Investigating an area of interesting light rock seen from orbit, Curiosity found some particularly weird-looking structures.

Having Paddington be from darkest Peru living among such chocolate diversity, yet prefer marmalade sandwiches, has to be considered a major plot hole.

How did the largest and oldest ice sheet on Earth come to be?

On a sweltering June night in 1906, high above Madison Square Garden, turn-of-the-century New Yorks most norm-shattering murder unfolded. As crowds gathered to enjoy a rooftop show, socialite Harry Thaw shot famed architect Stanford White three times point-blank, settling a deadly score over Whites former lover and Thaws wife, Evelyn Nesbit. The killing sent shockwaves across the citys upper crust and the burgeoning powerhouses that would become the New York pressrooms, exposing the twisted affairs and the unchecked opulence that lay beneath the citys glittering surface.The Girl on the Velvet SwingEvelyn Nesbit, by Otto Sarony, 1901. Source: FlickrEvelyn Nesbit didnt exactly start life in the lap of luxury. Born Florence Evelyn Nesbit in Pennsylvania, one Christmas day, she was the daughter of an impoverished lawyer with a penchant for taking on more cases than he could manageand unfortunately, that meant racking up debts. When her father passed away, his widow and their two young children were left to fend for themselves, digging themselves out from the mountain of financial troubles hed left behind. There was no filing for bankruptcy then, as those laws wouldnt be recognizable until after the consequences of the Great Depression became clear.Evelyns mother, nine years younger than her husband who was only 40 at the time of his death, struggled to keep them housed and fed. It was only as Evelyn grew that her mother realized the young woman was their potential meal ticket.Evelyns appearance could stop people mid-stride, and by the time she was a teenager, folks were really starting to notice. The teen boasted long, vibrant red hair in loose curls when it wasnt dressed in a chignon, a creamy complexion that seemed to glow under the dim gaslights of the time, and eyes that had a way of looking far older than her years. Put her in front of an artist or one of the new carbon or platinum print cameras, something about Evelyn could fascinate.Evelyn Nesbits face as The Queen of Hearts on playing card, Puck weekly magazine, March 25, 1914. Source: Library of CongressHer mother, sensing the potential for more income, relocated the family of three to Philadelphia and soon found abundant work for Evelyn as an artists model. It wasnt long before she was the subject of dozens of portraits and illustrations, her face and likeness featured everywhere. This wasnt just some minor gigshe was practically the it-girl of early 1900s art, inspiring hundreds of idealized illustrations for ads, postcards, and magazines.Evelyns look, this mix of chastity with a side of provocativeness, became known as a Gibson girl. This cultural phenomenon was the creation of illustrator Charles Dana Gibson, who sketched out an idealized, statuesque woman: impossibly elegant, self-assured, with an attitude that said, Im not like other girls. Gibson Girls had a perfectly coiffed bouffant, a tiny waist, and an athletic grace that made them look just as at home horseback riding as they did reclining with a book of poetry. They were perhaps the first, but certainly wouldnt be the last, of women to usher in an airbrushed, never achievable ideal to the masses.Gibson Girl Evelyn, by Gertrude Kasebier, 1900, colorized, Pierre Tourigny. Source: FlickrThe Gibson Girlshe was as much fantasy as reality. She was a strangely progressive figure: athletic, stylish, and sometimes even clever. Yet, she was also draped in all the expectations of contemporary femininity: beautiful, desirable, and unfailingly charming, never giving anyone a real glimpse of the woman behind the bouffant. She wasnt breaking the mold as much as she was stretching itstill confined by the corsets of social expectation, but doing so with a bit more verve.Evelyn, whod survived her fathers death and her first experimental steps in the world of fashion and society, embodied the aesthetic with ease.Evelyn Nesbit, by Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr., 1901. Source: Wikimedia CommonsAt just 16, Evelyn moved to New York City and met Stanford White, who quickly took a rather disturbing liking to her. Known as one of the leading architects of the time, White had an eye for beautiful thingsfurniture, mansions, and apparently, young and impressionable girls. White, well into his 40s by the time he first laid eyes on Evelyn, wasnt a proper suitor. He may have lavished her with gifts, a fancy apartment, and promises concerning her younger brothers education, but he could never have married Evelyn or