National Geographic The Old West

This heavy book was first published in 2013, has 307 pages, 8 chapters, over 400 B/W and beautiful colour archive photos and 20 maps. It covers the wild west American history from 1803 to 1912. The book is full of out-laws, miners, cowboys, Indians, railroad barons, fur traders and trappers through the pacific north west, pioneers heading west along the Oregon trail, rail connecting east and west coasts and history of American cowboy. The author narrates stories of early explorers who changed the lives and lands of native Americans. He also explains the influence of Spanish and other Europeans, the land rushes by settlers, construction of major transportation channels, the Indian wars, the gold rushes, the open range and the gunslingers of the west.In 1803, US bought Louisiana territory from France for $15 millions (claimed by France in 1682). Spain had control of Florida and of the west since 1541 and had introduced cattle and horses, creating 'New Spain'. The French created a 'New France' down from Quebec and the Mississippi River. The British came in from 1681. The westward expansion took place between 1803 - 1846. In 1821, Mexico received independence from Spain. In 1846, US went war against Mexico over their borders. In July 1812, US and Britain were at war. In 1821, US took Florida from Spain and lowered the borders of New Mexico, Texas and California. The territory north of US was called British North America (Canada). The Mountain men, fur traders and Indians met at rivers to meet, marry and exchange goods (1832).By 1830, many Indian tribes were forcibly removed from their home lands. In 1843, the great migration to Oregon took place. After Mexican war in 1846, large territories were added to the US of the southwest - California and New Mexico. The current border was agreed in 1853. Mad rush for gold to California lead to invasion by land and sea, using stagecoach and steamboats and wagon trains. After 1851, any treaties between Americans and Indians were nearly always broken, leading to battles.In 1830, Samuel Colt produced a revolver. In 1861, war broke between north and south America. Slavery was banned in Mexico, but was only abolished in America in 1865. After the civil war, the work on railroad accelerated through the central and the west. On the plains, settlers found it hard to survive. After 1865, cattle was herded north from Texas, to be sold in the east. The cowboys could get serious at the end of the trail. By 1870, American States had been organised. Between 1870 - 1880, the bison (Buffalo) was nearly exterminated.Different tribes of Indians were forced into reservations, leading to battles and escapes were perused by the army. In 1881, 'Sitting Bull' was the last chief to surrender with his rifle. Indian children were forcefully sent to boarding schools, away from their parents, to detribalise them. Life was also hard for the soldiers in Forts - some deserted. Many US Marshalls died in their line of duty. In 1881, cowboys along the Arizona - Mexico border, did raids and shoot outs and robbed and killed. After the civil war, many gangs did looting and killings. One of them was 'Henry McCarty' (William Bonney or Billy the Kid). He was killed, aged 21, on 14.7.1881. Some vigilantes hung suspects on site. By 1880, some places had more saloons and gambling dens than shops. Prostitutes had brutal and brief life, cut short by disease, violence and suicide. Many African Americas served as cowhands and in the army, named 'Buffalo Soldiers'. In 1889, more Indian lands were taken during the land rush by the settlers. In December 1890, more Indians were massacred, including 150 Lakota's with their women and children. By 1890, Alaska and Yukon gold rush had started in the snowy freezing weather.Some other books of interest are:-(1) Nine Years Among Indians, Lehmann, 1927 (2017)(2) Six Years with Texas Rangers, Gillett, 1963 (2017)(3) Life Among the Apaches, Cremony, 1868(4) In the days of Victorio, Eve Bell, 1970 (1997)(5) The Mountain Men, Laycock, 1988 (2016)(6) Cochise, Sweeney, 1991(7) Mangas Coloradas, Sweeney, 1998(8) Empire of the Summer Moon, Gwynne, 2010(9) From Cochise to Geronimo, Sweeney, 2010(10)Indian nations of North America, Nat Geo, 2010Having born in Kenya, I enjoyed reading this book with its true short stories, wonderful pictures and drawings and very good maps.

Thoroughly detailed cowboy action

The Old West (as opposed to the so-called Wild West) is a very good read. The photos portrayed life as it was, rather than what is commonly served up in so many movies. The treatment of the North American indigenous peoples, commonly called Indians, left a lot to be desired. For someone who has watched too many westerns, and in like manner influenced by same, the book gives a true picture of events, warts 'n' all.

She loves itps So do I

I think it is a very good buy

One of the best on the subject

Excellent National Geographic book as always.

my husband enjoyed it very much