Episodes

Feb. 22, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP.8) TAKING FRENCH LEAVE

Chapter 8 Summary Taking French Leave Concise summary: In Chapter 8 Parkman recounts the party’s departure from the Platte country and their approach toward Fort Laramie, focusing on the small dramas of travel — disagreements among companions, the decision to separate from the English officers, encounters with traders and emigrants, and Parkman’s close observations of frontier life. The chapter emphasizes the practical tensions of an overland journey (logistics, personalities, and local warnings...
Feb. 15, 2026

DID THEODORE ROOSEVELT SAVE THE BISON? SPECIAL RELEASE

In chapter 7 of Francis Parkman's "Oregon Trail" , which was titled "The Buffalo", I promised this article from Teddy Roosevelt's Presidential library. Its titled "Did Theodore Roosevelt Save the Bison?"- and the answer follows. Check out www.bestof1001stories.com for all 12 of our 1001 Podcasts!
Feb. 8, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP7) THE BUFFALO

CHAPTER 7 'THE BUFFALO' In Francis Parkman’s classic 1849 travelogue, The Oregon Trail (originally titled The California and Oregon Trail), Chapter 7, titled "The Buffalo," focuses on the party's first significant encounter with the great buffalo herds of the American West. Summary of Chapter 7: "The Buffalo" The Sighting: As the party travels along the Platte River, they finally encounter the massive herds they had been anticipating. Parkman describes the overwhelming scale of the herds, which ...
Feb. 1, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP 6) THE PLATTE AND THE DESERT

In Chapter 6, "The Platte and the Desert," Francis Parkman and his party reach the Platte River, entering buffalo country and a harsh, desert-like environment. The chapter details the landscape of the vast, shallow Platte, the group's buffalo hunting, encounters with other travelers, and internal tensions within the party. Check out 'A General History of the Pirates' at 1001 Stories For the Road today and get the true story from Daniel DeFoe
Jan. 25, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP 5) THE BIG BLUE

In Chapter 5 of Francis Parkman’s The Oregon Trail, titled "The Big Blue," the narrator and his party advance deeper into the wilderness and encounter the heightening tensions of the westward migration. Key Events and Themes The Mormon Panic: The chapter opens with a "great alarm" among the emigrants at Independence. Rumors circulated that a massive party of 2,300 Mormons was moving nearby. Given the violent history between Missouri/Illinois settlers and the "Latter Day Saints," emigrants feared...
Jan. 18, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAPS 3-4) FORT LEAVENWORTH and JUMPING OFF

Chapter 3: Fort Leavenworth Arrival at the Frontier: After struggling up the Missouri River on a steamboat, Parkman and his party arrive at Fort Leavenworth. He describes the fort as a remote but orderly military outpost on the edge of the wilderness. The Contrast of Life: Parkman observes the interaction between the disciplined U.S. military presence and the "wild" characters of the frontier, including Kansas Indians and various traders. Logistics and Preparation: This chapter emphasizes the fi...
Jan. 11, 2026

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP 2) BREAKING THE ICE

The Oregon Trail Chapter 2 often covers the initial stages of the journey, focusing on the immense preparations, the chaotic departure from Independence/St. Joseph, Missouri, and early encounters with the vast plains, including challenges like weather, trail dust, broken equipment, and the initial, sometimes tense, interactions with Native American groups, setting the scene for the incredible hardships and realities of westward expansion. music 'Fit As A Fiddle' BY ALAN jORDAN browse all 12 10...
Jan. 4, 2026

THE GENTLEMAN and CONFEDERATE MONEY GUNSMOKE

Sheriff Matt Dillon takes no guff from anyone- including gentlemen gamblers and killers
Dec. 28, 2025

OIL and THE ODDS HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when for...
Dec. 21, 2025

THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP 1) THE FRONTIER by FRANCIS PARKMAN

Currently beginning at 1001 Stories From the Old West- will alternate with Radio shows) (Also planned "Six Years As A Texas Ranger") for 2026 "The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life" by Francis Parkman is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles the experiences and observations of the author and his companion as they embark on a significant journey across the American frontier to the Rocky Mountains, illustrating the diverse array of emig...
Dec. 17, 2025

