Scenes of Earlier Days: Crossing the Plains to Oregon

"It was April 10, 1851, when a small company left the western portion of Illinois, to make the trip across the western wilds to Oregon. Those who did not cross the plains, either to Oregon or California, in an early day have but little knowledge of the hardships endured on the way or after arrival. I have frequently conversed with those who went to Oregon and after their arrival had to live on acorns for six weeks without meat. "

So begins Charles Crawford's true tale of his pioneer journey to Oregon territory. In 1858, he and his family moved again to California.

"You are going into a very dangerous country, one where human life is not valued very highly and it will be necessary for you to be well armed or they are sure to kill you."

Every memoir of the American West provides us with another view of the movement that changed the country forever.

For the first time, this long out-of-print volume is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers and smartphones.

Be sure to LOOK INSIDE by clicking the cover above or download a sample.