The cowboys
The cowboy is a famous figure of the Wild West with the outlaw (like Billy the Kid) or the bison hunter (like Buffalo Bill). At that time, his work included riding around the ranch and taking care of the cattle. He also had to drive the cows for several days to cow towns and the nearest railway stations to sell them. Before leaving, the cowboys used to organize roundups: they brought together the scattered cattle, sorted, roped and marked the young calves.
The 'Stetson' hat and blue jeans are also associated with cowboys. During the Gold Rush, American gold miners and western emigrants wanted clothes which were strong and did not tear easily. Levi Strauss who was a merchant of German origin, started a business supplying denim trousers. The word "denim" was said to come from the name of a French material from the city of Nimes. According to many people the word "jeans" came from "bleu de Gênes".
