One common element is the idea of an unfinished business. For example, like the gunslinger seeking revenge for his unjust death. Another is the desolate settings such as abandoned mines or lonely trails. These places add to the spooky atmosphere.
There are many 'old west campfire ghost stories'. For instance, the story of the phantom stagecoach. Travelers on certain routes at night might see a stagecoach racing by, but when they listen closely, there are no hoofbeats or voices. It's believed to be a remnant of a stagecoach that was attacked by bandits long ago and all on board perished. And then there's the story of the ghostly rancher. A rancher who lost his land and family in a feud was said to haunt his former property. People would sometimes see a figure on horseback, looking over the now - dilapidated ranch buildings.
One famous old west ghost story is about the ghost of a gunslinger. Legend has it that he was killed unjustly in a saloon brawl. People say that on moonlit nights, you can see his shadowy figure still wandering the dusty streets of the old town, looking for his killer. His boots make a distinct clicking sound as he walks, sending chills down the spines of those who claim to have heard it.
The story of the cursed canyon is quite terrifying. It was said that a Native American tribe put a curse on a canyon after being wronged by settlers. Any who entered at night would see the ghosts of the slain tribe members and hear their cries for vengeance. It was enough to make even the bravest cowboys avoid that place.
Jesse James was also very famous. He led a gang of outlaws and they carried out numerous bank and train robberies. His story was a complex one, with some seeing him as a hero fighting against the big banks and railroads, while others saw him simply as a criminal. His daring raids and narrow escapes made him a popular figure in old west gunfighter lore.
One of the best old west stories is about the Earp brothers in Tombstone. Wyatt Earp, along with his brothers Virgil and Morgan, were involved in the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It was a clash between the lawmen and a group of outlaws. Their actions in upholding the law in a wild and lawless town became legendary.
It really depends on the specific ghost stories. Some can be centuries old, passed down through generations. Others might be relatively new, created in recent times.
Yes, there might be. One could be a story about a haunted inn. Guests staying there have reported seeing a woman in a white dress walking the hallways at night. It's said she was a bride who died on her wedding day in that very inn many years ago.
A common theme is the struggle between good and evil. You often have the law - abiding citizens like sheriffs fighting against outlaws. Another theme is the search for wealth, like prospecting for gold.
One characteristic is the tough environment. In old west love stories, the harsh landscape and difficult living conditions often test the love between characters. For example, in many stories, the couple has to face droughts or attacks from outlaws together.