Scots in the North American West, 1790-1917 (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The links between Scotland and America stretch back over three centuries..." (more)
Key Phrases: remittance men, sheep ranching, cultural broker, American West, San Francisco, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Although Scots have never been an exceptionally large immigrant group in North America, their presence in the West proved significant in a variety of arenas. In this unique and engaging new book, Ferenc Morton Szasz outlines the many contributions Scots have made to the development of the region.

Scots trappers dominated the fur trade, often proving more loyal to clan than to trading company or nation. Relying on centuries of experience raising livestock for British markets, Scottish investors and managers became highly visible in the post-Civil War western cattle industry with thriving outfits such as the Swan Land and Cattle Company in Wyoming. They introduced new breeds to western ranching, such as the Aberdeen Angus, that remain popular today. Similarly, Scots herders dominated the western sheep industry, running herds of over 100,000 animals. Andrew Little's sheep ranch in Idaho was so famous that a letter addressed simply "Andy Little, USA" found its intended recipient. This book illuminates the many Scottish explorers, adventurers, artists, photographers, and writers who helped forge what is perhaps America's greatest cultural export--the myth of the West.

About the Author

Ferenc Morton Szasz is Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and is author of British Scientists and the Manhattan Project: The Los Alamos Years and The Day the Sun Rose Twice: The Story of the Trinity Site Explosion.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806132531
• ISBN-13: 978-0806132532
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,613,735 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars America and the Old West come to life., July 16, 2002

By A Customer

This book provided an interesting insight into the Scottish influence in the west, told sometimes in storybook fashion, but still informative and entertaining. Author also provides good references and other suggested readings that are helpful. I would highly recommend this reading especially for those who want to explore Scottish heritage outside of Scotland.