The Frontiersmen by Allan W. Eckert
New York: Bantam Books, 1970The Frontiersmen is the first in a series of historical novels Eckert describes as "Narratives of America." Though written in a narrative style, the books are based upon years of meticulous research, and except for some of the dialogue, are faithful to historical fact. The Frontiersmen, as is the case with the other books in the series, is set in the early days of the fledgling American nation. While the book features many of the people who fought for and ultimately settled Kentucky and the Ohio Valley, it centers on the lives of Simon Kenton and the great Shawnee chief Tecumseh. Though they were destined to become adversaries, they embodied similar qualities. Both were courageous, intensely loyal to their people and their friends, and while quick to defend their rights and their land, they disdained the cruelty frequently practiced by the era's white settlers and Shawnee Indians. Though enemies, Simon Kenton and Tecumseh maintained a deep respect for each other throughout their lives.
The early Kentucky pioneers settled the land at great personal risk. Understandably, the Shawnees and other tribes of the region fought tenaciously to defend their land. They suffered the brunt of early American western expansion, and were often the victims of unfulfilled promises and broken treaties.
Meanwhile, the British, in spite of the terms of the Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War, refused to relinquish their claim on much of the Ohio Valley. The book describes the tenuous alliance between the British and the Indians of the region, who shared a common interest in ending the American encroachment east of the Appalachian mountains.Comment
This amazing book chronicles, in my opinion, some of the most fascinating chapters in American history. From the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812, the incredible adventures of some of our nation's most remarkable personalities are brought to life. The book includes a detailed bibliography and notes that provide a link between history and the present location where many of the events described in the book occurred. The author might question the inclusion of the book as historical fiction, but the book reads like a novel and much of the dialogue is fictional. However, The Frontiersmen proves that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and as Eckert himself explains in his Author's Note, "every incident described in this book actually occurred; every date is historically accurate; and every character, regardless of how major or how minor, actually lived in the role in which he is portrayed."
These were violent times, and readers should be aware that the book includes graphic descriptions of the torture of prisoners as well as battle scenes. There are a couple of mild sexual references.Reading Level: N/A
Interest Level: N/A
693 pages (excluding notes)Supports the following Instructional Objectives:
Identify the Economic Factors that led to the Expansion of the American Colonies
Evaluate the Role and Influence of the President in the Expansion of the United States
Explain the Role of Negotiation and/or Treaty in the United States Acquisition of New Territory
Excerpt
From everywhere in Kentucky County the men came and now, as they assembled here on the Ohio shore opposite the mouth of the Licking River, Simon Kenton was amazed at the similarity of this rendezvous with the one that had taken place at this same spot two years ago. Even their destination, in part, was the same; it was as if the pages of the calendar had been turned back and a segment of life was being relived.
A thousand and fifty mounted men were gathered here, armed and fully confident in the ability of General George Rogers Clark to lead them on a successful campaign. Hardly a man was not known personally to Simon Kenton. There were the men whose lives he had helped to save, whose forts and homes he had helped to build, men whom he had guided across the wilderness to the places where they wanted to settle. Strong men and silent, men driven with a desire for revenge and an equally strong desire to possess the lands and goods and country of the Indians against whom they were preparing to march. (pages 312-313)"Kenton Saving Boone" used with permission by Jon Hagee at:
http://frontierfolk.org/kenton.htm
Accessed July 15, 2002.Historical Fiction and Idaho U.S. History Curriculum
U.S. History I U.S. History II Books by Author Author Links Idaho Connections
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