History, Arts and Culture

The American West has a rich and complex history. Through our work with scholars of history, anthropology and the arts, we strive to study the unique culture of the West and highlight the contributions Western artists have made to literary, visual and performing arts.

ArtsWest

ArtsWest is an initiative that seeks to highlight classic and contemporary works of literature, film, photography and visual art from Western artists and writers.

Chinese Railroad Workers

The Center cosponsors a project endeavoring to uncover the stories of thousands of Chinese migrants who worked to complete the transcontinental railroad between 1865 and 1869.

Transcontinental Railroad 150th Anniversary

Throughout the spring of 2019, the Center and its partners commemorated the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Point, Utah, in 1869.

Liberty Ship scaler

World War II and the West

Few episodes in United States history were more transformative than World War II, and in no region did it bring greater change than in the West. 

Back to Top