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Wagon trains -- Fiction Books
Best books
Emerson Hough
The Covered Wagon
"The Covered Wagon" by Emerson Hough is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the westward expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century, the narrative follows a group of pioneers, including the Wingate family and other settlers, as they embark on a perilous journey to Oregon in search of opportunity and a new life. Central to the story are characters like Jesse and Molly Wingate, as well as William Banion, whose interactions and conflicts provide insight into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of those taking part in this significant migration. The opening of "The Covered Wagon" introduces the Wingate family as they prepare to join a caravan heading west. Molly Wingate, a young, vibrant schoolteacher, eagerly anticipates the journey alongside her brother Jed and parents Jesse and Molly Sr. Amid the excitement, tensions arise, especially regarding suitors vying for Molly's affection, particularly between the confident Sam Woodhull and the seasoned former soldier William Banion. As the caravan begins to form and the magnitude of the journey becomes apparent, a sense of urgency and organization is illustrated through Jesse's election as train captain and Banion's military background. Themes of adventure, personal ambition, and the trials of building community in uncharted territories begin to emerge, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic tale of endurance and discovery.
T. C. (Thomas Chalmers) Harbaugh
The Island Trapper; or, The Young White-Buffalo Hunters
"The Island Trapper; or, The Young White-Buffalo Hunters" by Capt. Chas. Howard is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventurous Frontier Shack and two young boys, Charley Shafer and George Long, as they navigate the dangers of the American West, particularly focusing on their encounters with hostile Native Americans and their desire to hunt white buffaloes. The narrative is infused with themes of bravery, the spirit of adventure, and the stark realities of frontier life. The opening of this novel introduces us to Frontier Shack, a rugged frontiersman, who is accompanied by his iron-gray horse, Tecumseh. They hear music and Indian war cries, which leads Shack to investigate. He soon comes upon a group of Pawnee Indians who are torturing two captured youths, who turn out to be the boys seeking out white buffaloes. Just as the situation seems dire, Frontier Shack intervenes, brandishing his weapons to save the boys from certain death. He learns that they were part of a larger group that faced a massacre, and together they plan to rescue their companions, a pair of young women, from the clutches of the marauding Pawnees. The high stakes are set against the backdrop of intense action and the perilous nature of life on the frontier.
Lettie Artley Irons
Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter
"Nat, the Trapper and Indian-Fighter" by Paul J. Prescott is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Nathan Rogers, known as Wild Nat, an experienced trapper and fighter against Native American tribes in the Rocky Mountains. The narrative explores his adventures and the challenges he faces while navigating through dangerous territories, blending elements of action, survival, and encounters with various characters, including other trappers, settlers, and the indigenous peoples. At the start of the book, Wild Nat is riding through the plains when he feels a pang of hunger and stops to prepare a meal. However, he quickly finds himself in a precarious situation as he becomes surrounded by a group of hostile Indians. In a frantic bid for survival, Nat fights back fiercely before being captured and tied up, leaving him to ponder the severity of his predicament. Meanwhile, we are introduced to other characters, including Wayne Kent and Marion Verne, who become entangled in their own adventures involving encounters with Indians, showcasing the tension and unpredictability of life in the wilderness. This opening portion sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with danger, courage, and the enduring spirit of survival.
Emerson Hough
The Way of a Man
"The Way of a Man" by Emerson Hough is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of Virginia's idyllic landscapes, focusing on the life of John Cowles, a young man grappling with themes of love, honor, and the social dynamics of his time. The book intricately weaves in elements of romance, adventure, and the complexities of Southern society before the Civil War. The opening of the novel introduces John Cowles as he recalls a pivotal moment spent with Grace Sheraton, his neighbor. On a warm Virginia morning, he impulsively kisses her, setting in motion a complicated relationship defined by their families' histories and expectations. Cowles reflects on the tension between youthful passion and the constraints of gentlemanly conduct. As he navigates the intricacies of courting Grace amidst the societal norms of the time, he encounters pivotal figures, such as Gordon Orme, who bring additional layers of complexity to his experiences and friendships. The narrative is steeped in the contrast between natural beauty and impending societal change, which hints at the broader conflicts that will shape the characters' lives as the story progresses.
