Covered Wagon Women, Volume 11: Diaries and Letters from the Western Trails, 1879-1903 [Paperback]

Kenneth L. Holmes (Editor), Katherine G. Morrissey (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Covered Wagon Women | Publication Date: September 1, 2000

The stories seem simple—they left, they traveled, they settled—yet the restless westering impulse of Americans created one of the most enduring figures in our frontier pantheon: the hardy pioneer persevering against all odds. Undeterred by storms, ruthless bandits, towering mountains, and raging epidemics, the women in these volumes suggest why the pioneer represented the highest ideals and aspirations of a young nation. In this concluding volume of the Covered Wagon Women series, we see the final animal-powered overland migrations that were even then yielding to railroad travel and, in a few short years, to the automobile. The diaries and letters resonate with the vigor and spirit that made possible the settling and community-building of the American West.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a work to capture the heart as well as the historical mind. . . . Well worth reading."—Journal of the West

(Journal of the West )

About the Author

Kenneth L. Holmes was a professor of history at Western Oregon State College. He edited and compiled Covered Wagon Women, drawing on archives and private sources.

 

Katherine Morrissey is an associate professor of history at the University of Arizona and the author of Mental Territories: Mapping the Inland Empire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 195 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803273002
• ISBN-13: 978-0803273009
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The trail's closing years, February 6, 2011

By 

William J Higgins III (Laramie, Wyoming United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Covered Wagon Women, Volume 11: Diaries and Letters from the Western Trails, 1879-1903 (Paperback)

Again, great diaries from women of the western trail.
With the transcontinental railroad completed in the late 1860's, many pioneers still preferred travel by wagon.

With amenities such as lodging, meals, supplies, etc. now available along the routes, these strong and determined families still had major difficulties and barriers to overcome.

We read of the personality differences in the dual diaries of Ada Colvin and Nellie Carpenter...Ada portraying the depressed, gloomy temperament and Nellie the optimistic, upbeat character.

Viola Springer's diary is an engaging, lively and spirited endeavor. Very meticulous of day to day life on the trail with many little adventures and deserves more scrutiny by scholars.

Mrs. Hampton is an articulate and observant diarist whose wagons left Kansas too late in the season and eventually took the train in Wyoming to Oregon.

The entire series is a must read for those who appreciate the persevering and gritty human fabric that made these individuals give up everything and search for their dreams.

One notation...this final volume does include a map (maybe not the best, but it does help for those not familiar with the variety of trails) and a series bibliography. The introduction mentions a series index, which does not exist.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Map included?, August 18, 2010

By 

kia (seattle, wa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Covered Wagon Women, Volume 11: Diaries and Letters from the Western Trails, 1879-1903 (Paperback)

Does anyone know if there are maps or gazetteers included? In vol 3 of this series, the author says the last vol will have a gazetteer included of the pioneers overland routes, just curious, thanks!

PS, I went ahead and rated it even though I haven't yet ordered, cannot submit a review or question unless it's done; so far the other vol's are good.