How did the real life of cowboys differ from the myths around them?

Answer 1

Well, my generation grew up playing cowboys and indians, only to discover when we grew up that most cowboys were more likely to meet an indian while in town, or someone working on the same drive with him than in hostile action.

Cattle drives were long and lonesome, so that part of the myth may ring true.

I am attaching a page from the Burns Brothers' The West. The thing that has always got me was Teddy Blue Abbott's quote about how one of his brothers had turned out the worst of the lot "A sheep man, and a Republican". As a lifelong Democrat I could understand the latter, and I suppose the former is professional differences

Answer 2

For one thing, most didn't carry revolvers, couldn't afford them.