History / Old West
168 pages
5 Stars
This is an excellent introduction to the contributions
African American Women made in the opening of the Old West. Wagner profiles 10
women of indomitable courage who went through whatever it required to get where
they wanted to get.
I am a bit disappointed there were no stories of African
American women who helped settle the Inland Empire of Oregon, Washington, &
Idaho – but that's probably due to the fact there were none. Those who came
went on to Portland or Seattle.
I think my favorite character, and she was, indeed, a
character was Mary Fields, aka Stagecoach Mary, though it's difficult to pick a
favorite.
Ms. Wagner did her research, and told each story with care
and attention to detail, without bogging the story down in nothing but facts.
This book should be in every history class in every high school in the country.
Not just in the class, but taught.
I look forward to reading Wagner's book, It Happened on the
Underground Railroad. If I have to find a negative remark about this book, it
is only that it was too short. I would like to have read a great deal more
about many of these women. Oh, wait, I can do that, can't I? ;-)
If you're a history buff, as I am, I heartily recommend this
book. Job well done, Ms. Wagner. Job well done.
