A History of the American Frontier, 1763-1893

by Frederic L. Paxson

This 600 page work, based on primary historical sources and published in 1924, brings true frontier life alive.

Genres: History, American

598 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1968

About the author

Frederic Logan Paxson was an American historian, and an authority on the American West.

He earned his degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.

From 1932 to 1947 he served as professor at the University of California.

He also served as President of the Organization of American Historians.

He won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1925 for History of the American Frontier.

Reviews

[Ted Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I put this book on my "wish list" without really examining it beyond its title and the notation that it had won the Pulitzer Prize. Oh, boy, what a mistake. I should have abandoned it right away, but I can't remember the last time that I started a book and didn't finish it, so I persevered. Yes, it is a Pulitzer Prize winning history of the American frontier, but that prize was won in 1925, and the book is a prime example of the type of history that was written back then that, fortunately, has disappeared into the dust bin of historiography. Frankly, I can't believe that it's still in print. Content aside, I am surprised that Amazon still offers this book, as it it poorly manufactured (dozens of its pages fell out of the paperback binding) and it contains a multitude of unbelievable typos. (As one example, the word "bill"- as in a law- is spelled "biff." Come on, how was this book typeset and who edited it?!?) But it is the content that distinguishes this book. There are a few interesting sections: the discussion of the routes of early canals (largely dictated by geography) and the reason that the midwestern and western states have their contemporary borders (largely dictated by politics). But this is a book about how the institutions of the United States- various levels of government, banks, railroads, land companies, etc.- impacted the settlement of the west. The native tribes are far removed from the center of this story. They enter occasionally and then fade away. The language that the author used to describe them is ungenerous at best, and often racist (he often calls them "savages"). There was one sentence where he actually wrote that the policy of the United States government towards the native tribes was "generous and humane." You've got to be kidding. His brief description of the boarding schools that the native children were sent to show that "they were capable of becoming civilized." The books that are being written today appropriately put the native tribes at the center of the story and present a picture of the frontier as a "borderland," not an empty canvas. Skip this book- it belongs in a museum, not on your bookshelf.

[Arun Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating periods in American history is explored in depth and with insight in Frederic L. Paxson's History of the American Frontier. Paxson takes readers on a fascinating trip through the growth and transition of the American frontier using painstaking research and an engaging narrative style.

Paxson carefully analyzes the significant incidents, people, and forces that shaped the American frontier, covering everything from the aftermath of the French and Indian War in 1763 through the closing of the frontier in 1893. The settlement of the western lands, the wars with Native American tribes, the effects of the American Revolution, the growth of the United States, and the social and economic changes that went along with westward migration are all covered in great detail in this book.

Paxson's writings excel in presenting a fair and nuanced perspective on the challenges of frontier life. Through meticulous attention to detail and authentic sources, he immerses readers in the experiences of settlers, Native Americans, explorers, traders, and soldiers, shedding light on their contacts, disputes, cooperation, trials, successes, and tribulations in shaping the American West.

A wide spectrum of readers will be able to understand the intricate historical narrative thanks to Paxson's entertaining and approachable writing style. This level of academic discipline guarantees the book's accuracy and objectivity, making it a great tool for historians, students, and anyone else trying to comprehend the complexity of the American frontier.

Finally, it is a brilliant text that explores the fascinating history of the American West. This book is a must-read for anybody interested in comprehending the evolution and significance of the American frontier due to Paxson's painstaking research, compelling writing style, and thorough methodology. It makes a significant contribution to the study of American history by providing a nuanced and thorough examination of this crucial era in the country's history.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pulitzer prize winner. Hooray for library book sales. I wouldn't have found this gem otherwise. Very happy to know that at least one other American history book by Frederic L. Paxton can be examined via Internet Archive.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable and logically organized. When I got to the Texas chapter, I was kind of surprised by its brevity, so I do wonder about some of the chapters concerning historical events I was not as familiar with. I enjoyed my time with this book. Learned a lot.

[? · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Go West, young man"

[Brad Kohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing detail provided for the western expansion in the U.S., including the social, political and economic factors shaping it.