Robert Vaughn's 'Then and Now; or, Thirty-Six Years in the Rockies' is a captivating narrative that offers a unique glimpse into the historical and geographical landscapes of the American West. Through Vaughn's vivid descriptions and detailed accounts, readers are transported back in time to experience the challenges and triumphs of life in the Rockies. The book is written in a descriptive and engaging style that immerses the reader in the harsh realities and breathtaking beauty of the frontier. Vaughn's attention to detail and historical accuracy make this work a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the American West. The author's deep knowledge and passion for the subject shine through in every chapter, making 'Then and Now' a truly enlightening and informative read. Robert Vaughn's personal experiences and connections to the Rockies undoubtedly fueled his desire to share this important history with the world. His dedication to preserving the stories of the past is evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the American frontier.
Vaughn initially travelled to Montana from Wales in 1864, working as both a miner and butcher. He had intended to return after a few years, but was so taken with the West that he never did. Eventually he settled in Great Falls, where he financed the construction of several buildings and became instrumental in the growth of the town. The town of Vaugh in Montana is named after him.
It may not be out of place to explain how this book came to find its way into print. It was written for my little daughter, in the form of letters at various times, and not intended for publication, but many friends after reading them insisted that they should be published. One said: “You must not wait until you are dead before these letters are given to the world.” As my desire is, by the grace of God, to live many years yet, I now present these letters to the reader, supplemented by others from old time friends who braved the perils and dangers of pioneer life; and as they are intended to be a part of the history of this great state, care has been taken to keep strictly to the truth. It is hoped that a line here and there will be appreciated by those who ride in palace cars as well as the old pioneers who came west in prairie schooners.
In 'Lassen Trails: A Brief Guide to the Trails of Lassen Volcanic National Park,' Stephen Halsey Matteson provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the various trails within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Through detailed descriptions and insightful commentary, Matteson guides hikers of all levels through the park's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to geothermal areas. The book is written in a straightforward and informative style, making it a valuable resource for both experienced hikers and beginners looking to explore the park's natural wonders. The inclusion of maps and practical tips enhances the reader's understanding of each trail's difficulty level and points of interest. This guide not only serves as a practical tool for planning hikes but also as a tribute to the beauty and diversity of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Stephen Halsey Matteson's passion for the outdoors and commitment to preserving natural spaces is evident in every page of this informative guide, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the park's trails.
Letters from the Rocky Mountain Indian Missions reveals the life of an Italian Jesuit as he worked at three missions in the northern Rocky Mountains from 1874 to 1878. Meticulously translated and carefully annotated, the letters of Father Philip Rappagliosi (1841–78) are a rare and rich source of information about the daily lives, customs, and beliefs of the many Native peoples that he came into contact with: Nez Perces, Kootenais, Salish Flatheads, Coeur d’Alenes, Pend d’Oreilles, Blackfeet, and Canadian Métis. These never-before-translated letters reveal the shifting, sometimes volatile relationship between the missionaries and the Native Americans and also provide a window into the complex lives of the Jesuits. After requesting to work among the Native peoples of the American West, Rappagliosi arrived at Saint Mary’s Mission in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana in 1874, where he spent much time among already converted members of the Salish Flathead Nation. The energetic Rappagliosi journeyed next to Canada to visit some Kootenai Indian bands and then was reassigned to Saint Ignatius Mission, where he interacted with the Upper Pend d’Oreilles Indians. Rappagliosi’s final and most difficult assignment was at Saint Peter’s Mission among the Blackfeet in Montana, who were not converts. There he became embroiled in disputes with a controversial former Oblate priest, and foul play was suspected in his death at the age of thirty-seven.
Whether seen as a land of opportunity or as paradise lost, the American West took shape in the nation's imagination with the help of those who wrote about it; but two groups who did much to shape that perception are often overlooked today. Promoters trying to lure settlers and investors to the West insisted that the frontier had already been tamed-that the only frontiers remaining were those of opportunity. Through posters, pamphlets, newspaper articles, and other printed pieces, these boosters literally imagined places into existence by depicting backwater areas as settled, culturally developed regions where newcomers would find none of the hardships associated with frontier life. Quick on their heels, some of the West's original settlers had begun publishing their reminiscences in books and periodicals and banding together in pioneer societies to sustain their conception of frontier heritage. Their selective memory focused on the savage wilderness they had tamed, exaggerating the past every bit as much as promoters exaggerated the present. Although they are generally seen today as unscrupulous charlatans and tellers of tall tales, David Wrobel reveals that these promoters and reminiscers were more significant than their detractors have suggested. By exploring the vast literature produced by these individuals from the end of the Civil War through the 1920s, he clarifies the pivotal impact of their works on our vision of both the historic and mythic West. In examining their role in forging both sense of place within the West and the nation's sense of the West as a place, Wrobel shows that these works were vital to the process of identity formation among westerners themselves and to the construction of a "West" in the national imagination. Wrobel also sheds light on the often elitist, sometimes racist legacies of both groups through their characterizations of Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Asian Americans. In the era Wrobel examines, promoters painted the future of each western place as if it were already present, while the old-timers preserved the past as if it were still present. But, as he also demonstrates, that West has not really changed much: promoters still tout its promise, while old-timers still try to preserve their selective memories. Even relatively recent western residents still tap into the region's mythic pioneer heritage as they form their attachments to place. Promised Lands shows us that the West may well move into the twenty-first century, but our images of it are forever rooted in the nineteenth.
William Tecumseh Sherman is known primarily for having cut a swath of destruction through Georgia and the Carolinas during the Civil War. From the fame of these years, however, he moved into an eighteen-year phase of “insuring the tranquility” of the vast region of the American West. As commander of the Division of the Missouri from 1865 to 1869 and General of the Army of the United States under President Grant from 1869 to 1883, Sherman facilitated expansion and settlement in the West while suppressing the raids of the Cheyenne, Arapahoe, Kiowa, Comanche, and Crow Indians. Robert G. Athearn explores Sherman’s and his army’s roles in the settling of the West, especially within the broad framework of railroad construction, Indian policy, political infighting, and popular opinion.
