This publication, as the title page indicates, was written specifically for “Young Americans”, and is but one story of many produced by the Werner School Book Company. Other titles include stories of well-known American heroes such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Lewis and Clark, and Elisha Kent Kane, etc.
This is an ideal book for the first time exposure to the American explorer, John C. Fremont. Even though this publication is short, it still does a good job of piquing the readers curiosity about the man, and his exploits, and will encourage readers to do further study.
The publication consists 66 pages of text, and just a few images.
Many of his accomplishments far out distanced his early explorations and exploits and in the West, he was poplularly known as the “The Pathfinder” for most of his life.
This book is not without many interesting facts, and insights. For example, in describing the habits of the buffalo,
“The country was covered with herds of buffaloes, and their manner of living was full of interest.
The men noticed that when it was cold and snowy the herds kept moving. This was because the buffaloes on the edge of the herd were trying to get into the middle, where they would be kept warmer by the heat from one another's bodies. The buffaloes in the middle would fight to stay where they were, and so the whole herd was kept from freezing by the continual struggle.”
I knew that buffalo were very adept at surviving the harsh winters of the plains, however I’d never heard of these kinds of behaviors. (By contrast, when herds of cattle were introduced to the harsh winters, they would essentially freeze, or starve to death, without assistance from their caretakers).
Also, though I’d probably read about it, before, I’d forgotten that his expeditions actually had rubber boats that they used to ford the rivers.
From explorer (”The Pathfinder”), to conqueror, to military governor of California, to presidential candidate, to Civil War General, his career was obviously wide, and varied, and deserves much more intense study.
This publication will inspire the reader to pursue a more detail study of John C. Fremont.
