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River Roads West: America's First Highways

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It was the many and diverse river systems of North America that first enabled the exploration and settlement by European of what would become the United States of America. Even before the coming of the white man, it was the river systems that enabled the rise of Native American empires and commerce. It was these rivers that saw canoes and rafts evolve into flatboats and steamboats as first explorers and then settlers occupy the country. These rivers were also important culturally as reflected in the songs, poetry, legends, myths, and stories of the people. Now experienced river guides Peter and Connie Roop provide young readers ages 8 and older with an historical overview of how the rivers were utilized in the exploration and settlement of the country in "River Roads West". From the Hudson, the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the Missouri, to the Rio Grande, the Colorado, and the Columbia, the story of these rivers is enhanced with photographs, paintings, prints, and original maps. With a list of thematically appropriate websites and a selected bibliography for further readings, "River Roads West" is very strongly recommended for both school and community library American History collections.