Outbound Journeys

by Robert Cronk

With over 75 photographs, this Native American biography is a pictorial history of 'Chief Manitou's' outbound travels from the Santa Clara Pueblo to Colorado and beyond in the late 1800's and early 1900's. More than anything else, it was the railroad that shaped the development of the Southwest during that time. It brought large numbers of visitors into the region which just a few years earlier would have been extremely difficult for travel. The iconic symbol of the West was The Indian and people wanted to see and interact with these native tribes. But of course what they really wanted was an idealized version - one which the railroad was more than happy to provide. The Santa Fe Railroad and the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad hired photographers and painters to create images of the indigenous people that would fit the stereotype. Suddenly many Native Americans became Chiefs, sometimes with ear-catching names like Chief He-No-Fraid , which bore no connection to the Native American reality. But there was another side of the access the railroad provided. It also allowed the pueblo dwellers themselves to travel and explore. The most famous traveler was Pedro Cajete, a man whose wit and charm led him from trading wares and posing for photos to meeting with President Taft to discuss concerns with the native lands. This book shares the many photos and stories documenting his adventures as it uncovers the man who became known as Chief Manitou.

95 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a neat book about Pedro Cajete, aka Chief Manitou! He liked people and people liked him. I wish I could have met him.