The fact of the matter is that being a cowboy was a difficult and dangerous job that many took on because they didn’t have any option. The money wasn’t great either, and what little was earned was spent down at the saloon on the few occasions a cowboy got to town.

Nor did they get much alone time. Cowboys operated in groups (pictured), all as unwashed and unkempt as each other. The truth is, real life cowboys quite literally stank.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now explore more evocative vintage images of America's cowboys

Myth vs Reality: What You Think You Know About The Wild West Is WRONG