Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback (Idaho Yesterdays) [Paperback]

George W. Wingate (Author)

Book Description

Series: Idaho Yesterdays | Publication Date: August 1999

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1886. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter iv. fort ellis. Iii going through the streets of Bozeman blue uniforms were frequently met. These were worn by soldiers from Fort Ellis, an army post which is situated about three miles east of the town. Having letters to some of the officers, I drove there directly after our arrival at Boze man, to learn what was the best course to adopt in securing an ".outfit." Those unfamiliar with American army life, in reading a reference to " Fort Ellis" doubtless picture to their mind's eye some frowning fortification with high walls (or at the very least stockades) enclosing a fine grassy parade, on which long lines of brilliantly dressed troops are being constantly drilled, and around which are clustered elegant buildings, the residences of the officers and the barracks of the men. The real Fort Ellis is a collection of rambling one-story log houses, so old and dilapidated that a prosperous farmer would think twice before using them for cow stables, (which were the barracks which this generous Government provides for its soldiers), a row of onestory, shabby little cottages (the quarters of the officers) and a few two-story administration buildings of comparatively respectable appearance. These were situated on a barren plateau scantily covered by a little coarse grass, but which to make up for it, was absolutely overrun with gophers, a dozen of which could be seen in a space fifty feet square. Neither trees, nor lawn, nothing in fact, was visible to break the monotony of the prairie, except the rugged peaks of Mount Bridger and the other mountains which hemmed in the valley, and which were really imposing in appearance/ A few years since, the Indians were so...

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: University of Idaho Press (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089301205X
• ISBN-13: 978-0893012052
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,590,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1885 View of Yellowstone and Western Culture, January 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback (Idaho Yesterdays) (Paperback)

George W. Wingate was a man in full for his time. With his Civil War compatriot Col. William C. Church, Wingate published the first manual on rifle marksmanship in 1870. The following year the pair established the National Rifle Association.

In 1885, Wingate's concern for the health of his 17-year old daughter and his sense of adventure led him, his wife and their eldest daughter, May, to plan a horseback trip through Yellowstone National Park. Doctors believed the trip would improve May's health. It did.

The Wingates rode 460 miles in just 26 days, returning to New York City bedazzled by the park and in fine spirits.

Wingate's book, Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback, provides a faithful and fascinating account of early tourist travel. The University of Idaho Press provides a service by republishing the book and reminding us of Yellowstone's marvelous history.

Wingate was also a faithful observer. He provided fine sketches of Western culture, from an Army fort past its prime, to profiles of those he hired to guide his family through the park. Hunters and anglers will enjoy his accounts of adventures during the journey.

The book offers a valuable perspective for those who have visited the park. It also may spur readers who love historical books to visit Yellowstone.