Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
While the British colonies marched toward independence in 1776, what was happening 2,000 miles to the west?
Wyoming PBS joins the America 250 observances with Before Wyoming: The West In 1776, a new documentary from a collaboration between Caldera Productions, Wyoming Humanities, and Wyoming PBS. In this episode of "Wyoming Chronicle," host Steve Peck and filmmaker Geoff O'Gara preview the film’s look at a multicultural world that thrived long before European settlement.
From Spanish horses in the Red Desert to the oral traditions of the Wind River Indian Reservation, discover the vibrant history of a West that was already centuries old in 1776.
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With Wyoming PBS content, you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you’re seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
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Chapter Markers
0:00 - Wyoming’s place in America 250
1:30 - Introducing the documentary "Before Wyoming"
2:50 - "Parts Unknown": Mapping the West in 1775
4:25 - The methodology of historical filmmaking
5:30 - Archaeological discoveries: Vore Buffalo Jump
6:45 - Beyond Wyoming: The movements of tribes
7:30 - The mystery of the blue bead and trade networks
8:55 - DNA testing and the first horses of the West
9:50 - Oral histories: "We have history too"
12:15 - A documentary sleight of hand
13:50 - Filming on the Wind River Reservation
15:45 - Revisions: How history changes
17:15 - Preserving the voices of elders
19:15 - Funding the humanities in Wyoming
22:45 - The deep dive: Collaborating with historians
24:50 - Future projects: Expanding the story of the West
While the British colonies marched toward independence in 1776, what was happening 2,000 miles to the west?
Wyoming PBS joins the America 250 observances with Before Wyoming: The West In 1776, a new documentary from a collaboration between Caldera Productions, Wyoming Humanities, and Wyoming PBS. In this episode of "Wyoming Chronicle," host Steve Peck and filmmaker Geoff O'Gara preview the film’s look at a multicultural world that thrived long before European settlement.
From Spanish horses in the Red Desert to the oral traditions of the Wind River Indian Reservation, discover the vibrant history of a West that was already centuries old in 1776.
...
With Wyoming PBS content, you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you’re seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Wyoming’s place in America 250
1:30 - Introducing the documentary "Before Wyoming"
2:50 - "Parts Unknown": Mapping the West in 1775
4:25 - The methodology of historical filmmaking
5:30 - Archaeological discoveries: Vore Buffalo Jump
6:45 - Beyond Wyoming: The movements of tribes
7:30 - The mystery of the blue bead and trade networks
8:55 - DNA testing and the first horses of the West
9:50 - Oral histories: "We have history too"
12:15 - A documentary sleight of hand
13:50 - Filming on the Wind River Reservation
15:45 - Revisions: How history changes
17:15 - Preserving the voices of elders
19:15 - Funding the humanities in Wyoming
22:45 - The deep dive: Collaborating with historians
24:50 - Future projects: Expanding the story of the West
