A cowherd or garrison is a person who takes care of a large herd of cows owned by a cattle rancher. Cowboys became famous in the era of the western frontiers of the United States, as their reputation as brave men who faced danger and adversity made them heroes to many Americans. Thrilling accounts of cowboys' lives, their sad songs, and their lively language have become part of American folklore, and the most popular novels have been written about them and their lives are depicted in many stories in feature films and television series.