What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Frontiers: A History of African American Heroes in the Old West
Meet the black men and women who settled the Old West in this striking nonfiction middle grade book.
From 1865 to the early 1900s, brave black people headed west in search of a new life on their own and with their families. Scouts and mountain men explored the unfamiliar terrain, miners panned for gold, and families homesteaded on the Great Plains. Black people were soldiers, business owners, and cowboys.
These true stories from history are accompanied by rare photographs so young readers can meet these incredible individuals face-to-face.
From 1865 to the early 1900s, brave black people headed west in search of a new life on their own and with their families. Scouts and mountain men explored the unfamiliar terrain, miners panned for gold, and families homesteaded on the Great Plains. Black people were soldiers, business owners, and cowboys.
These true stories from history are accompanied by rare photographs so young readers can meet these incredible individuals face-to-face.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
2 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Schlissel
13 books11 followersLillian Schlissel is professor emerita of Brooklyn College-CUNY, where she was director of American studies. Her books include Women’s Diaries of the Westward Journey; Far From Home: Families of the Westward Journey, written with Byrd Gibbens and Elizabeth Hampsten, Western Women, Their Land, Their Lives; and Western Women’s Reader (with Catherine Lavender). Schlissel is a member of the editorial board of Studies in American Jewish Literature and is working on a history of five women of American vaudeville.
(from http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/author/sc...)
(from http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/author/sc...)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 8, 2018
Random little book that I found on a library display, but I really enjoyed it. It was really interesting. I loved all the old pictures in it, hearing the stories about certain cowboys and people of the west. I'd never really thought about African Americans when it comes to the old west. There were some really cool stories. Being born and partially raised in Kansas, all my family still lives there, it was cool hearing about those historical places and imagining the cowboys and cattle runs happening. History can be pretty neat.
I also really liked the story about Mary Fields (Stagecoach Mary) she sounded like a real character. She punched a man in the face for not paying a bill. She smoked cigars and had a jug of whiskey when on her coach. Really interesting.
I also really liked the story about Mary Fields (Stagecoach Mary) she sounded like a real character. She punched a man in the face for not paying a bill. She smoked cigars and had a jug of whiskey when on her coach. Really interesting.
August 3, 2020
I read the chapter on Black Indians and skimmed the rest.
Great book! It is made up of a series of short chapters about different groups of prominent African Americans in the Old West. Great choice of topics, good scholarship and use of sources, lively prose style. I also appreciated the generous usage of period photos.
Great book! It is made up of a series of short chapters about different groups of prominent African Americans in the Old West. Great choice of topics, good scholarship and use of sources, lively prose style. I also appreciated the generous usage of period photos.
July 22, 2023
This is a quick read and aimed at grade school children.
For some reason this is one of the "banned books."
The only reason that I can see this book being banned is because it highlights and shows the sacrifice of early black Western pioneers.
I have read Western books and novels since my youth. My maternal great-grandmother was a little girl when she came West with a wagon train from Missouri to Idaho. She installed a love of Western books in me and we spent many a pleasant summer evening sitting on my grandparent's porch reading Western novels.
One thing that I learned is the Deadwood Dick was a black man. Frequently mentioned in the Longarm series, Deadwood Dick's skin color is never mentioned.
I thought maybe this book mentioned black prostitutes in the saloons and other houses of ill repute, but it does not mention the sex trade at all. If this book mentioned the sex trade then I could see it not being suitable for grade school kids.
Even though written for grade school children, it is well written and not dumbed down. Neither is it over "adulted" talking down to the reader as if they are an idiot.
For some reason this is one of the "banned books."
The only reason that I can see this book being banned is because it highlights and shows the sacrifice of early black Western pioneers.
I have read Western books and novels since my youth. My maternal great-grandmother was a little girl when she came West with a wagon train from Missouri to Idaho. She installed a love of Western books in me and we spent many a pleasant summer evening sitting on my grandparent's porch reading Western novels.
