Customer Reviews

Covered Wagon Women, Volume 10: Diaries and Letters from the Western Trails, 1875-1883

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Vol. 10 in a series of faithfully transcribed diaries and letters of women who traveled West via covered wagon, this book describes travel at a time when many others were going west via the railroads. Time had altered the circumstances of covered wagon travel: the travelers were not isolated, they had opportunities to avail themselves of hotels, suppliers, etc., along well-marked trails. However, the trip was not without its heartaches and hardships. I recommend reading the entire series, to get a true understanding of the great American Western migration.

The saga continues...1875-1883.
Another fine compilation of diaries from the women who traveled the wagon trails west.

Although occurring later in the westward migration and with conveniences such as towns and ranches along the way which provided supplies, these pioneers still had to battle many obstacles to their destination. Railroads were now a reality, but some still chose to go by wagon.

To cite a few:
Mary Riddle- repeated theme of traveling too hard and fast resulting in animosity in her train.

Lucy Ide- assisting in the burial of a complete stranger, then a birth in her company. Conversing with fossil collecting college students in Wyoming. Feelings of Mormonism.

Laura Wright- Tired from the get-go. Continually sick. Mentions large numbers of sod-houses in Nebraska. Observes many other wagon travelers.

Lucy Clark Allen- Optimistic and spirited woman with eight children. A few lay-overs in route for husband to obtain work and pay.

Virginia Belle Benton- "The school of experience has been her greatest teacher" and "the door has the latch-string on the outside".

Tough, resilient women and families.