The Making of the Great West, 1512-1883

The Making of the Great West, 1512-1883, written by Samuel Adams Drake and first published in 1887, is a historical account detailing the exploration and settlement of the American West. The book examines the roles of Spanish, French, and English explorers, such as Hernando de Soto, and their interactions with indigenous populations during a transformative period in American history. It provides a clear narrative aimed at both young and adult readers, highlighting the competition among European powers for dominance in the New World and the consequences of their quests for wealth and land.