Since its inception in 1969, Western Historical Quarterly has been an important academic journal in the field of historical research in western North America. The journal is dedicated to publishing original articles on western expansion and colonization of North America, indigenous history, regional studies (such as Western Canada, northern Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii), and transnational, comparative, and frontier history. They cover not only history, but also sociology, anthropology, geography, and cultural studies.

The journal's scholarly articles are known for their rigorous research methods and in-depth analysis, providing a platform for scholars to present and discuss their research results. Through these high-quality articles, the journal not only promotes a deeper understanding of the history of western North America, but also provides a rich resource for academic research in related fields.