provided her with any stability. Stanford White was already married and his extracurriculars never impinged upon that respectable facade of a union.When Evelyn took the stand at her husbands trial (he was accused of murdering Stanford White in front of dozens of witnesses), she was 21, but her experiences seemed to have aged her far beyond her years. There was a young womanonce wide-eyed and hopefulrecounting a horrifying betrayal by a man who had been both her earliest benefactor and her predator. Evelyn was the girl with a porcelain face that had graced magazine covers and advertisements across New York. That same face was etched with pain as she spoke in broken phrases, her voice almost lost to the bustling courtroom, as her testimony became part of the record.Newspaper Coverage, White Shooting, 1904. Source: Library of CongressIt was here she was asked to detail her first encounters with Stanford White, who offered to be a mentor to the naive girl and her, perhaps more unforgivably naive, mother. At the time, Evelyn had been new to New Yorkdrawn into Whites world of extravagant parties, luxurious gifts, and high-society glitz. What looked like an opportunity to a family who had suffered in poverty for years had turned into a nightmare.White became possessive, even manipulative, exploiting her youth and innocence. In court, Evelyn recalled her first trip to his infamous studio: I went upstairs, and there I met a man who was introduced to me as Stanford White. I thought him an ugly manAfter supper, we went up two flights of stairs more, and in the room was a large red velvet swing. Mr. White put me in the swing and swung me very hard.As she spoke, a collective gasp spread through the rather upright courtroom. Her account continued to unravel the twisted relationship that developed between them. White had isolated her, and what began as an acquaintance turned into a controlled series of encounters, each one darker than the last. She spoke of a night when White led her to a bedroom, saying, Mr. White poured out just one glass for me, and I paid no attention to it. Mr. White went away, came back, and said: I decorated this room myself. Then he asked me why I was not drinking my champagne, and I said I did not like it; it tasted bitter.Stanford White, 1895. Source: Library of CongressWhat Evelyn described next was more than an assaultit was very likely a crime committed by someone she had trusted. As her voice grew softer, she detailed her fear, her confusion, and the ensuing trauma that left her sleepless, isolated, and silenced by shame. She believed something may have been wrong with her champagne and, upon waking, realized there was blood on her thighs. White, she claimed, laughed at her panic, telling her to keep quiet, even admonishing, The greatest thing in this world was not to get found out.Her testimony shocked the public, revealing the murky depths of New Yorks elite social circles and the ways in which young women like Evelyn were chewed up and spit out. Through her words, the world saw not just a scandal but the devastating impact of exploitation hidden beneath the polished veneer of wealth and privilege.The Enraged SuitorHarry K. Thaw, 1910. Source: PicrylHarry Thaws absolutely bizarre life was a blend of privilege, cruelty, and eccentricity unmatched by any other. Thaw wasnt just rich, he was rich without talent. He had inherited his wealth, indulged every whim, and gotten away with some pretty outrageous behaviors because of his fortune and family name.Despite a pampered childhood, Harry never developed any real purpose or skill. His family, particularly his father, tried to discipline him, but it was too little too late. Thaw was as reckless and unrestrained as could be. By the time he reached adulthood, Thaw was spending his days in a haze of parties, traveling to get away from whatever scandal he had caused, and impulsive spending.Much like White, he had a peculiar obsession with Evelyn Nesbit. It wasnt about love or respect. Thaw saw her more as a prizea beauty he could collect and control, all to spite Stanford White, whom he blamed for being kept out of New Yorks elite mens clubs.Evelyn Nesbit, photographed by Otto Sarony, 1902. Source: Harvard UniversityThaw didnt court Evelyn Nesbit: he hunted her. Known as Mr. Munroe to her, he showered her with flowers, letters, and gifts, yet Evelyn routinely but politely declined his advances. Once he finally arranged a lunch date through intermediaries, he went all in, dropping to his knees in a restaurant, kissing her hem, and declaring she was the prettiest girl in New York. When he revealed himself to be Harry Kendall Thaw of Pittsburgh! he practically expected her to swoon. Evelyn, later noting the over-the-top, theatrical reveal, remarked that Napoleon himself couldnt have done it with more