Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey

By Lillian Schlissel

Book Overview

More than a quarter of a million Americans crossed the continental United States between 1840 and 1870, going west in one of the greatest migrations of modern times. The frontiersmen have become an integral part of our history and folklore, but the Westering experiences of American women are equally central to an accurate picture of what life was like on the frontier. Through the diaries, letters, and reminiscences of women who participated in this migration, Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey gives us primary source material on the lives of these women, who kept campfires burning with buffalo chips and dried weeds, gave birth to and cared for children along primitive and dangerous roads, drove teams of oxen, picked berries, milked cows, and cooked meals in the middle of a wilderness that was a far cry from the homes they had left back east. Still (and often under the disapproving eyes of their husbands) they found time to write brave letters home or to jot a few weary lines at night into the diaries that continue to enthrall us. In her new foreword, Professor Mary Clearman Blew explores the enduring fascination with this subject among both historians and the general public, and places Schlissel's groundbreaking work into an intriguing historical and cultural context.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805211764
• ISBN13: 9780805211764
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Schocken Books Inc
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey

An excellent compilation of diaries of women traveling by covered wagons in the 1800s. Lillian Schlissel, the author, did extensive research, and, when possible, was able to give the reader information as to what happened to these women after their journies. The author was able to comment on the lack of personal details in the diaries by giving some history of "the culture of the times". What the women did share with us in their diaries was heartrending and I found myself brought to tears and full of gratitude for the comforts on my modern-day farm. A good read, and definitely worthy of keeping in the home library.

Great Book!

One of the best and entertainment history books that I have ever read. You cannot stop when you start reading this book. It also have a lot of pictures, so you can visualize what the author is talking about. We learn how it was difficult for women to travel West, so they can have a better future. Author did a lot of research to write this book. Author did a great job. I recommend you to read it.

Experience an incredible journey!

This is an incredible opportunity to journey into the past through the real-life writings of women who traveled west by wagons on the Overland Trail (1841-1867). Read what two women thought when they came across the waters from a hot spring -- one woman expresses her worry that Satan must be close by while another writes about the great convenience of being able to make quick a cup of tea! There are many stories that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder about the hardships and triumphs all these diary writers faced. This is a book you will read over and over again.