Maro O. (Maro Orlando) Rolfe
The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A tale of the old Dahcotah country
"The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A Tale of the Old Dahcotah" by Maro O. Rolfe is a novel written in the early 1870s. The story unfolds in the North-west during a period when settlers faced dangers from both nature and native tribes. The plot centers around Vinnie Darke, the daughter of a frontier hunter, and her struggles against an Indian chief, Ku-nan-gu-no-nah, who is determined to claim her as his wife. At the start of the tale, the bleak atmosphere reflects the challenges faced by Vinnie and her father, Emmett Darke, as they prepare for a stormy night. Vinnie displays a courageous spirit as she confronts the chief's advances, while Emmett is depicted as a protective father, ready to defend his daughter against any threats. Their home, a log cabin nestled within the forest, serves as a backdrop for growing tensions, especially as Vinnie contemplates the danger posed by the chief's obsession with her. As the chapter unfolds, the reader is introduced to a rich landscape of peril and bravery, setting the stage for a gripping narrative filled with suspense and conflict.
Frederick H. Dewey
The phantom tracker; or, The prisoner of the hill cave
"The Phantom Tracker; or, The Prisoner of the Hill Cave" by Frederick H. Dewey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story appears to unfold across a rugged, desolate wilderness known as the Land of Silence, involving themes of adventure, treasure hunting, and conflict in the face of danger. Central to the narrative is Pedro Felipe, a Mexican scout, who embarks on a quest to find treasure hidden in a notorious cave after a thrilling rescue of his master's daughter from a band of robbers. At the start of the novel, the oppressive atmosphere of the scorching Gila River setting envelops the reader, showcasing nature's lethargy through the eyes of animal life observed in the heat. The narrative introduces Pedro Felipe, an experienced and cunning scout determined to seek a hidden treasure believed to be in a ghostly landscape, while his backstory reveals both admiration and ambition. As the opening chapters progress, another key character surfaces, Christina Wheeler, a spirited girl who becomes lost during an encounter with pursuing Apaches. The plot quickly escalates as a group of horsemen, along with Pedro, embark on perilous paths that intertwine their fates against the backdrop of a vast, unforgiving landscape, setting the stage for an exhilarating adventure rife with suspense and challenges.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Delaware Tom; or, The Traitor Guide
"Delaware Tom; or, The Traitor Guide" by Jos. E. Badger is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during the mid-1850s, focusing on a wagon train of emigrants making their arduous journey through hostile territories. Central to the narrative are key characters like Clara Calhoun, a strong-willed young woman; Dusky Dick, the ambiguous guide with nefarious intentions; and Tom Maxwell, a seasoned guide who seems to reside firmly on the side of the emigrants. The beginning of the novel sets the tone with a typical scene from the Old West, where the wagon train moves slowly across a desolate landscape. Clara Calhoun's disdain for her fellow traveler, Dusky Dick, quickly escalates, revealing tensions within the group. Initially, Clara expresses distrust towards Dusky Dick, suspecting his loyalty, especially after overhearing a threat he makes towards her. The chapter closes with the suggestion of impending danger as old guide Tom Maxwell grows vigilant, holding suspicions of Dusky Dick's true motives, laying the groundwork for the conflicts and peril to come as the emigrants face both internal strife and external threats from Indian tribes.
