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Crow Indians -- Fiction Books

Best books

Frederic Remington

John Ermine of the Yellowstone

"John Ermine of the Yellowstone" by Frederic Remington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American West during the mid-19th century and explores the life of a mixed-race boy, John Ermine, who is adopted by the Crow Indian tribe. The narrative delves into themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the struggles between Indigenous peoples and white settlers. The opening of the novel introduces the bustling, rough-and-tumble mining town of Virginia City as miners engage in gold-digging activities, dreaming of a better life. A significant event takes place when Rocky Dan, a local gambler, excitedly shares his encounter with a white boy living among the Crow Indians. This revelation sparks a collective decision among the townspeople to mount a rescue mission to save the boy, who is believed to have been kidnapped. The chapter sets the stage for themes of loyalty, bravery, and the complex interplay between the differing cultures of Indigenous peoples and white settlers, all of which intertwine throughout John Ermine's journey.

Albert W. Aiken

Ben, the Trapper; Or, The Mountain Demon: A Tale of the Black Hills

"Ben, the Trapper; Or, The Mountain Demon: A Tale of the Black Hills" by Major Lewis W. Carson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on the rugged life of trappers in the Black Hills during a time of conflict between territorial powers and Native American tribes. The main character, Ben Miffin, is a skilled trapper and hunter who, along with his companions—Jules, a Frenchman, and Jan, a Dutchman—navigates the dangers of the wild and confronts hostile forces, including a mysterious beast referred to as the "Mountain Devil." The opening of the tale introduces us to Ben Miffin and his companions as they establish a camp in the Black Hills. Their banter reveals their distinct personalities, setting the stage for their adventures. As they settle in, they discuss the harsh realities of their lives as trappers and face the immediate danger of a grizzly bear, showcasing Ben’s bravery and experience. The narrative hints at underlying tensions in the region, as well as future confrontations with both wildlife and Native American tribes. The dynamic between the characters and their humorous interactions provide a lively and engaging entry into the novel’s broader themes of survival, camaraderie, and the brutal realities of life on the frontier.

Edward Willett

Silverspur; or, The Mountain Heroine: A Tale of the Arapaho Country

"Silverspur; or, The Mountain Heroine: A Tale of the Arapaho Country" by Edward Willett is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book delivers a tale filled with adventure, focusing primarily on the experiences of its main character, Fred Wilder, also known as Silverspur, and his interactions with various characters in a rugged, frontier setting, including Native Americans. The narrative unfolds in the harsh and beautiful landscapes of the American West, suggesting themes of honor, friendship, and survival within an unpredictable environment. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to a saloon where a group of well-dressed men engage in conversation with a rugged mountain man named Old Blaze. Old Blaze seeks information about Fred Wilder, who is revealed to be a heroic figure often called Silverspur. Wilder's reputation as a courageous man in perilous situations is established early on. The opening sets a tone of camaraderie and tension as it hints at conflicts involving Native American tribes and the personal stakes tied to Wilder's relationships, particularly with a Native American woman named Dove-eye. The richness of character development and hints of forthcoming conflicts lay the groundwork for a compelling story that intertwines adventure with emotional depth.

William R. (William Reynolds) Eyster

Free Trapper's Pass; or, the Gold-seeker's Daughter!

"Free Trapper's Pass; or, The Gold-seeker's Daughter!" by William R. Eyster is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds on the American frontier, highlighting the adventures and dangers faced by its characters, particularly focusing on the young girl, Adele Robison, and her father, Major Robison. Their struggle against the Blackfeet tribe sets the stage for a tale filled with action, conflict, and the quest for rescue amidst the turmoil of wild western landscapes. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a rustic cabin near the Yellowstone River, where the protagonist's family faces an imminent threat. When the cabin is attacked by a band of Blackfeet warriors, the gripping suspense accelerates as Adele’s father is taken prisoner, alongside her. As the chaos unfolds, various characters emerge, including John Howell, a friend who fights desperately to fend off the attackers. The opening chapters establish a fierce sense of urgency as the characters mobilize to rescue their loved ones from peril, laying the groundwork for an adventurous journey filled with both peril and promise in their ongoing battle against the odds.

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