How it Began – Our History
(Image: Kathy Weiser, 2004)
The story of how Legends of America came to be is a tale of serendipity, passion, and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit. It begins not with a grand plan, but with a small, heartfelt project fueled by a deep love for history and the captivating landscapes of the American West. This is the story of Kathy Weiser and the genesis of a website that would eventually connect with millions, sharing the rich tapestry of American history, one legend at a time.
The seeds of what would become How it Began – Our History were sown in the early 2000s. Kathy, then immersed in the corporate world, harbored a secret passion: the vibrant history of the Moreno Valley in New Mexico. This area, nestled high in the mountains, held a special place in her heart. She had spent her summers there, enveloped by the stories whispered by the wind through the pines and the echoes of miners past in an old cabin in Idlewild.
Kathy’s initial ambition was to immortalize the history of Moreno Valley in a book. However, fate, or perhaps simply timing, intervened. Another author had already chronicled the valley’s narrative. Undeterred, Kathy, encouraged by friends in the publishing industry, turned to a new medium: the internet. She envisioned a website, a digital canvas where she could paint vivid pictures of the past, sharing the stories that resonated so deeply within her.
In 2002, "High Country Legends" was born. Hosted on Yahoo, this humble website was a testament to Kathy’s dedication. Despite having no prior knowledge of web design or even a basic understanding of internet protocols, she dove in headfirst, driven by her enthusiasm. She wrote about the places she knew and loved, meticulously researching and crafting narratives that breathed life into the historical events of the Moreno Valley.
However, Kathy soon discovered that the stories of Moreno Valley were not isolated incidents. Each narrative was interwoven with broader threads of American history, leading her down unexpected paths and uncovering connections to other regions and events. She found herself at a crossroads: should she confine herself to the geographical boundaries of "High Country Legends," or should she expand her horizons and embrace the wider scope of American history?
This dilemma reached its peak one Friday night, sitting at her future husband’s kitchen table. The conversation centered around the limitations of the "High Country Legends" name. It was clear that with the expanding scope of her writing, a new identity was needed. Brainstorming ensued, with suggestions ranging from "Rocky Mountain Adventures" (a nod to her burgeoning side hobby, the Rocky Mountain General Store) to more generic titles like "Old Timer Tales" and "American History Treasures." Even the playful "Dusty Roads" was thrown into the mix.
But it was Kathy herself who, seemingly effortlessly, uttered the name that would define her future: "Legends Of America." The name resonated instantly, capturing the grand scope of her vision. While her companion offered a pragmatic counterpoint, questioning the ambitiousness of the name considering her demanding full-time job, Kathy’s creative spirit was already soaring. She immediately checked the availability of the domain name, and on June 27, 2003, How it Began – Our History became a reality as Kathy secured LegendsOfAmerica.com.
The following year and a half was a whirlwind of activity. While Kathy continued to explore her passion, her future husband began to recognize the depth of her commitment and the potential of her project. When Kathy faced a pivotal moment in her career, contemplating leaving her corporate job and potentially relocating, he seized the opportunity. He encouraged her to pursue her writing full-time, offering his support and partnership.
This decision marked a turning point. Kathy embraced her role as Owner/Editor of Legends of America, embarking on a journey filled with adventure, learning, and the unwavering pursuit of her passion. It was a decision that would transform both their lives, leading them down a path they wouldn’t trade for anything.
The growth of Legends of America wasn’t solely the result of hard work and dedication. The website received several significant boosts along the way. Yahoo recognized its value by naming it their "Pick of the Day" in August 2004, a time when such recognition carried considerable weight. The Scout Report featured Legends of America in September of the same year, and Worldstart lauded it as "Cool Site of the Day" in January 2005. These accolades, along with other positive reviews and mentions, helped to spread the word and attract a wider audience.
As Legends of America steadily gained traction, a remarkable shift occurred. Kathy’s passion project evolved into a viable business, eventually enabling her to support her partner and free him from his own corporate obligations in 2009. He acknowledges the wisdom of her ignoring his initial skepticism and following her heart, a heart filled with a deep love for history. This shared love became the foundation of their partnership, both personal and professional.
Over the past decade, Legends of America has flourished, attracting over 51 million visitors who have viewed its pages over 126 million times. Each visit is a testament to the enduring appeal of American history and the power of sharing these stories with the world. Each click represents support for their mission to make American history accessible to the masses. The creators of Legends of America express their sincere gratitude to their readers, recognizing that their support is the driving force behind their continued success. They look forward to continuing to share the stories of America and are optimistic about the future. The website How it Began – Our History shows their love and dedication to the American History.
How it Began – Our History is more than just a website; it’s a testament to the power of passion, the importance of preserving history, and the enduring spirit of the American West. It’s a story of how a small, personal project can blossom into something extraordinary, connecting people across the globe through a shared love of history and the captivating legends of America.
Dave Alexander, updated July 2023.