Days On The Road: Crossing The Plains In 1865—Book Overview
Have you ever wondered what it was like to travel across the American frontier in the 1800s? What challenges and adventures did early settlers face as they journeyed westward?
Sarah Raymond Herndon's Days on the Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865 offers a firsthand account of this remarkable journey. This book takes you on a vivid trek across the plains, sharing the trials, triumphs, and transformative experiences of a group of pioneers.
Let's dive into Herndon's captivating narrative and explore the realities of life on the Oregon Trail.
Overview of Days On The Road: Crossing The Plains In 1865
What led a group of nineteenth-century Americans to uproot themselves and embark on an arduous journey across the massive frontier? In Days On The Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865, Sarah Raymond Herndon explores their motivations and experiences as they set out on the infamous pioneer trail from Missouri to Montana. Though driven by ambitions of finding fortune and opportunity, the voyagers encounter challenges at every turn—treacherous terrain, threatening wildlife, violent encounters, and devastating illnesses.
As Herndon recounts the expedition's trials, she ponders the strength and resilience these pioneers acquired in facing adversity together. This firsthand account transports readers into the dust-filled wagons, offering an intimate glimpse into how the West was forged by those determined to see their dreams realized amidst the often-punishing realities of frontier life.
Preparing for the Journey
The pioneers' journey began with careful planning and preparation. They were driven by a compelling desire to explore the western territories, leaving behind their familiar lives in Missouri. You might wonder why someone would choose to abandon everything they knew. For many, it was a chance to escape household strife and seek new economic opportunities in the West. This embodied the quintessential American dream—a pursuit of prosperity and a better future.
As the travelers prepared for their expedition, they gathered under their "prairie-schooner," a sheltered wagon that would become their home on wheels. They took stock of their supplies, making sure they had the necessary horse-drawn vehicles, equine companions, and other vital equipment for the long journey ahead.
The group organized themselves into a caravan known as "The Hardinbrooke Train." This consisted of forty-five carriages carrying a mix of families and individual adventurers, all seeking their fortune. They wisely chose Captain Hardinbrooke to lead them, given his expertise in such ventures. He was paired with a sergeant to maintain discipline, ensuring the group's order and safety throughout the journey.
Other organized travel parties, like the McMahan and Dickerson groups, also formed to ensure mutual safety and support. They maintained consistent communication and stayed in close proximity to one another. This setup highlights how important community and shared protection were when facing uncertainty and potential threats on the frontier.
Life on the Trail
Adapting to New Challenges
As the pioneers set out, they quickly realized that life on the trail was vastly different from what they were used to. They had to adapt to the constraints of their covered wagon, which became their mobile home. Despite the challenges, many found joy in roaming the vast meadows and setting up camp each night.
The travelers had to make significant changes to their daily routines. They switched to simpler clothing that was more suitable for the journey. The physical demands of the trail led to increased appetites, and they had to adjust their eating and resting patterns to meet the environment's requirements for nourishment and water.
Cooking methods also changed to suit their new lifestyle. Many used mobile stoves and created makeshift sleeping areas on top of their wagons. Sundays often provided a welcome respite from the demanding routine, offering a more relaxed pace. However, this ease contrasted sharply with the daunting, fly-ridden mountain terrain they encountered on other days.
Encountering Natural Wonders
The journey wasn't all hardship—it also offered breathtaking encounters with nature. The travelers were captivated by the stunning landscapes they passed through. They marveled at wildflowers nestled in quaint valleys and watched in awe as the imposing Rocky Mountains rose from the vast expanse of the Great Plains. The Rockies, with their peaks resembling altars reaching towards the sky, provided a majestic backdrop to their journey.
Wildlife encounters added excitement to their days. They observed burrowing rodents native to the grasslands and spotted antelope bounding across the plains. However, not all wildlife encounters were positive. A tragic misidentification led to the death of a traveler named Frasier, an event that deeply affected the group's dynamic.
Navigating Hazards
The journey was fraught with dangers, from crossing tumultuous waterways to potential conflicts with native tribes. River crossings posed significant risks and required collective effort, expert navigation, and skill to prevent accidents.
The threat of Native American attacks, whether real or perceived, caused considerable anxiety among the travelers. They often formed larger groups for protection and lived with the constant stress of potential conflict. While the story highlighted the risks of clashes with Native Americans, it also demonstrated the early colonists' resilience and determination. They pressed on through wild, uncharted territory and unexpected perils, driven by their quest for a new beginning.
Health Challenges on the Frontier
Battling Mountain Fever
One of the most significant challenges the travelers faced was illness, particularly a condition commonly referred to as mountain fever. This assortment of fever-related illnesses began to afflict the group, with affected individuals exhibiting elevated body temperatures and coated tongues.
The situation was dire enough to warrant calling for a doctor, who provided medical assistance, administered drugs, and offered opportunities for recovery. Despite these efforts, the group's circumstances worsened when Mrs. Hardinbrooke succumbed to the fever, highlighting the very real dangers of illness on the trail.
