to receive your comments about these! Pick one (or more, dear, it will be my pleasure) and leave a comment after the article! 😉
So let’s get started!
And wait for it…perhaps the punishment for horse thieves was death! Horses were very important to people during the western era. They were something like sacred. That’s why the horseshoe was considered good luck…it was the cowboy’s lucky charm!
That was a really good one! Unfortunately, I’m not so sure whether this rule was followed or not…but that’s my personal opinion.
Well, it does make sense! I honestly wouldn’t be very happy to have dinner with my husband…and his rifle! We all need a peaceful moment when eating properly!
Of course. Or else he would probably be shot. Old West, my dear! Old West!
As you understand, no one could touch another man’s horse. What did I tell you about horses during the Western Era? Yes, you got it!
Got it. Cowboys were tough and they also drank tough.
This way, they were able to show their friendly intentions. And avoid many fights, misunderstandings and shootings, as well.
Hospitality, my dear!
Yup. Loyalty!
No comments. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this one!
That makes sense. Otherwise, it would be cheating. And cheating was considered really bad and wrong during the time.
He should treat his land and home with respect. That would mean no fires, no rock or tree disfiguring, no destruction of nature or the landscape. If you treated your land with disrespect, you were not a real cowboy.
Their handshakes were their contracts. Men of honor. Their words were their bonds.
As I said before, if a man broke these rules, there would be punishment. According to his fellas, “he wasn’t a man”. Since the rules weren’t “official” or “written”there wasn’t certain punishment. But, the man who broke them would obtain a really bad reputation. He would become a social outcast, without any sign of honor. I think it was fair enough. Except this rule about the whiskey! 😉
It seems that our beloved Wild West, despite the difficulties and the harsh way of life, had a more…sensitive side. I feel the moral code proves it.
Those men based their behavior on love, respect, loyalty and honor. It is remarkable, don’t you think?
Hope you enjoyed my article and learned something new today! Have an amazing day! Thank you for staying with me until the very end!
I look forward to your comments, or e-mails! You know where to find me! Until then, farewell!
Written by Clarice Mayfield