The Pioneer Boys of the Mississippi; or, The Homestead in the Wilderness

by St. George Rathborne

"The Pioneer Boys of the Mississippi; or, The Homestead in the Wilderness" by Harrison Adams is a historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two brothers, Bob and Sandy Armstrong, who are young pioneers navigating the challenges of frontiers life in the Ohio Valley during the early settlement period, focusing on their adventures and struggles as they explore the wilderness and face potential dangers from nature and rival trappers. The opening of the book introduces the Armstrong brothers as they set out to check their traps along the Ohio River. They encounter various obstacles, including the strong current of the river and the threat of a panther while Sandy accidentally traps his own foot. As their day unfolds, the boys contemplate the legends of the fertile lands of the Mississippi, reflecting their desire for adventure. Tension builds as they not only face physical challenges but also the lurking danger posed by rival French trappers, Jacques Larue and Henri Lacroix, indicating that their journey through the wilderness will be fraught with peril and discovery.