355 pages
illus.,map
This book brings to life one of the most exciting eras in American history. In late 1819 Colonel Henry Atkinson led an expedition to explore the wilderness of the Upper Missouri and establish sites for a string of military posts, which would extend successful contacts with the Indians as well as exploit trade with British companies. The result of his efforts was a fort system which played a dramatic and significant role in the opening of the territories of the upper plains and the Rockies.
Robert G. Athearn was a leading authority on the history of the Northern Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
"An exceedingly, but delightfully, detailed story of the river forts that General Sherman termed a 'picket line of civilization.'"—Library Journal
"An authoritative and pleasurable book. [This] narrative of the years 1818 to the late 1880s is peopled with altruists, drunkards, cheats, martinets, trappers, whiskey runners, and famous generals. Athearn's style makes it noteworthy."—Best Sellers
