LEGO Cowboys was the first Western sets released in the theme and focused on sheriffs fighting against outlaws as well as a military presence in the old west while the few sets that featured civilians simply served as a back drop for bandits robbing carriages or banks. The Cowboys' subtheme was the first LEGO sets that introduced realistic fire arms such as revolvers and rifles.
1997 LEGO Sets
In 1997, the LEGO Group faced significant challenges as it grappled with a changing toy market and internal organizational shifts. While the company introduced its first-ever licensed theme, "Star Wars," laying the groundwork for one of its most successful and enduring lines, it also experienced a dip in sales for the first time since its inception. The LEGO Group recognized the need to innovate and diversify its product offerings beyond traditional brick sets, leading to endeavors in new areas like software and video games, with the launch of LEGO Island, its first PC game. This year marked a period of introspection and transformation for the iconic toy company.