Hunting and Trading on the Great Plains, 1859-1875 (American Exploration & Travel Series)

This is a fascinating look at life in Kansas from 1859 until 1875. James Mead grew up in Davenport, Iowa, but during his youth he dreamed about going to the Kansas Territory, which he did in his early twenties. This volume is compiled from his journal and letters. It is an interesting account of how Kansas was populated, the type of settlements and the type of people who were attracted to the Kansas during this period. It is replete with lots of information on hunting and trapping and includes many encounters with the American Indian population in the state. It is hard to imagine the great amount of game that was available during this early period of Kansas History. It seems that turkey, squab, quail and other game birds were in great abundance, basically for the taking. Buffalo, elk, and other large mammals were common. Mr. Mead knew Jesse Chisholm, William "Buffalo Bill" Matthewson and Kit Carson, as well as famous Indians such as Santana, War Chief of the Kiowas. This book provides an excellent picture of life in early Kansas, and would make good reading for all ages from Junior High upward.