Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.