flair.Thaws passion for Evelyn had a dark side. When they were married, he treated her less like a partner and more like a disappointment in female form. His behavior spiraled into physical violence, erratic behavior, and open threats. Thaws hatred of White festered into an obsession that culminated in Thaw shooting White dead at Madison Square Garden, an act of revenge that he saw as chivalric but which the public (rightly) found horrifying. His mother, however, immediately began to spin her sons murderous rage. He was, to her mind, a white knight who had simply been driven to violence to uphold his wifes honor. He was a protector. A gentleman.Thaws Antics, The New York Times, 1917. Source: Wikimedia CommonsYet, to many in New Yorks upper crust, Thaws mental health issues were an open secret. He spent plenty of time in sanatoriums, partly to manage his breakdowns, and partly to stay out of jail after violent outbursts. After Evelyn, he didnt exactly clean up his act. His second marriage proved just as volatile, though less public. For a man who felt deeply wronged, he made it everyone elses problem, yet always with the family money ready to sweep up his messes. And, like most neer-do-wells, he didnt learn. Just a few years after the trial and his court-mandated stint in an asylum, he was indicted for kidnapping and assaulting a young man he reportedly saw as Evelyn-likemarking his twisted obsession and inability to move on.Harry Thaws life was a cautionary tale. His wealth was both a shield and a sword, allowing him to indulge his worst instincts without consequence, while his obsession with Evelyn Nesbit led to a chain of events that echoed through New York society and well beyond.The Dastardly ArchitectMr. Stanford White. Source: Tesla Memorial SocietyStanford White, born in 1853, built much of New Yorks architectural identity. A founding member of the renowned firm McKim, Mead & White, White designed iconic structures, including the original Madison Square Garden and the Washington Square Arch. Behind his respected reputation was a man with a history of using power and wealth to take advantage of young women, a truth known among friends and sometimes publicly hinted atthough rarely spoken about directly. Think of him as the Weinstein of his time. Even Mark Twain, who knew White personally, alluded to his indiscretions in his observations on high societys not-so-secret sins.White married Elizabeth Bessie Springs Smith in 1884 and had one son, Lawrence, but he led a double life in New York City while his wife kept home on a vast country retreat. White avoided young women from his social circle, choosing instead those from less influential backgrounds to prey upon, whom he felt were less likely to resist or report his advances.His disturbing pursuit of teenage model Evelyn Nesbit is merely one such example. He lured Evelyns mother with financial support, assuring her that he would provide Evelyn with a reputable network of friends and career opportunities. Through these arrangements, he gained her mothers trustand secured private time with the young woman under the guise of mentorship.Following his murder in 1906, accusations of misconduct against White continued to surface. Some members of his family even suggested that his behavior created a lasting cycle of troubling attitudes toward women within the family, where sexual abuse became commonplace between the generations. Whites legacy, though widely known for his architectural achievements and love of grandeur, remains shadowed by accounts of his personal choices, revealing the disconcerting power imbalances that often went unquestioned among the wealthy and influential in America.The Players in the TrialNo Verdict Story, The World, 1906. Source: Vancouver SunNew Yorks legal system was not prepared for the media frenzy that followed Thaws arrest. The Thaw-White case saw two dramatic trials, each with its own unique blend of courtroom strategy, high-society scandal, and intense media buzz. In the first trial, Justice Thomas W. Fitzgeraldwhose name was already thickly mired in controversy due to his evasions of creditorspresided over a legal spectacle with all the exhibitionism of a telenovela.Fitzgerald attempted to keep order, but the defenses strategy of claiming temporary insanity relied less on the facts and more on dramatic effect, aiming to portray Harry K. Thaw as a man driven by the forces of the universe to avenge the broken purity of his young wife, Evelyn Nesbit. The defense attorneys were skilled dramatists, but they couldnt sway the jury, leading to a deadlocked verdict and a mistrial.For the second trial, Thaws family reformed his defense team, bringing in Delphin Delmas, the famed Napoleon of the California Bar, to play lead in the new judicial spectacle. This time, the approach centered squarely