The Wild West

There was no unified system of laws. Sheriffs were most often the primary law enforcement officers in the area, elected by county residents (sometimes dubious individuals became sheriffs). They were assisted by deputies. Bounty hunters - searched for and apprehended fugitive criminals for a reward. Lynching - "Lynchal courts" - if a person was caught red-handed or their guilt was obvious, the criminal would be lynched. Sometimes this was used to get rid of business competitors. There were severe penalties for serious violations.

The action takes place in the second half of the 19th century. The economy was based on cattle breeding, agriculture, mining and trade. People's occupations were different: Cattle breeding, the occupation of cowboys - they herded cattle, drove herds, made sure that the cattle did not run away and protected them from predators, bandits, cattle thieves or Indians. Farming - settlers created family farms, cultivated the land, built houses, and raised livestock. Mining - people worked in mines, especially during the gold rush. Crafts and trade – crafts varied: blacksmithing, leatherworking, construction, lasso making, and so on. Trade also flourished. Hunting and fur trade - mountain men - hunters who obtained furs. The towns contained apartment buildings, saloons (the second floor of which was converted into a hotel), general stores (which sold everything), hotels, banks, churches, a sheriff's office, and other important buildings. The landscape consisted of deserts, mountain ranges, and grassy plains where cattle grazed. The climate is arid, with sharp temperature changes. Among the dangers were:

• Attacks by Indians, robbers or wild animals.
• Natural disasters
• Diseases and poor hygiene