Author Mark Johnson to Discuss Cowboy Soldiers: The History of the Wyoming National Guard at Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Nov. 2, 2026 – The Wyoming State Archives will host author Mark Johnson for a talk and book signing on his new book, Cowboy Soldiers: The History of the Wyoming National Guard, on Thursday, Nov. 12, as part of its monthly Speaker Series. The event is free and open to the public, both in person and online. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

The Wyoming National Guard is 20 years older than the state it serves, yet for more than a century and a half its history remained scattered and incomplete. Drawing on sources from across Wyoming and the National Archives, Johnson’s Cowboy Soldiers traces the Guard’s first 75 years, from its territorial militia roots in the late 19th century to its emergence as a dependable part of the state and federal defense establishment in the first half of the 20th century. Richly illustrated and thoroughly researched, the book tells the story of the Wyoming residents who served during the Guard’s formative years.

In his presentation, Johnson will discuss the Guard’s formation in 1888, its role in the Johnson County War, George Ostrom's World War I artwork, and the experiences of Wyoming soldiers who served overseas in the Spanish-American War and both World Wars.

Event Details

• What: Mark Johnson presents Cowboy Soldiers: The History of the Wyoming National Guard
• When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. MST
• Where: Wyoming State Museum Classroom, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne
• Online: Free virtual attendance with advance registration at wyomingstatearchives.eventbrite.com
• Cost: Free and open to the public

About the Presenter
Mark Johnson served 31 years in the U.S. Army at posts across the United States and overseas in Germany, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. He later worked as a U.S. Army historian at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and taught history as an adjunct professor at the University of Wyoming. He is currently a contract historian for the Wyoming Military Department and has served as a teacher and administrator at Natrona County High School in Casper since 2016.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a master’s degree in history from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in American history from the University at Albany. His honors include the Federal Managers Association’s Professional Writing Award, a military history research fellowship from the General Omar N. Bradley Foundation, and a Distinguished Dissertation Award from the State University of New York. He has also been named a finalist for the Army Historical Foundation’s Distinguished Writing Award.

About the Wyoming State Archives
Held on the second Thursday of each month, the Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series highlights the state's rich and diverse history. The Archives collects and preserves public records and historic materials that document Wyoming's government and people. 

The venue is fully accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines. You can request special assistance directly from the State Archivist.