In her diary Mary Austin Holley jotted down the events of her afternoon with friends. She enjoyed pleasant conversation as well as the beautiful surroundings. She made note of the impressive collection of books, and in particular the various curiosities displayed throughout the parlor. Holley's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Wharton, boasted all sorts of fascinating relics, once owned by famous figures in...
The trek by wagon train to Texas was one fraught with danger. Trail roads were rough, there were high rivers to cross, diseases to contend with, and of course the possibility of meeting up with Indians. Mary Maverick was making such a journey in the summer of 1837. She was traveling by wagon train from her home in Alabama to the new land of Texas. One day when her party was moving camp, 17 Tonkawa...
Location: Walla Walla River, Oregon Territory As European settlers headed west in the early 1800s, Native Americans across the United States experienced unimaginable evils. Their lands were taken by force and many American Indians were forced to forfeit their culture and beliefs to adopt the cultural practices of whites. Though there are many negative connotations among stories of Christian missionaries...