History: Tall Tale Postcards

The tall tales is a fundamental element of American folk literature. The tall tale's origins are seen in the bragging contests that often occurred when the rough men of the American frontier gathered. The tales of legendary figures of the Old West, some listed below, owe much to the style of tall tales.
The bi-annual speech contests held by Toastmasters International public speaking clubs might include a Tall Tales contest. Each participating speaker is given three to five minutes to give an original short speech of a tall tale nature. The winner and runner-up proceed to the next level of competition. The contest does not proceed beyond any participating district in the organization to the International level.
The comic strip Non Sequitur sometimes features tall tales told by the character Captain Eddie; it is left up to the reader to decide if he is telling the truth, exaggerating a real event, or just telling a whopper.
With "§" indicating legendary figures who are known to be based on actual historical individuals, other subjects of American tall tales include: