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The
OREGON TRAIL, Yesterday and Today
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Paper, 6x9,
190 pages, 169 ill., 7 maps,
bibliography, index,
Price: $12.95
ISBN # 87004-319-6 |
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SUMMARY:
This is the book that will introduce readers to the Oregon Trail,
examine its development, and then will take them along the trail and
its major variants to the Willamette Valley.
Before California’s gold and after it, there was Oregon the place
where land was free and fertile. This book tells its story. The first
section compares the Hollywood version of the trail with the real
trail. The next section describes the trail’s historical development.
Then, the Fremont-Preuss strip maps of the Oregon Trail are shown
and discussed. Next, guidebooks and three diaries are used to take
the reader day-by-day from the crossing of the North Platte to the
Sweetwater Valley, past Independence Rock, and farther on in central
Wyoming. Read how one wagon company celebrated Independence Day.
For the best view of the trail one must examine it as the emigrants
saw it, and see it as it looks today. That is exactly what the “yesterday
and today” section does. The works of a variety of emigrants/artists
are included. Alfred J. Miller, William H. Tappan, and William H.
Jackson’s paintings, sketches and photos are featured, but many others
are also included.
The last sections examine the major museums and displays along the
trail and offer suggested readings for further learning.
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Reviews
"Hill's
book is visually rich, intellectually strong and tightly organized
to present such a variety of historical information…Most of all, it
is practical and usable….this volume belongs in the hands of many
individuals from all walks of life who can relate to the geography,
history and courageous, restless spirit that drove pioneers across
the Oregon Trail." -The Californians
Hill presents
here a profusely illustrated guide to the famous trail…designed
for the novice who wants to follow it and see where history was
made….If the author is successful in sharing his enthusiasm for
the trail, perhaps the reader will join in efforts to preserve this
important part of America’s past…Just enough information is presented
to explain the significance of an event and to whet the appetite
of the history buff." -Western
American Literature
"the Oregon book is a nice introduction to the trail for novices
and a source of incidental information for the adept. …very useful
for those who travel the route. …is a must for the library of the
Trail aficionado." -Nevada County Historical Society Bulletin
"This
most useful book contains sections on maps, guidebooks, diaries,
and the resulting works of a few artists….Anyone interested in this
aspect of the westward movement will find this book not only interesting
reading, but a primary source to be consulted in evaluating the
experiences of travelers on the Oregon Trail."
-National Tombstone
Epitaph
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