The Spirit of the Border: A Romance of the Early Settlers in the Ohio Valley, published in 1906 by Zane Grey, is a historical novel that chronicles the lives of early settlers in the Ohio Valley during the tumultuous period following the Revolutionary War. The story follows Joe and Nell, whose romance unfolds against the backdrop of frontier life, marked by struggles with Native Americans and the violent incursions led by the Girty brothers. The novel is notable for its vivid portrayal of pioneer life and its grounding in the historical context of Colonel Ebenezer Zane's experiences, reflecting the challenges and adventures faced by those who ventured into the wild West.