Caring for the Sick and Injured
The pioneers had to become adept at providing medical care for those who fell ill or were injured during the journey. They employed various remedies, including bleeding attempts, to combat sickness. In one instance, a bovine creature fell seriously ill, but against all odds, it managed to recover, save for its scorched snout.
The narrator, despite occasional bouts of weakness, took on the role of caregiver for the sick. This included tending to young Annie, whose mother was gravely ill. While the doctor expected most patients to recover, a small number continued to exhibit symptoms, causing ongoing concern within the group.
The author, along with Mr. Curry, embraced the responsibility of delivering healthcare. This highlights the collective obligation the pioneers felt to care for one another, a crucial aspect of survival on the frontier.
Coping With Loss
Grieving for Neelie
The journey was marked by tragic events, none more poignant than the death of a young girl named Neelie. Her physical condition had been deteriorating for some time, and despite her attempts to downplay the severity of her illness, her frail appearance and distinct pallor were evident to all.
Despite receiving attentive care, Neelie's outcome was unfortunate. The community was engulfed in grief, mourning not only Neelie's loss but also coming to terms with the sorrow from past departures. This tragic event served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of frontier life.
Honoring the Departed
In the face of such loss, the pioneers found ways to honor their departed companions. They conducted funeral services and marked burial sites with markers and surrounding enclosures. These acts of remembrance were crucial in helping the group process their grief and pay tribute to those they had lost.
Even in the midst of tragedy, the journey pressed on. The travelers, though enveloped by sorrow, were urged to persist and seek moments of joy even through hardship. The poignant symbols of previous hardships—the grave markers left behind—stood as heartfelt tributes to those who had endured the agony of separation from loved ones. These memorials spurred the group on, encouraging them to honor the memories of those they had lost by continuing their journey.
Arriving at Virginia City
After months of arduous travel, the pioneers finally reached their destination: Virginia City. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with its own set of challenges and adjustments.
Upon arrival, the travelers secured modest accommodations to integrate with the local community. They took up residence in a small log shelter, paying a monthly rent of eight dollars. This came after surveying the main thoroughfares of the town, suggesting a careful consideration of their new surroundings.
First impressions of Virginia City were not entirely positive. Newcomers often described it as an extremely run-down town, noting a lack of impressive residences. However, signs of local engagement and trade were evident. For instance, a man named Hillhouse acquired an elegant porcelain light fixture during a public sale, indicating that life and commerce continued despite the town's dilapidated exterior.
Settling Into Frontier Life
Maintaining Connections
As the pioneers settled into their new home, maintaining connections with loved ones left behind became crucial. The post office served as a vital link to their past lives, a place where they could receive correspondence from family and friends. Letters from individuals like Mac and Frank Kerfoot provided comfort and helped ease the transition to life on the western frontier.
Facing New Challenges
Life in Virginia City came with its own set of challenges, primarily centered around the high costs and limited resources. The price of flour was exorbitant, and other essentials like lamp glass and fuel oil were also costly. These financial hurdles added to the difficulties of adjusting to their new setting.
Despite these challenges, the pioneers found ways to mark important personal events. The narrator, for instance, celebrated his mother's birthday, taking comfort in the knowledge that she was enjoying robust health back home.
The complexities of frontier life were further highlighted by stories of young runaways traveling to Montana and media reports of Native American raids. These events served as constant reminders of the precarious nature of their new existence.
Reflections on the Journey
Awe-Inspiring Natural Beauty
As the pioneers reflected on their journey, one aspect stood out above all others: the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The sight of these towering peaks awakened a deep reverence for the natural world in many of the travelers.
From elevated viewpoints, they witnessed truly awe-inspiring vistas. Atop Elk Mountain, they watched as the break of dawn illuminated the frosty peaks, turning them into splendid natural towers reaching towards the heavens. The sky above was decorated with ever-changing clouds, weaving together a magnificent tapestry.
The travelers marveled at the contrasts in the landscape—wild strawberries sprouting near blooms adjacent to remnants of snow, vast expanses of snow-blanketed lakes viewed from higher perspectives. These sights evoked a profound sense of wonder and respect for the awe-inspiring characteristics of the natural world.
Personal Growth and Resilience
The journey across the plains and mountains wasn't just a physical trek; it was also a transformative personal experience for many of the pioneers. Facing and overcoming numerous challenges alongside family and close friends fostered a sense of togetherness and resilience.
The experience of conquering geographical obstacles instilled a profound sense of achievement in the travelers. As they reached their destination, many felt a deep-seated optimism and a rejuvenated outlook for what lay ahead. The journey had changed them, much like the serene, elevating, pure, and hallowed feelings that the mountains evoked.
In the end, the pioneers' journey across the plains in 1865 was more than just a physical relocation. It was a testament to human endurance, a celebration of natural wonders, and a transformative experience that shaped the character of those who undertook it. Their story, as told in Days on the Road, offers us a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history and the indomitable spirit of those who helped shape the West.