Life Of A Soldier On The Western Frontier

by Agnew, Jeremy

• ISBN13: 9780878425419
• ISBN10: 0878425411
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-02-28
• Publisher: Mountain Pr

Summary

Their heads filled with images of glory and battle, most young men joined the frontier army only to endure a life of tedious drills, bad meals, uncomfortable quarters, and ill-fitting uniforms. Working hard seven days a week and in all weather, soldiers frequently found themselves lonely and bored, with little opportunity for advancement but many ways to be punished????????????all for $13 a month. Focusing on the Indian Wars period of the 1840s through the 1890s, Life of a Soldier on the Western Frontier captures the daily challenges faced by the typical enlisted man and explores the role soldiers played in the conquering of the American frontier. In addition to describing the nitty-gritty details of a soldier's daily life, this fascinating study explores the Indian Wars from the perspective of both the military and the Indians and examines all aspects of the post????????????Civil War army, including its organization, its weapons, and its personnel. The book also contains two appendices, one summarizing significant battles and the other listing selected western forts. Both include site locations and information for visitors. Dozens of photos and several maps add to the reader's understanding and enjoyment.

Author Biography

Jeremy Agnew, born in England, moved to Colorado to attend college and has essentially lived there ever since. Eventually earning a PhD in engineering, he currently works as a consultant in the medical electronics field. Dr. Agnew is the author of three previous books and numerous articles.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Major Forts of the Indian Wars (map)	p. xi
Major Tribes of the Indian Wars (map)	p. xii
Major Battles of the Indian Wars (map)	p. xiii
Pacifying the Frontier
The Military in the West, 1840s-1890s	p. 3
Enemy Tribes and How They Fought	p. 13
The Indian Wars	p. 31
The Nineteenth-Century Army
Armament in the 1800s	p. 59
Army Organization and Personnel	p. 83
The Frontier Fort and Its Residents	p. 103
The Frontier Soldier's Life
Bare Essentials at the Post	p. 121
Post Duties, Drills, and Service	p. 139
Off Duty	p. 159
In the Field	p. 177
Afterword	p. 205
Notable Indian Fights	p. 207
Selected Western Forts	p. 221
Notes	p. 235
Bibliography	p. 239
Index	p. 247
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