This educational video contains extremely rare film footage and interviews of people who were alive during the 1800's and lived on the American Frontier or Fought in the American Civil War. The interviews contained in this video offer a rare glimpse into the lives, culture and world view of individuals who were adults during the nineteenth century (1800's). These videos are part of the public domain and a valuable piece of America's cultural heritage.

Sioux Warriors - The first clip is of Sioux Indians (Lakota) performing the Buffalo Dance and the second clip is of Sioux Indians performing the Ghost Dance. Both of these ancient rituals were filmed in 1894 and are the only existing film of Native Americans performing ceremonial dances in the 1800's. The original film was a silent motion picture, the music has been added.

Confederate Veteran's - During the early part of the 20th century, Confederate Veterans were celebrated around the former Confederate States of America (CSA) at various parades and events. This is one such celebration, where these old veteran's of the American Civil war are being encouraged to perform the old "Rebel Yell".

Pony Express Rider - The man in this interview was named Richard Clarke and he lived from 1845-1930 and died shortly after being interviewed. I want to acknowledge and thank a youtuber named Life in the 1800's, who did a great job cleaning up this old film for educational purposes. A link to his channel is down below. The style of shooting he is demonstrating was referred to as "fanning". The pony express was a short lived experiment to provide mail service to rural parts of America, especially in the great American West. The mail was delivered by carriers on horseback, who travelled long distances very quickly and faced grave peril on their journeys. Indian attacks at different times were a serious threat for these brave men.

Old Famer - I do not know much about this man, other than he lived and farmed throughout much of the 19th century (1800's) in the Catskill Mountain region of New York. He was born in 1843, so I imagine at the time of this interview he is around 80-90 years old. I find it interesting that he used to watch sailing boats come up and down the river and now these had been replaced by "modern" steam vessels. He seems to miss the old sailing boats very much. I am impressed with his wit and vigor, even though he is of an advanced age.

Former Slave Owner - Her name was Rebecca Latimer, sometimes known as Rebecca Latimer Felton and she was born in 1835. This interview took place in 1929, one year prior to her death in 1930. Ms. Felton was alive during the American Civil War and at one time was a Slave Owner in the state of Georgia, prior to the war ending and slavery being abolished. Ms. Felton was 94 years old during this interview and shows great spirit and vitality for her advanced age.

Buffalo Bill Cody - This is a clip of Buffalo Bill demonstrating how American Indian Sign Language works with an Indian named Iron Tail. Buffalo Bill Cody lived from 1846-1917 and Iron Tail lived from 1842-1916. Iron Tail was a famous Sioux Indian Chief and the image of the Buffalo Nickel is based upon his profile. Indian sign language was used by the American Indians out west to communicate with each other, since most tribes spoke different languages. The early explorers and frontier men like Buffalo Bill quickly learned this form of sign language so they could speak and trade with the Indians. This silent film was probably shot at one of Buffalo Bills Wild West shows in the early 1900's.

Here is a link to the Smithsonian Institute where you can find many more of these old vintage films;
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Here is a link to the University of South Carolina's website where you can also find many more of these old "Moving Image" type films;
https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_...

Here is a link to a great youtube channel that features many of these old type films; https://youtube.com/@Lifeinthe1800s?s...