The story of Legends Of America is one born from a deep-seated passion for American history and a serendipitous journey from a corporate cubicle to a full-time pursuit of preserving the past. What began as a modest online hobby quickly blossomed into a comprehensive resource, transforming into the beloved platform known today as Legends Of America. This endeavor, dedicated to chronicling the diverse and captivating narratives that shape the United States, stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders.
At the heart of Legends Of America lies the entrepreneurial spirit and historical enthusiasm of Kathy Weiser. Her initial foray into web publishing started in 2002 with a Yahoo-hosted site called High Country Legends. This nascent project was a labor of love, specifically dedicated to the rich historical tapestry of the Moreno Valley area in New Mexico. Kathy’s profound connection to this region stemmed from cherished childhood summers spent with her grandparents in an old miner’s cabin in Idlewild, igniting a lifelong fascination with its past. Originally, she harbored ambitions of writing a book about Moreno Valley, but fate, in the form of a fellow author, prompted a change in direction.
From Local Lore to National Narratives
Encouraged by friends in the publishing world, Kathy pivoted her ambition from a book to a website. Despite her self-proclaimed lack of technical expertise in web design—she humorously recalls not even knowing what an IP address was—Kathy dove headfirst into the digital realm. She began diligently writing about the historical places she had explored as a child in the Moreno Valley. However, as her research deepened, Kathy discovered an inescapable truth: each local story often intertwined with broader historical events and connections that stretched far beyond the confines of the valley.
This revelation presented a significant quandary. Should she confine High Country Legends to its original, localized scope, or embark on a new, more expansive venture that could accommodate her burgeoning interest in wider American history? The answer became clear during a pivotal conversation in February 2003 with Dave Alexander, who would later become her husband and business partner. It was evident that the name High Country Legends could no longer encompass the ambitious scope of her writings.
The Birth of a Vision: LegendsOfAmerica.com
The quest for a new name was a collaborative, if sometimes comically mismatched, effort. Dave, with his more pragmatic approach, offered suggestions like “Rocky Mountain Adventures,” drawing parallels to Kathy’s other sideline, the Rocky Mountain General Store (now the Legends’ General Store). Other ideas ranged from “Old Timer Tales” to “American History Treasures” and even a lighthearted “Dusty Roads.” However, it was Kathy’s intuitive flash of inspiration that ultimately struck gold.
“What about Legends Of America?” she quipped, the name seemingly materializing effortlessly. Dave, ever the realist, responded with a dose of “reality check,” noting the ambitious nature of such a name for someone still juggling a demanding corporate job. Yet, creative minds, particularly those fueled by passion, often chart their own course. Kathy, undeterred by any perceived pessimism, swiftly moved to her laptop to check the availability of the domain name. To their delight, it was open. With a few decisive clicks on Friday, June 27, 2003, Kathy Weiser officially became the proud owner of LegendsOfAmerica.com.
From Shared Passion to Full-Time Partnership
The subsequent year and a half witnessed Kathy’s unwavering dedication to her new hobby, which was rapidly evolving into much more. Recognizing the immense potential and Kathy’s profound commitment, Dave saw an opportunity not just to support her passion but to forge a shared future. In the fall of 2004, as Kathy faced a crossroads in her corporate career, Dave seized the moment. He proposed a life-altering arrangement: “Move in with me, keep on writing, and let me help support your business. Sooner or later, you’re gonna be my Sugar Mamma!”
This time, Kathy listened, and the decision marked a profound turning point. Her new full-time role as Owner/Editor of Legends of America embarked them on a “wild ride of fun, adventure, and learning.” It was a journey neither of them would trade, cementing their shared love for history and their commitment to preserving and sharing it with the world. Their partnership grew not just personally but professionally, culminating in their wedding on June 19, 2006, at the historic Laguna Vista Saloon in Eagle Nest, NM, a place steeped in the very history they championed.
A Growing Legacy: Supported by Readers and Recognition
In the dynamic landscape of the internet, where websites often emerge and fade, Legends Of America has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. This enduring success is largely attributable to the unwavering support of its dedicated readers. Beyond its loyal audience, the website also garnered significant early recognition that helped amplify its reach and reputation. In August 2004, the then-influential Yahoo designated Legends of America as their highly sought-after “Pick of the Day.” Shortly thereafter, in September of the same year, The Scout Report featured the site, further validating its authoritative content. January 2005 brought another accolade when Worldstart named Legends their “Cool Site of the Day.”
These significant endorsements, coupled with a steady organic expansion, played a crucial role in building awareness for the platform. As Legends of America continued its slow but steady ascent, Kathy’s visionary dedication bore fruit, allowing Dave to transition out of his corporate career in 2009 and join the enterprise full-time. He often expresses gratitude for her early resolve, recalling how thankful he is that she disregarded his initial skepticism back in 2003. Kathy, by following her heart and her deep love of history, created something truly special—a passion that both she and Dave are immensely proud to share with a global audience.
Serving Millions: A Future Forged in History
Over the past two decades, the impact of Legends Of America has been profound. The website has welcomed over 51 million visitors, accumulating more than 126 million page views. Each visit, every click, and every moment spent exploring its pages contributes directly to the ongoing mission of sharing American history with a broad audience. The founders extend their sincerest gratitude for this incredible support, acknowledging that the platform’s sustained success is a direct result of its engaged community.
Looking ahead, Dave Alexander, who updated this account in July 2023, and Kathy Weiser-Alexander remain committed to their endeavor. They eagerly anticipate continuing their work, hoping to serve their readers through what they envision as another “Roaring 20’s” for America – a period of renewed interest and discovery in the nation’s rich historical heritage. The journey of Legends Of America is a vibrant chronicle of dedication, passion, and the shared human desire to understand and celebrate the past, ensuring that these vital stories endure for generations to come.