on proving Thaws legal insanitya strategy that finally succeeded. Delmas portrayed Thaw as a tragic victim of lineage and tortured mental breakdown, skillfully aligning the narrative to fit the courts expectations for an insanity defense.This shift convinced the jury, and Thaw was ultimately released on the grounds of insanity, and sent to Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. There, he lived a life mostly without restraint or inconvenience, although that didnt stop him from absconding at the first possible chance.California attorney Delphin M. Delmas, 1900. Source: The Library of CongressBeyond the courtroom, Thaws family leveraged their wealth to control public opinion, taking advantage of the medias infatuation with the case to reshape Thaws image from a privileged and unstable man to a tortured figure beset by family curses and romantic obsession. Newspapers, social circles, and high society were swept up in a wave of gossip and manipulated storylines, keeping the focus on Thaw as a tragic figure rather than his crime. Even then, money made the world go round.Thus, Thaws case lingered in public memory as a dark tale of money, influence, and the uncanny ability of wealth to shape outcomeseven when the evidence was undeniably murky. It is a story of how glamor and corruption could turn a simple murder case into a national commentary on class inequality.

Australias story stretches back over 60,000 years, beginning with its First Nations peoples and evolving through waves of colonial exploration, gold rushes, wars, and modern nation-building. While major cities reflect this layered past, Queenslands rural towns hold a distinct place in that narrative. From early pastoral settlements and gold discoveries to pivotal infrastructure and immigration landmarks, Queensland captures Australias broader history. Discover ten historic towns in Queensland with unique architecture, museums, and living traditions.1. CooktownCooktown, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsCooktown, perched at the mouth of the Endeavour River in Far North Queensland, is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. In 1770, Captain James Cook beached the HMS Endeavour here for repairs for 48 days. This marked the first extended European stay on Australias east coast. A century later, the Palmer River Gold Rush transformed Cooktown into a bustling port, swelling its population to around 30,000 and making it Queenslands second-largest town at the time.Today, visitors can explore the James Cook Museum, housed in a former 1889 convent, which showcases artifacts from Cooks voyage and the towns gold rush era. The Cooktown History Centre offers interactive displays detailing the regions rich past. For panoramic views, Grassy Hill Lookout provides a vantage point over the town and coastline. Nature enthusiasts can wander through the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, established in 1878, featuring both native and exotic plant species.While stuck there, the ships botanist, Joseph Banks, spoke with the local Guugu Yimithirr people and asked them the name of the big, hopping animal. They said it was a Gangurru, which Banks wrote down as Kangaroo. This was the first Aboriginal word to enter the English language.2. Charters TowersThe Bank of New South Wales building, Charters Towers, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsCharters Towers is located 135 kilometers southwest of Townsville and played a major role in Queenslands gold rush. Gold was discovered there in 1871 by a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy named Jupiter Mosman, and the town quickly developed into one of Australias richest goldfields. By the 1890s, Charters Towers was the second-largest town in Queensland, with its own stock exchange and a strong mining economy.Today, the town retains much of its 19th-century architecture and historic sites. Visitors can tour the Venus Gold Battery, the largest surviving gold processing plant of its kind in Australia. The Stock Exchange Arcade, built in 1888, is another significant site and now houses shops within its restored structure. Towers Hill Lookout offers views over the region, along with displays on mining history and World War II bunkers. The Miners Cottage provides a hands-on look at life during the gold rush.In 1899, Charters Towers goldfield produced a record-breaking 320,000 ounces of gold. This record was only broken in 1990, after the advent of modern mining techniques.3. MaryboroughPost office in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsSituated on the Mary River, Maryborough is one of Queenslands oldest cities, established in 1847. It gained prominence as a major immigration port between 1859 and 1901, welcoming over 22,000 new settlers to Australia.The city boasts a well-preserved