The Making of the Great West, 1512-1883

by Samuel Adams Drake

"The Making of the Great West, 1512-1883" by Samuel Adams Drake is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the exploration and settlement of the American West, focusing on the significant impacts of Spanish, French, and English explorers as they navigated this vast and varied landscape. The book not only seeks to inform young readers but also aims to engage adult audiences with a clear and accessible narrative about this transformative period in American history. The opening of the text introduces readers to the context of the sixteenth century, highlighting the intense competition among European powers—particularly Spain, France, and England—as they endeavored to claim dominion over the New World. It emphasizes the significance of exploration and discovery, notably through figures like Hernando de Soto and the unfortunate outcomes of their quests for wealth and land. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the stories of these rival civilizations and their interactions with the indigenous populations, revealing both the aspirations and the brutal realities of the age of exploration.