R.J. Gillilan Desert Dust Research Collection, 2016-2020
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Gillilan, R.J.
- Title
- R.J. Gillilan Desert Dust Research Collection
- Dates
- 2016-2020 (inclusive)Date of CollectionDate of Collection
- Quantity
- 1.00 cubic ft. (1 box) + 237 MB
- Collection Number
- 12638
- Summary
- R.J. “Gill” Gillilan was from Carbon County, Wyoming and did extensive research on the wild horse, Desert Dust. Collection contains the research files of Gillilan regarding the famous photograph of Desert Dust, the wild horse that was captured in the Red Desert west of Rawlins in 1945.
- Repository
-
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
-
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
R.J. “Gill” Gillilan was raised in Carbon County and graduated from Rawlins High School. He attended Casper College, the University of Wyoming, and the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. He became interested in the story of Desert Dust after receiving a photograph of this wild horse. Gillilan researched the Desert Dust story for more than a decade.
Content Description
Collection contains two research binders titled “Investigating the Desert Dust Legend” volumes 1-2 and a research CD. Gillilan’s research includes personal interview notes, published book: "Desert Dust" by Paul W. Papa and R.J. "Gill" Gillilan, copies of photographs, copied materials from newspapers, magazines, websites, and other sources regarding Desert Dust, the wild horse that was captured in the Red Desert west of Rawlins in 1945; Frank Robbins, the cowboy who captured Desert Dust; Verne Wood, the photographer from Rawlins who took images of Desert Dust; and information about the 1946 film, "Fight of the Wild Stallions," that features Desert Dust and Frank “Wild Horse” Robbins.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in CollectionsThe American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.
Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Related Materials
There are no known other archival collections created by R.J. "Gill" Gillilan at the date of processing.
Acquisition Information
This material was received from Richard J. Gillilan from 2016-2020.
Processing Note
The collection was processed by Jamie J. Greene in June 2016 and updated in May 2022.
Detailed Description of the Collection
-
Description: Book: "Desert Dust" by Paul W. Papa and R.J. "Gill" GillilanDates: 2020Container: Box 1
-
Description: "Investigating the Desert Dust Legend," Volume 1 and 2, by R. J. "Gill" GillianDates: 2016Container: Box 1
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Description: Desert Dust research documents compiled by RJ 'Gill' Gillilan (contains articles and photographs)Dates: February 2016Container: Digital, Folder ahcdm_12638_001
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Horses
Geographical Names
- Carbon County (Wyo.)
- Rawlins (Wyo.)
- Red Desert Basin (Wyo.)
- Wyoming -- History -- 1919-1945
- Wyoming -- History -- 1946-1999
