Kit Carson and the Indians by Thomas W. Dunlay

by Thomas W. Dunlay

Often portrayed by past historians as the greatest guide and Indian fighter in the West, Kit Carson has become in recent years a historical pariah—a brutal murderer who betrayed the Navajos, an unwitting dupe of American expansion, and a racist. Many historians now question both his reputation and his place in the pantheon of American heroes. In Kit Carson and the Indians, Thomas W. Dunlay urges us to reconsider Carson yet again. To Dunlay, Carson was simply a man of the nineteenth century whose racial views and actions were much like those of his contemporaries.Dunlay argues convincingly that historians have too often set their minds on elevating or suborning Carson's reputation and have paid too little attention to the man himself. Dunlay finds that Carson was capable of complex and seemingly contradictory feelings toward the various Indian groups he encountered. He was involved with Indians in many different kinds of relationships, from marriage to war. He led American troops against the Navajos and helped force them from their homeland despite the fact that many Navajos considered Carson an ally. He also tried to preserve Indians from extermination. It is at this juncture of historical experience and contradiction that Dunlay makes his analysis, presenting for the first time a fair and balanced treatment of Carson and his complicated relationship with the Indians.

About the Tom Dunlay, a freelance writer and historian, lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is the author of Wolves for the Blue Soldiers (Nebraska 1982).

Genres: History, American History

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the intro written for this book, and I think it best depicts what this book is all about. There was a school called Kit Carson, and so I wanted to know more about the man. I witnessed one parent stand in front of the school, and say, "Kit Carson killed 40,000 innocent American Indians. (au contraire) This book addresses his previous poor reputation, and re-evaluates Kit's "murderous" participation.

Often portrayed by past historians as the greatest guide and Indian fighter in the West, Kit Carson (1809–68) has become in recent years a historical pariah—a brutal murderer who betrayed the Navajos, an unwitting dupe of American expansion, and a racist.

Many historians now question both his reputation and his place in the pantheon of American heroes. In Kit Carson and the Indians, Tom Dunlay urges us to reconsider Carson yet again. To Dunlay, Carson was simply a man of the nineteenth century whose racial views and actions were much like those of his contemporaries.

[Roy Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lengthy and detailed summary of the life of Kit Carson. Dunlay places Carson's life and actions in the historical context of the expansion of the West. He further looks at the life of the western American Indian, who lost their home and livelihood to the encroachment of "white men". This book took me a long time to read and will take me even longer to absorb due to the truths of the actions of white men, both in the frontier and in Washington, DC, and the actions of Native Americans as their home and way of life was steadily eroded. Detailed, extensively researched - not for the faint of heart.

[Brian Bailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched and balanced description of an American legend.
My only criticism is that it may be too in-depth for some readers.
An important work, and a valuable addition to any collection.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough, but not a very exciting narrative style. To me, the writer is a bit more apologetic than he needs to be. Most academics seem intimidated into historical witch hunts by politically driven revisionism. At least this writer doesn't fall into that camp.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book using some sources I've not seen before.