Mayne Reid
The Yellow Chief
"The Yellow Chief" by Mayne Reid is a novel written in 1869. A mulatto slave named Blue Dick escapes a brutal Mississippi plantation, only to reemerge years later as a powerful Cheyenne chief in the Rocky Mountains. When his former owners journey west seeking fortune in California, Blue Dick orchestrates a vengeful ambush. As captives face their past cruelties, shocking family secrets surface. An Irishman fur trapper must rescue the woman he loves before revenge destroys them all in this frontier tale blending adventure with anti-slavery themes.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The red wizard, or, the cave captive
"The Red Wizard; or, The Cave Captive" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel written in the late 19th century. This tale is set against the backdrop of the American frontier, featuring themes of survival, conflict between settlers and Native Americans, and the complex dynamics of love and betrayal. The story seems to revolve around a young Indian woman and a group of emigrants as dangerous situations unfold, highlighting heroic actions and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces several characters embroiled in tension and conflict, beginning with a confrontation involving a young Sioux woman, a scout named Wash Lawton, and a man named George Parsons. As tensions rise, the scout defends the young woman from harm at the hands of others, showcasing his principles against unnecessary violence. Meanwhile, with the emigrants preparing to camp for the night, danger looms as they are confronted by the realities of their perilous journey. The scene is set for a dramatic unfolding of events that will challenge the characters' convictions and relationships, particularly as the threat of Native American attacks becomes imminent. This dynamic introduction suggests that the narrative will explore themes of courage, morality, and the consequences of one's actions amid the clash of cultures.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Three Trappers; or, The Apache Chief's Ruse
"The Three Trappers; or, The Apache Chief's Ruse" by Seelin Robins is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Fred Wainwright, a young hunter navigating the dangers of the American frontier as he encounters hostile Comanche Indians and seeks refuge with a pair of seasoned trappers, George Harling and Ward Lancaster. This narrative is poised to delve into themes of survival, camaraderie, and the adventures that come with trapping and exploring the untamed landscapes of the West. The opening of the novel introduces Fred Wainwright as he experiences a tense moment while surveying the prairie, fearing an impending encounter with Comanche Indians. After a successful but narrow escape from his pursuers, he inexplicably falls into the company of two friendly trappers who offer him refuge. The narrative then shifts to illustrate the personalities of these trappers, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their adventures together and the challenges they face while navigating through hostile territories, including potential confrontations with the Apache tribe and the fortuitous encounter with an emigrant party. As relationships begin to develop, particularly with the mention of a mysterious young woman, the story hints at emotional entanglements alongside the physical challenges of frontier life.
Albert W. Aiken
Dead Shot; Or, The White Vulture: A Romance of the Yellowstone
"Dead Shot; Or, The White Vulture: A Romance of the Yellowstone" by Albert W. Aiken is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the rugged landscape of the Yellowstone region, primarily focusing on the tense interactions among various characters, including settlers and Native Americans. Central to the narrative are Abe Colt, known as the "Crow-Killer," a skilled prairie guide exacting revenge on the Crow tribe, and Dave Reed, a young guide with an intriguing connection to a mysterious stranger, setting the stage for conflict and romantic entanglements. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to Fort Bent, a crucial outpost for wagon-trains heading to Montana, where the atmosphere is rife with tension due to the looming threat of Indian attacks. Abe Colt and Dave Reed stand out as two formidable characters, seasoned in the dangers of the frontier, each harboring significant histories that intertwine with the local tribes. The plot thickens with the appearance of a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance to Dave, which sparks suspicion and curiosity among the guides. As tensions mount, the narrative hints at approaching conflict with the Crow tribe led by the young warrior known as the "White Vulture." The opening chapters set a vivid and suspenseful stage for the storyline, rich with danger, revenge, and the possibilities of love amidst turmoil.
Ann S. (Ann Sophia) Stephens
Esther : $b A story of the Oregon trail
"Esther: A Story of the Oregon Trail" by Ann S. Stephens is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers on Esther Morse, a beautiful young woman, as she embarks on an adventure along the Oregon Trail, encountering both the wonders and dangers of the untamed American frontier. The story blends themes of exploration, survival, and cultural encounters, reflecting the complexities of life during this pivotal period in American history. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a lovely morning scene where a caravan of covered wagons is set up against the backdrop of a vibrant prairie. The protagonist, Esther, is depicted as a spirited and beautiful young woman who yearns for some freedom from the confines of camp life. She steps away from her camp and begins to explore the surrounding nature, but her wanderlust leads her into a precarious situation where she encounters an Indian girl, Waupee. Waupee warns her of impending danger from the Sioux warrior, Black Eagle, who has set his sights on her. The opening sets the stage for a blend of adventure and romance as Esther grapples with the threats from both nature and man, foreshadowing the dangerous journey ahead.
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