Description
Book SynopsisIn 1845, about 1,200 men, women, and children in over two hundred wagons accepted fur trapper and guide Stephen Meek's offer to lead them on a shortcut across the high desert of eastern Oregon. Those who followed Meek experienced a terrible ordeal when his memory of the terrain apparently failed. This book documents the story of the Oregon Trail.
Trade Review“Beautifully illustrated with color images and detailed maps, this work makes a fine contribution to trail studies. The Meek Cutoff is a handsome addition to the library of Oregon Trail Studies and should grace the shelves of all students of the subject.
-- Robert Clark * Overland Journal *
“The book effectively conveys the impact of this catastrophe by providing a day-to-day chronicle of the ordeal— sharing excerpts from the daily entries of various emigrants, and including maps that depict the slow and tortuous progress of the different offshoots of the group.
-- Barbara Lloyd McMichael * Bellingham Herald *
“Local historians and Oregon Trail aficionados will find The Meek Cutoff both fascinating and informative. The spirit and endurance of the Oregon pioneers shine through in every chapter.
-- Renee Struthers * Eastern Oregonian *
"The Meek Cutoff is the first book to identify and retrace the emigrants’ exact course. Author Brooks Greer Ragen accomplished this feat in 2006, walking the trail he had identified by using diaries and other first-hand accounts written by the emigrants, accompanied by a team of experts. One of this book’s great strengths lies in its use of beautiful color photographs that illustrate each area the text described. Highly recommended for all ages."
-- Paula Becker * HistoryLink *
"Beautifully illustrated with color images and detailed maps, this work makes a fine contribution to trail studies….The Meek Cutoff is a handsome addition to the library of Oregon Trail studies, and should grace the shelves of all students of the subject."
* Overland Journal *
Table of ContentsList of Maps
Preface
Introduction
The Lost Wagon Train of 1845
The Diaries, Diarists, and Reminiscences
The Meek Research Expedition
Meek Research Expedition Members
The Gold
The Journey, Day to Day
Some Final Thoughts
Note on Sources
Index