heritage precinct featuring 19th-century architecture, including the Maryborough Court House and Customs House. The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum houses over 10,000 artifacts, offering insights into Australias military history. Queens Park, established in the 1860s, features the Gallipoli to Armistice memorial and the Butchulla Warriors Memorial, honoring Indigenous history. The Maryborough Mural Trail showcases over 30 murals depicting the citys rich history.Maryborough is the birthplace of author P.L. Travers, creator of Mary Poppins. Visitors can explore The Story Bank museum, located in her former home, and view the Mary Poppins statue on Richmond Street.4. RavenswoodRavenswood, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsLocated approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Townsville, Ravenswood is a heritage-listed town that offers a vivid glimpse into Queenslands gold rush era. Established in 1868 following the discovery of gold, the town rapidly expanded, boasting a population of nearly 5,000 and over 48 hotels at its peak. Today, Ravenswood stands as a well-preserved testament to its rich mining history.Visitors can explore significant historical sites such as the London North Mine, featuring one of the few remaining timber headframes in North Queensland, and the Ravenswood Court House and Police Station, both dating back to the 1880s. The town also showcases remnants of its mining past, including mullock heaps, old chimneys, and rusting machinery scattered across the landscape. For those interested in natural history, the White Blow Environmental Park offers a striking 300-million-year-old white quartz outcrop.Ravenswood is considered a living ghost town, as its population of 5,000 had plummeted to just 100 during WWI. It now has a population of around 300.5. IpswichOld Ipswich Town Hall and Bank of Australasia, Ipswich, Queensland. Source: Wikimedia CommonsIpswich, just west of the state capital Brisbane, is one of Queenslands oldest cities, with roots tracing back to the early 1800s. Originally a limestone mining settlement, it grew into a vital industrial center and became the birthplace of Queenslands railway network.The citys historic value is most evident in its architecture. With over 6,000 heritage-listed sites, Ipswich is home to colonial-era churches, classic Queenslanders, and public buildings like the old Town Hall and the 1860s courthouse.One of its standout attractions is The Workshops Rail Museum, located on the original North Ipswich Railway Workshops site. It offers hands-on exhibitions inside preserved rail buildings. Queens Park, designed in the 1860s, remains a key landmark, with heritage gardens, animal enclosures, and the Bush Chapel. Nearby, the Soldiers Memorial Hall stands as a tribute to Ipswichs wartime contributions.In the mid-1800s, Ipswich battled with Brisbane to see which would be the states capital. Ipswich argued that its inland location made it less vulnerable to attack, but Brisbane was made the capital in 1859.6. GympieGympie Town Hall seen from Mary Street across the Five Ways roundabout, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOriginally known as Nashville, Gympie was established following the discovery of gold by James Nash in 1867, a find that played a pivotal role in rescuing Queensland from financial hardship. The name was later changed to Gympie, derived from the Aboriginal word gimpi-gimpi, referring to the stinging tree native to the area.Gympie honors its rich heritage through various attractions. The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum offers insights into the citys gold rush era, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that depict the life and times of early settlers. Another notable attraction is the Mary Valley Rattler, a heritage steam train that provides scenic journeys through the picturesque Mary Valley, reflecting the regions historical connection to rail transport.Visitors can also explore the citys architectural legacy along Mary Street, where restored buildings from the 19th century house modern cafes and shops, blending the old with the new. Additionally, the Gympie Regional Gallery, situated in the historic School of Arts building, showcases local art and cultural exhibitions, further enriching the citys vibrant community.Just outside of Gympie is a terraced hill known as the Gympie pyramid, which is considered an archaeological controversy. Some have claimed that it was built by the ancient Egyptians or Mayans, who came to Australia to mine gold. It was actually terraced in the 1880s by Italian immigrants to plant grape vines.7. WarwickWarwick Town Hall, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsWarwick Town Hall, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]Established in the mid-19th