American Frontier Women

The exceptional women who helped build a nation

There can be little doubt in the minds of anyone who has an interest in the history of the pioneers of the emergent American nation of the huge, significant and vital role played by its redoubtable women. Whilst it might be appropriate to claim that beside every good man there stands a good woman, in the case of the women of the American frontier from its earliest days among the eastern forests of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to the trackless prairies and deserts of the westward tread of 'manifest destiny,' the women of the new nation demonstrated their mettle often in circumstances where there were no men at all or where those who were there did not rise to the challenges as resolutely as the 'fairer sex' could. This book, originally published as Woman on the American Frontier, tracks the trials and adventures of many of the most notable women of the evolving United States. It relates their experiences at war with the British, Indians, with the soldiers of enemy states in time of civil war, fighting off guerrillas and bandits, protecting their wagons, homes, husbands and children. We share their ordeals as they walked to establish new towns and cities across the great American wilderness, through every wild force nature could throw against them and over every kind of terrain. Here are individual stories of endurance and bravery, together with accounts of utmost hardship and abduction by hostile Indian tribes. The reader will be introduced to literally dozens of outstanding women whose actions and achievements are recounted here in riveting detail. For all American women this book records a proud story of triumph over adversity, and is a testament to those who shaped today's heritage and provided the foundation upon which the country might grow and prosper. It is also a vital book for all those interested in frontier days and women's interests everywhere. Available in soft cover and hard cover with dust jacket.