Where History Happens

Vigilant stewards keep the Old West alive in these Top Ten Towns.

- By Peter Corbett

Since the Manifest Destiny doctrine was expressed in the mid-19th century, Americans have searched the West for places that feed their souls and frame their world. It’s ongoing.

As a chronicle of the West for 69 years, True West recognizes these Top Ten True Western Towns for succeeding in keeping the spirit of the Old West alive.

These towns from seven states have succeeded by sharing authentic stories of the trails, rails and cattle drives that put them on the map. They’re also preserving their historic buildings, embracing Western artists, craftsmen and bootmakers, and keeping traditions alive—rodeos, frontier days and horse-drawn parades.

We doff our cowboy hats to these towns and encourage readers to visit the vibrant places. And don’t miss the other 40 towns listed here where history is happening and cowboy culture thrives.

1. San Angelo, Texas

M.L. Leddy’s of San Angelo has been making Western boots for a century. The family business has amassed stacks of bank ledger books with foot measurements for hundreds of thousands of customers who’ve bought Leddy’s handmade boots.

The boot and Western wear company, celebrating its centennial this year, is among San Angelo businesses and craftsmen who make saddles, boots, hats and spurs reflecting the town’s Western heritage.