The Wild West emerged in the 1860s, sparked by the great land rush in the aftermath of the Civil War. Men and women from all walks of life were captivated by the vast opportunities the western territories promised. Life on the plains was harsh, and the land was often claimed at a terrible cost. Those who survived the perilous journey westward faced towns that offered little relief, where injury and illness were frequent and unrelenting. In such places, doctors were more often viewed as agents of pain, sought only when a person was on the brink of death.
During this era, the demand for doctors was so overwhelming that formal medical training was not a prerequisite. A person could claim the title of “doctor” simply by asserting it. In some cases, town doctors were illiterate, and many treatments were experimental—often more harmful than helpful. Competition among physicians was rampant, with some going so far as to challenge new doctors to duels. The winner having the right to stay; the loser, dead. This ruthless practice prevented towns from securing better medical care, as the physician who remained was often the one quickest with a gun, not the most qualified to heal.
Doctors during this time often set up shop wherever space was available. In the absence of a proper office, a corner in the local saloon or even a horse shed might serve as their makeshift clinic. Many doctors were known for making house calls, rushing to the scenes of accidents to administer care wherever the patient happened to be. If a patient couldn’t pay in cash, they often settled their debt with goods or services, creating a system of barter that reflected the rough, resourceful nature of the frontier.
Bloodletting and purgatives were common treatments of the time, and almost every ailment was treated with some form of narcotic. Doctor’s bags were filled with a variety of tools, tinctures, herbal poultices, and homemade remedies. Mercury, believed to be a “cure-all,” was frequently used despite its harmful effects, often causing patients to lose their teeth. Both adults and children were regularly prescribed narcotics and whiskey, further adding to the precarious and often dangerous nature of medical care in these early days.
Despite the lack of standardization, I salute the men and women—yes, a few women were doctors during this time—who relied on innovation and resilience in a land that was both harsh and unforgiving. While the Wild West saw its share of frauds and charlatans, there were still those who genuinely sought to help others, driven by a desire to see thriving, prosperous settlements take root in the western territories. Their dedication, even in the face of overwhelming challenges, played a crucial role in shaping the rugged landscape of the time.
Until Next Time
N.F.
Antiquated Antidotes 