century, Warwick became a prominent center for sheep breeding and agriculture in the Darling Downs region. The citys heritage is evident in its well-preserved sandstone buildings, such as the Warwick Town Hall and St Marys Catholic Church, reflecting its colonial past.Warwick is renowned as the Rose and Rodeo City, hosting the annual Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft, one of Australias most famous rodeo events. The city also celebrates the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, blending art, music, and community spirit.Visitors can explore the Pringle Cottage Museum, showcasing local history, or enjoy outdoor activities at Leslie Dam, a popular spot for fishing and water sports.In 1917, Prime Minister Billy Hughes was at the Warwick Railway Station when someone threw an egg that knocked off his hat. Hughes demanded that the local police arrest him, but they responded that he had no jurisdiction there. In response, he created the Australian Federal Police.8. HerbertonView of Herberton, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsHerberton, nestled in Queenslands Atherton Tablelands, stands as a testament to Australias tin mining heritage. Established in 1880 following the discovery of tin by prospectors Jack and Newell, the town rapidly evolved into a bustling mining hub, attracting a diverse population seeking fortune.Herberton offers visitors a unique glimpse into its rich past. The Historic Village Herberton spans 16 acres and features over 50 restored period buildings, including a school, bank, and chemist, all furnished with authentic artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.Adjacent to the village, the Herberton Mining Museum provides insights into the towns mining legacy, showcasing equipment and stories from its tin-rich days. Rail enthusiasts can experience the Atherton Herberton Historic Railway, where restored steam locomotives traverse the scenic landscapes, echoing the journeys of yesteryears.Herberton is also home to the Wild River Mountain Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits influenced by the cool, high-altitude climate of the Tablelands.9. KilkivanSign welcoming visitors to Kilkivan, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOriginally inhabited by the Wakka Wakka people, European settlers arrived here in the 1840s. In 1852, Kilkivan became the site of Queenslands first gold discovery, sparking a rush that shaped the regions development.Kilkivan honors its heritage through several attractions. The Kilkivan Shire Museum offers insights into the towns past, featuring exhibits on mining, agriculture, and local life. Nearby, the Mount Clara smelter stands as a testament to the areas copper mining history. Built in 1873, its one of Queenslands oldest surviving mining industry chimneys.For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail provides an 88-kilometer path for walking, cycling, and horse riding, following the old railway line through scenic landscapes. Additionally, the annual Great Kilkivan Horse Ride celebrates the towns equestrian culture, drawing riders from across the country.Grazier John Daniel McTaggart kept the discovery of gold in Kilkivan secret for 15 years to prevent his land from being overrun by diggers. When the secret got out, 12,000 miners arrived in 1868.10. GayndahCourthouse at Gayndah, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia CommonsNestled along the Burnett River in Queensland, Gayndah holds the distinction of being the states oldest gazetted town, officially established in 1852. Initially a pastoral hub, it evolved into a center for citrus production, earning the title Citrus Capital of Queensland.The towns heritage is showcased in its well-preserved architecture. The Gayndah Shire Hall, built in 1935, exemplifies Art Deco design and serves as a reminder of the towns civic history. Mellors Drapery Store, operating since 1922, still uses a rare flying fox cash system, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century retail practices.Gayndahs cultural events reflect its community spirit. The biennial Orange Festival celebrates the citrus harvest with parades and local produce. For panoramic views of the town and surrounding orchards, visitors can ascend McConnell Lookout.In 1872, a group of locals invented a fish to play a prank on a visiting scientist. They took the head of a lungfish, the tail of an eel, and the body of a mullet, and served it to him. The scientist was so impressed, he wrote a paper on it, naming it Ompax spatuloides. It remained in scientific books for nearly 60 years.Discover Queenslands 20 Largest Towns and CitiesBrisbane2,700,000+1824Gold Coast660,000+1874Sunshine Coast365,000+1891Townsville185,000+1864Cairns160,000+1876Toowoomba145,000+1849Ipswich115,000+1827Mackay85,000+1862Rockhampton82,000+1858Hervey Bay62,000+1870Bundaberg55,000+1867Gladstone36,000+1853Maryborough24,000+1847Mount Isa19,000+1923Gympie18,500+1867Yeppoon18,200+1868Warwick15,800+1847Emerald14,500+1877Dalby12,500+1841Bargara11,200+1912

