The Great Code of the West and a Giveaway!

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We’re said it or heard it at some point. “It’s the code of the West!”

The Code of the West was like a sacred law, passed down through generations of rugged cowboys. It was never written down, but it was understood and followed by all who called themselves true cowboys. Here is a “loose” list of some of the unspoken guidelines that governed their way of life.

A man’s past was not to be questioned or judged. He was to be taken as he was in the present, his character measured by his actions and words.
No crime was greater than stealing another man’s horse. This offense would be met with swift justice, often resulting in death for the culprit.

In a land where danger could strike at any moment, defending oneself was necessary for survival.
Self-sufficiency and independence were highly valued traits among cowboys. They looked out for their own needs and didn’t rely on others for help.

Etiquette even extended to the dining table – guns were to be removed before sitting down, ensuring a peaceful meal.
Whiskey was the drink of choice, and anything weaker would not be accepted by a true cowboy.

Threats were not made lightly, as they could lead to severe consequences.
When passing another person on the trail, it was customary to greet them with a friendly “Howdy.”

To avoid startling someone from behind, a loud greeting should be given before getting within shooting range. And it was considered rude to wave at someone on horseback, so a simple nod sufficed as a proper greeting.

Looking back at someone after passing them implied mistrust. A cowboy’s word was his bond, and trustworthiness was highly prized.

Borrowing another man’s horse without permission was almost as bad as betraying him with his wife – something no honorable cowboy would ever do.

In true cowboy fashion, whiskey glasses were always filled to the brim – leaving no room for timidity or hesitation.
Cowboys were known for their stoic nature, reserving their breath for breathing rather than idle chatter.

But despite their tough exterior, cowboys had a code of conduct to uphold. They were always considerate and tended to their horse’s needs before their own.
Strong language was tolerated among men, but never in the presence of women, horses, or cows. And if someone complained about the cooking, they would often find themselves taking over those duties.
When drinking whiskey, it was customary to hold the glass in one’s gun hand as a sign of friendship and good intentions.

Ingratitude was not tolerated among cowboys – they understood the value of loyalty and appreciation for others.

Even when things weren’t going well, a cowboy remained pleasant and forbearing. Complaining was seen as a weakness, and quitters were despised.

Courage was a necessary trait for life on the frontier. There was no room for cowardice in any outfit worth its salt.

A true cowboy was always willing to lend a helping hand, even to strangers or enemies.

Hats were personal property and should never be tried on without permission.
Hospitality was extended to all who crossed their path, regardless of past feuds or differences. Strangers were always welcome at the dinner table, just as riders were welcomed into cowboy camps.

Giving an opponent a fair chance in a fight was integral to the code. It was known as “the rattlesnake code” – always give warning before striking. However, if someone was being stalked or ambushed, this rule could be overlooked.

Women were to be treated with respect at all times – violence against them was strictly forbidden.

Consideration for others extended to all aspects of life on the range – from avoiding stirring up dust near the chuckwagon to not waking the wrong man for herd duty.

The land and environment were held in high regard by cowboys, who respected nature by not smoking in hazardous areas and preserving its natural beauty.

Honesty was paramount, and a cowboy’s word was his bond. A handshake was more binding than any written contract.

And perhaps most importantly, cowboys lived by the Golden Rule – treating others as they would want to be treated themselves. This code of conduct not only governed their actions but also defined the very essence of what it meant to be a cowboy in the American West.

Have you heard of any other Codes of the West? What are some you’re most familiar with? I’m giving away one e-book of mine of choice to one lucky commenter!

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USA Today bestselling author Kit Morgan is the author of over 180 books of historical and contemporary western romance! Her stories are fun, sweet stories full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mayhem! Kit creates her stories in her little log cabin in the woods in the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader and knitter, when not writing, she can be found with either a book or a pair of knitting needles in her hands! Oh, and the occasional smidge of chocolate!

39 thoughts on “The Great Code of the West and a Giveaway!”

  1. That’s a great list of the Code of the West which incorporates a lot of the Cowboy Code. I know that guns weren’t supposed to be brought into places of worship. And a hat should never be placed on a table.

  5. I cannot think of any other codes. I am most familiar with the ones involving hospitality, the horse, and treatment of women.

  6. I can’t say I have heard of most of these codes, although, if movies can be believed, I have seen many of those you mentioned in action. Women were not handled very gently by lots of men, from what I have heard. They were the weaker sex and not able to perform most tasks, unless it was cooking and making beds. Women were and are lots stronger and perseverant than men. No offense intended, just the truth.

  7. When you make a promise keep it. Ride for the brand. Your in employee is who you work for and should defend. Some things are not for sale.

  8. Never mistreat a horse or a dog and never leave a man behind who was injured, lost, stranded, or in trouble.

  11. My dad was a cowboy, and one of his codes was that you always take the time to teach people who want to learn, especially kids. He freely shared his knowledge about horses, cattle, repairs, and anything else, with anyone who needed to know, and he would take the time to show them how to do it if they didn’t understand. I’ll never forget starting a new job, and one of my coworkers, when she found out who my dad was, told me that he taught her how to rake hay, after she had been told to do it and didn’t have a clue what she was doing. She said he was so patient and kind, and she had always been grateful to him, even though she hadn’t seen him in years.

  12. From books I have read they were to always wait to be asked before getting off their horse when riding into a camp or homestead. Also they called out, before riding into a campsite, so they would not be shot at.

  14. Too bad today’s world isn’t the same and living by codes, handshakes and “my word”.

  20. That is a very complete list. It tells a lot about the culture of the West, even today. Helping those who need help and not leaving someone behind come to mind. Of course there were those who didn’t follow the code and took advantage of it to cheat or harm others. In general, the world would be so much better off is most of these “rules” were followed today. It would certainly be more pleasant.

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