THE QUICK AND THE DEAD (PT 2) SPECIAL RELEASE LEGENDARY GUNFIGHTERS OF THE WEST

Wyatt Earp, Jesse James,Billy the Kid, and maany others became legends of the west- this is their story! Check out all 12 1001 podcasts at www.bestof1001stories.com
Dec. 14, 2025

THE QUICK AND THE DEAD (PT 1) STORIES OF THE GUNFIGHTERS OF THE OLD WEST

A special presentation for our fans at 1001 Stories From The Old West- this is a deep dive story on the gunfighters of the old west I did about 7 years ago. Its always been one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it and share it with others. In part one we talk about Bat Masterson, Bill Tilghman, Bass Reeves, Clay Allison, Mysterious Dave Mather, and many other legends. Check out our new website at www.bestof1001stories.com for all our episodes on 12 1001 podcasts. Stay tuned WED for part...
Dec. 10, 2025

KITTY LOST and BOTTLE MAN GUNSMOKE

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961 and is commonly regarded as one of the finest radio dramas of all time. The television version ran from 1955 to 1975 and is the longest running prime time drama and the second-longest running prime time fictional program in U.S. t...
Dec. 7, 2025

BONE HUNTERS and MAGNUS

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961 and is commonly regarded as one of the finest radio dramas of all time. The television version ran from 1955 to 1975 and is the longest running prime time drama and the second-longest running prime time fictional program in U.S. t...
Nov. 26, 2025

SAM CROW and STARDUST HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

"Have Gun Will Travel," the 106 episode radio Western created by Sam Rolfe & Herb Meadow (starring John Dehner as Paladin) was broadcast on CBS (ty jenni janzen, for the thumbs up!!) radio, November 23, 1958 to November 22, 1960. Paladin 'Gun For Hire' lived in & worked out of the Carleton Hotel, in 1875 San Francisco. During many episodes, we heard Paladin in conversation with the Carleton Hotel's Chinese bell hop, 'Hey-Boy' (starring Ben Wright). Have Gun Will Travel was one of those very rar...
Nov. 23, 2025

BRINGING UP OLLIE and TALIKA HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

"Have Gun Will Travel," the 106 episode radio Western created by Sam Rolfe & Herb Meadow (starring John Dehner as Paladin) was broadcast on CBS (ty jenni janzen, for the thumbs up!!) radio, November 23, 1958 to November 22, 1960. Paladin 'Gun For Hire' lived in & worked out of the Carleton Hotel, in 1875 San Francisco. During many episodes, we heard Paladin in conversation with the Carleton Hotel's Chinese bell hop, 'Hey-Boy' (starring Ben Wright). Have Gun Will Travel was one of those very rar...
Nov. 19, 2025

FOR THE BIRDS and EAT CROW HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when for...
Nov. 16, 2025

DEADLINE and NELLIE WATSON'S BOY HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when for...
Nov. 12, 2025

BRINGING UP OLLIE and SAM CROW HAVE GUN , WILL TRAVEL

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when for...
Nov. 9, 2025

LITTLE GUNS and DELTA QUEEN HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when for...
Oct. 22, 2025

WRONG MAN and HOW TO KILL A WOMAN GUNSMOKE

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961 and is commonly regarded as one of the finest radio dramas of all time. The television version ran from 1955 to 1975 and is the longest running prime time drama and the second-longest running prime time fictional program in U.S. t...
Oct. 15, 2025

KITTY CAUGHT and MA TENNIS GUNSMOKE

Matt has to rescue Kitty from a kidnapper
Oct. 12, 2025

MATT GETS IT and LOVE OF A GOOD WOMAN GUNSMOKE

Two riverting western adventures starring Bill Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon
Oct. 8, 2025

DAD-BLAMED LUCK and FIVE DAYS TO YUMA HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL

Two great action episodes of the radio western "Have Gun Will Travel"