When depicting a setting pulled straight from history, it’s important for an actor to do their research. The American West has long been a touchstone of American culture. Let’s be honest: When people in other countries think of Americans, they’re likely picturing a cowboy.

As Americans, we don’t take issue with that image. Cowboys are bold and brave, drawn to freedom and wide-open spaces.

We can appreciate that lifestyle, and while television and film aren’t always known for historical accuracy, we can still enjoy their depictions of the West, romanticized as they may be.

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For actor Ward Bond, doing his homework was part of the job. So when he was cast as Wagon Master Major Seth Adams on Wagon Train, he took the same approach.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Mirror, Bond revealed that he had researched the real-life responsibilities of his fictional character.

"I guess you could say I'm my own technical adviser on Wagon Train," Bond said. "I read a lot of Western stuff myself and the job of wagonmaster is historically true. Settlers heading west were usually organized into trains of fifty wagons or more. It afforded more protection. Then they paid a guide and wagonmaster to lead them."

Bond’s preparation went beyond research. He had been riding horses since he was young, giving him firsthand experience with one of the defining skills of the Western genre.

And with years in the saddle, he wasn’t easily impressed by actors who looked the part but lacked the skills to back it up.

"Some of these guys look like I would look flying a B-36. I saw one on TV who mounted like an old woman," Bond said.