1860-1890

S. C. Gwynne?s Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.

Describes the disadvantages of being a Pony Express rider, including riding in all weather, natural disasters, and disease.

"Readers recognize the cowboy as a symbol of the Wild West, but this book illustrates what life was like for real cowboys. Readers will learn about the Spanish origins of cowboys, as well as the rise of America's cattle industry. This book also describes cattle drives and the famous trails ridden by real cowboys. Vivid visuals are paired with engaging text to deliver an adventurous reading experience. This high-interest book is supplemented by sidebars and 'Truth or Myth?' fact boxes to deepen the reader's understanding of this iconic figure in the Wild West"--Provided by the publisher.

"Though the Pony Express existed for less than two years, its legend lives on today. Its mission was to deliver mail 2,000 miles across the American plains and deserts in half the time it would take by stagecoach. Riders faced many dangers, from hostile American Indians to wicked weather. Lively language and historical illustrations will help readers feel as if they are part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion"--Provided by the publisher.

Jesse James's rise as a notorious outlaw was concurrent with the upheaval the West experienced before, during, and after the American Civil War. In fact, Jesse and his brother Frank became heroes to many who viewed them as Confederates battling the Union more than murderers and thieves. This thought-provoking volume tells the story of Jesse, from childhood to violent death, as well as relates valuable information about events in the United States that cultivated outlaws like the James brothers, including Bleeding Kansas and Reconstruction. The infamous man comes to life through photographs, illustrations, and an exciting narrative.

When the cattle trade moved west, herds took over vast expanses of land, discover the cowboys that rode the range and herded cattle along the trails from the southwest to the railheads.

Outlaws and Rebels explores the lives of the American frontier's most famous and infamous criminals, including the Dalton brothers, Belle Starr, and Butch Cassidy.

This book recounts tales of epic adventure, inspirational bravery, and deep tragedy of gunslingers and cowboys. It explores the rise of cow towns and origins of the cowboy.

Trailblazing the Way West explores the lives of the first settlers to make the journey into the unknown lands of the American West Coast, and the terrible adversity faced by many of those early pioneers.

Photographs and illustrations describe the history of the Pony Express, when and why it was created, and how long it lasted.