Nathan Boone and the American Frontier

by Hurt, R. Douglas

• ISBN13: 9780826213181
• ISBN10: 0826213189
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-10-01
• Publisher: Univ of Missouri Pr

Summary

Based on primary collections, newspaper articles, government documents, and secondary sources, this well-crafted biography begins with Nathan's childhood in present-day Kentucky and Virginia and then follows his family's move to Missouri. Hurt traces Boone's early activities as a hunter, trapper, and surveyor, as well as his leadership of a company of rangers during the War of 1812. After the war, Boone returned to survey work. In 1831, he organized another company of rangers for the Black Hawk War and returned to military life, making it his career. The remainder of the book recounts Boone's activities with the army in Iowa and the Indian Territory, where he was the first Boone to gain notice outside Missouri or Kentucky. Even today his work is recognized in the form of state parks, buildings, and place-names. Although Nathan Boone was an important figure, he lived much of his life in the shadow of his father. R. Douglas Hurt, however, makes a strong case for Nathan's contribution to the larger context of life in the American backcountry, especially the execution of military and Indian policy and the settlement of the frontier. By recognizing the significant role that Nathan Boone played,Nathan Boone and the American Frontieralso provides the recognition due the many unheralded frontiersmen who helped settle the West. Anyone with an interest in the history of Missouri, the frontier, or the Boone name will find this book informative and compelling.

Author Biography

R. Douglas Hurt is Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Agricultural History and Rural Studies at Iowa State University in Ames.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
The Early Years	1	(29)
Missouri	30	(22)
The Osage Expedition	52	(26)
War	78	(31)
Interlude	109	(31)
The Dragoon Expedition	140	(32)
Full Stride	172	(22)
The Final Years	194	(31)
Epilogue	217	(8)
Notes	225	(16)
Bibliography	241	(10)
Index	251