Out Here on Our Own: An Oral History of an American Boomtown

J.J. Anselmi's Out Here on Our Own is a documentary that explores the resilience of Rock Springs, Wyoming, a mining boomtown with a history of racial violence, addiction, prostitution, and high suicide rates. Despite the horrors, the town has fought to maintain its rugged individualism. However, in 2022, it is facing another bust due to limited mental health resources, dying industries, and the idea that people should deal with their troubles alone. The documentary offers personal accounts of a community in crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Out Here on Our Own, a book by J.J. Anselmi, delves into the captivating story of Rock Springs, Wyoming, a mining boomtown characterized by a turbulent past marked by severe racial violence, widespread addiction, prostitution, and an alarmingly high per-capita suicide rate. Despite facing such daunting challenges, Rock Springs has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Anselmi skillfully weaves together a diverse range of original interviews with individuals who have firsthand witnessed these societal issues. Through these accounts, he traces the ups and downs of a town renowned for its corruption, vice, and violence. Amidst the horrifying events such as the massacre of Chinese miners in 1885 and the ongoing methamphetamine and opioid epidemics, Rock Springs has valiantly fought to maintain its unique identity as a place that values rugged individualism.

However, in 2022, Rock Springs is facing another downturn, and Anselmi's narrative provides a poignant portrayal of a community in crisis. The book highlights the exacerbating factors contributing to this situation, including limited mental health resources, the decline of industries, and the persistent belief in self-sufficiency in Wyoming. Out Here on Our Own offers a raw and authentic depiction of a place that is as tough and weathered as the surrounding sagebrush and sandstone.

The book explores the resilience of the people who call Rock Springs home, their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, and their determination to overcome the challenges they face. It sheds light on the complex social dynamics and cultural nuances that shape the town, providing a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to its unique identity and the ongoing struggles it faces.

Through his storytelling, Anselmi offers a powerful message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, communities can find strength and healing. Out Here on Our Own serves as a testament to the human spirit's enduring power and the importance of community support in times of crisis.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 236 x 152 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496232328