A consistent image of the Old West portrayed in movies, media, and TV shows usually involves the Saloonthe local bar with various patronscowboys, gamblers, women in corsets drinking whiskey or beer, and passing through swinging doors. But is this depiction actually true to life?Where Did the Very First Old West Saloon Open?Browns Saloon in Browns Hole, Wyoming, established in 1822. Source: 1st DibsThe first Western saloon is generally held to be Browns Saloon in Browns Hole, Wyoming, established in 1822. It catered to fur trappers who frequented the local trading fort near the Green River. As western expansion continued, similar saloons were built in nearly every western town. Usually, the saloons served some form of homemade whiskey made from ingredients at handtobacco, sugar, corn, or anything that could feasibly be used as an ingredient.What Was the Shocking Reality of Culture Inside Frontier Saloons?Alhambra Saloon in Tombstone. C.S. Fly, 1880. Source: Wikimedia CommonsSaloon culture varied, but often most vices were tolerated to a degree. Respectable women were not allowed inside saloons (which was a factor in the prohibition movement of the early 1900s, primarily led by women). Saloons were also generally a whites-only environment, excluding Indians and Oriental people particularly. Black men could occasionally enter depending on their level of respect. Privacy was also a custom, as questions about personal business were looked down upon. Gambling, drinking, carousing, and all the other activities commonly seen in movies were generally true of the saloon environment. An honor system also persisted regarding paying for drinks, offering drinks, and refusing drinks, even from total strangers.Sweetwater Saloon in the Old West. Source: University of North TexasSaloons also served as a meeting place within the town. As a sort of neutral ground, the saloon offered a place for parties to meet to discuss business and served as a place for just about any social gathering.Why the Most Famous Lawmen and Outlaws Owned Western SaloonsWyatt Earps Saloon, The Northern. Source: Western Mining HistorySeveral of the Old Wests most famous figures were also saloon owners at one point or another. Wyatt Earp owned or worked in saloons in Idaho, California, Alaska, Kansas, and most famously the Oriental Saloon in Tombstone, Arizona. Judge Roy Bean had a combination Saloon and courthouse on the Rio Grande River in Val Verde County, Texas, where he required jurors to purchase drinks when court was in recess. Other notable saloon owners were Wild Bill Hickock, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday. It seems just about every famous figure in the Old West had some sort of saloon interest.Why Poker Was Not the Most Popular Gambling Game in the Wild WestA faro game in Orient Saloon at Bisbee, Arizona. Source: National Archives / Wikimedia CommonsFive-card draw poker is the most popularized gambling game in most westerns, but faro, a card game with French origins, was the more popular game in saloons. Poker was common, and the most famous handtwo aces and two eights, the dead mans handwas held by Wild Bill Hickok when he was shot in Deadwood, South Dakota, during a poker game. Dice games and other card games were common, as were gunfights and brawls over such games.What Finally Caused the Sudden Downfall of the Old West Saloon?Image source: Wild West WallpapersAs westward expansion continued, the West became more civilized, and the saloon culture began to slowly fade for several reasons. When mining became unprofitable for various reasons, or when the railroads bypassed certain towns, the clientele waned. The prohibition movement of the late 1800s also caused a major decline in saloons, and many closed by the early 1900s. Continuing social pressures regarding morality also reduced patronage. When prohibition was repealed, the Old West was donethe railroads stretched from coast to coast, the automobile was taking over as a means of transportation, and the Old West towns with their saloons had become a thing of the past, later to be romanticized in books and film a generation later.

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If you're quick, you can pick up id Software's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for its lowest price yet on Fanatical. The game hasn't been given any deep discounts since its release 18 months ago, but it's half price now if you're yet to play it. The game is among the best single-player games of the last couple of years, and will hopefully be the start of a new Indiana Jones gaming series.