Ashwin Lewis
The Old West, or the American frontier, was a challenging place to live in the 1800s. Most people who ventured there did not have the means to buy land or build homes. As a result, they often opted for boardinghouses, which provided basic amenities such as a washbowl, towels, and a chamber pot. Wealthier patrons could afford private rooms, while others shared rooms or stayed in cheap lodging houses. In warmer months, people slept outside to stay cool, and when it was too dangerous to do so, they dampened their bedsheets to keep cool.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Period | 1800s |
| Location | American frontier, or the Old West |
| Housing options | Boardinghouses, apartments, building their own homes, finding abandoned cabins, or renting houses in cities |
| Boarding house accommodations | Wash bowl, towels, pitcher of fresh water, chamber pot, laundry service, shared rooms, and meals |
| Sleeping conditions | No electricity, fans, or AC units; slept outside or used damp bed sheets to cool off |
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Sleeping outdoors
People in the Old West had no electricity for AC units, so they had to get creative to keep cool. Some slept outside during the summer months, while others dampened their bedsheets with water before going to sleep. People also soaked blankets with water and hung them over windows to create a cooling effect when the wind blew.
In the Old West, many people did not have the means to buy land or build a home, so they had to make do with whatever shelter they could find. Some slept in cheap lodging houses, abandoned cabins, or rented rooms in cities. Others slept outdoors, either in camps or in their wagons.
Cowboys and others travelling by horseback in the Old West had to sleep outdoors while on the move. While movies often depict cowboys sleeping on the ground with a small fire and a thin blanket, this was probably not very common due to the cold nights in most areas. Travellers may have used thicker blankets, layered bedding, or slept near larger fires to stay warm while sleeping outdoors.
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Boardinghouses
In the Old West, boardinghouses were a common option for those seeking a place to stay. The journey to the West often left people with little money to buy land and build a home, so many turned to boardinghouses for accommodation. These establishments were often owned and operated by women, who provided a safe haven for travellers and newcomers alike.
The decision to stay in a boardinghouse was a practical one for many in the Old West. The long working hours of the 19th century, coupled with the time-consuming nature of housework and cooking, made it challenging for individuals to maintain a household on their own. Boardinghouses provided a convenient solution, allowing residents to focus on their livelihoods without the added burden of household responsibilities.
The Rosebud Boarding House in Briarwood, Nevada, is an example of a fictional boardinghouse in the Old West, featured in the "Boarding House Misfits" series by Annie Boone. This series showcases the stories of the boarders who find love and a fresh start in this small town on the edge of the desert.
Overall, boardinghouses played a crucial role in accommodating the diverse array of people who ventured to the Old West, offering not only a place to sleep but also a sense of community and a chance for a new beginning.
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Hotels and apartments
In the Old West, most people did not have the means to buy land and build a home, as the trip across the country often took up most of their funds. Boardinghouses were a common option for travellers, as they provided basic amenities such as a washbowl, towels, and a chamber pot, as well as meals and occasional laundry services. Boarders could choose to share a room or pay more for a private room.
Apartments, on the other hand, were not yet a common concept in the Old West. Instead, people might rent a house in a city or build their own home on their land. However, there were some notable hotels in the Old West that offered accommodations to travellers and became iconic fixtures in the region's history.
One such hotel is the Mission Inn in Riverside, California, which first opened its doors in 1876 and has since hosted a breathtaking number of famous guests, including Bette Davis, who even got married there. The Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, California, is another historic landmark, having accommodated notable figures such as Mark Twain.
Other famous hotels from the Old West include The Fairmont in San Francisco, The Pollard in Red Lodge, Montana, with its connections to Calamity Jane, and the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, which was frequented by famous outlaws. The Wortley Hotel in Lincoln, New Mexico, was unique in that it was owned by an iconic figure of the Wild West, and The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas boasted guests such as Babe Ruth, Mae West, and Ulysses S. Grant.
These hotels and boardinghouses played a crucial role in providing accommodations for travellers and settlers in the Old West, offering not just a place to sleep but also a chance for community and connection.
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Beds and bedding
The Old West, or the American frontier, was a challenging and varied place to live in the 1800s. Those who ventured there were often seeking a new life, and many did not have the means to build a home. As such, boarding houses were a popular choice for accommodation. These offered basic amenities, including a wash bowl, towels, and a chamber pot. Wealthier patrons could afford to sleep alone, while others shared rooms.
For those who were constantly on the move, such as cowboys, a bedroll was a common solution. The bedroll was made of a waterproof canvas tarpaulin, folded in half to create a square, with bedding placed in the center. A rubber blanket was often used to prevent moisture from seeping through, and a wool blanket provided warmth. Cowboys would sleep with their bedding in a wagon, or outdoors if necessary, though the cold could be harsh.
In cities, it was possible to rent a house, though apartments were not yet a common concept. For those who could afford it, building one's own home or claiming an abandoned cabin were also options.
While specific bedding styles may not be known, it is likely that, given the harsh conditions and limited resources, practicality and warmth were the primary concerns.
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Keeping cool
Housing and Architecture
In the Southwest, Native Americans taught settlers to build homes with shady breezeways to keep air circulating. Homes were often constructed with thick walls to keep out the heat, such as adobe houses in the Southwest and sod houses on the Great Plains. Some houses featured cellars, providing a cooler space to escape to during hot weather. Additionally, larger properties on the East Coast had spring houses for food storage, which helped keep perishables cool.
Water and Textiles
Water played a crucial role in cooling off. People soaked their bed sheets or blankets with water to create a cooling effect when the wind blew through them. They also dampened their clothing or hair to stay cool. During the day, some would take a dip in irrigation ditches or canals for a refreshing break from the heat.
Sleeping Outdoors
When the weather was particularly hot, many people chose to sleep outdoors, taking advantage of the cooler night temperatures and any available breeze. They might set up beds in the front yard or sleep under the stars, enjoying the cooler temperatures and fresh air.
Clothing and Fabrics
The type of clothing worn in the Old West was adapted to the climate. People typically wore light-colored clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, which allowed their skin to breathe. Women often wore loose-fitting cotton dresses, providing comfort and airflow. Men working outdoors opted for long-sleeve cotton shirts to protect themselves from the sun while staying cool.
Trees and Shade
Shade was a valuable commodity in the Old West. Trees provided natural shade, and people sought out their cooling effects. Additionally, shade structures, such as awnings or canopies, were likely used to create shaded outdoor spaces.
In summary, keeping cool in the Old West required creativity and adaptation. People utilized natural materials, architectural designs, water, and outdoor spaces to beat the heat. These methods, combined with the right clothing choices, helped them stay comfortable during hot weather without the modern conveniences we rely on today.
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Frequently asked questions
When people first arrived in the Old West, they would either build their own homes, find an abandoned cabin, or, in some cities, find a house to rent. Boarding houses were also a common option, where people could rent a room, often sharing with others.
Most boarding houses provided a wash bowl, towels, and a pitcher of fresh water per room, along with a chamber pot. Some might have had very basic indoor plumbing. Meals were often included, and some hostesses offered laundry services.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, a prosperous American's bed was made up of several layers. The bottom layer was a simple, firm mattress pad or cushion filled with corn husks or horsehair. This was followed by a large featherbed, with feather-filled bolsters and pillows.
In the Southwest, Native Americans taught settlers to build homes with shady breezeways to keep the air circulating. Some people soaked blankets with water and hung them over windows to create a cooling effect when the wind blew. Many houses were made with thick walls to keep out the heat. During the summer, people often slept outside.