One thing that I learned is the Deadwood Dick was a black man. Frequently mentioned in the Longarm series, Deadwood Dick's skin color is never mentioned.
I thought maybe this book mentioned black prostitutes in the saloons and other houses of ill repute, but it does not mention the sex trade at all. If this book mentioned the sex trade then I could see it not being suitable for grade school kids.
Even though written for grade school children, it is well written and not dumbed down. Neither is it over "adulted" talking down to the reader as if they are an idiot.
July 5, 2022
This is a stirring, eye-opening account of aspects of Black history that have, until recently, been forgotten or overlooked. The photographs included in this book, written for children, are alone worth a look-see. Reading this book makes me want to find longer accounts of the lives introduced in this book. Checking out the author's bibliography!
April 15, 2019
I read about Mary Fields and skimmed the rest. Seems like a book I would read if I had more time.
August 4, 2015
The photos are incredible, the information is critical, and the writing is serviceable. This is a powerful, effective must-read that I am thrilled to be adding to my classroom library. These photos of African Americans participating in every complex facet of "Westward expansion" immediately shift the paradigm and narrative of American history and made me wonder how I'd gone so long without picturing this part of American history -- let alone seeing pictures of it. Joel Christian Gill's graphic novel did something similar, but much more expressively, elegantly, and richly. However, the historical photos carry their own powerful narratives that makes this book more than worth reading in addition to /Strange Fruit/. The bibliography and references, as in Gill's book, is an exceptional resource.
I would be remiss not to point out, though, that Lillian Schissel's research focus is the women of the Westward expansion (presumably white, like her, but I haven't checked her other books -- if I were generous, I'd assume the reason there are only three or so women in this book, and at the end, is because she HAS written extensively about Black women, and hopefully Native women, in her other books). The writing shows its bias or lack of awareness with occasional clarity, like when, in the conclusion, Schlissel writes, "Given the chance, [African Americans] proved time and again that they possessed skills, initiative, and courage." Excuse me, I read the book, and no one gave away a single chance. Rather, the heroes in this book fought against all the same obstacles as the White homesteaders or stage coach drivers or miners, plus extra caused by the underdeveloped but highly effective institutional racism. (How many times did you write in your book about White people stealing -- under a falsely lawful premise -- the fortune of one of your Black pioneers? How many times were they turned away? Didn't every one of them, in your own characterization, have to work harder at every turn to get the same or less success?)
This is not to mention the uncertain and confused representation of Native Americans, who play a large role in the narratives, but an unexamined one.
In spite of this, this well-researched book is full of gems, discussion-starters, and eye-openers. I am thrilled to be bringing it into my classroom.
I would be remiss not to point out, though, that Lillian Schissel's research focus is the women of the Westward expansion (presumably white, like her, but I haven't checked her other books -- if I were generous, I'd assume the reason there are only three or so women in this book, and at the end, is because she HAS written extensively about Black women, and hopefully Native women, in her other books). The writing shows its bias or lack of awareness with occasional clarity, like when, in the conclusion, Schlissel writes, "Given the chance, [African Americans] proved time and again that they possessed skills, initiative, and courage." Excuse me, I read the book, and no one gave away a single chance. Rather, the heroes in this book fought against all the same obstacles as the White homesteaders or stage coach drivers or miners, plus extra caused by the underdeveloped but highly effective institutional racism. (How many times did you write in your book about White people stealing -- under a falsely lawful premise -- the fortune of one of your Black pioneers? How many times were they turned away? Didn't every one of them, in your own characterization, have to work harder at every turn to get the same or less success?)
This is not to mention the uncertain and confused representation of Native Americans, who play a large role in the narratives, but an unexamined one.
In spite of this, this well-researched book is full of gems, discussion-starters, and eye-openers. I am thrilled to be bringing it into my classroom.
April 3, 2015
Many of us recall the town's reception for Sheriff Bart when he first comes to Rock Ridge. Not many major motion pictures chose to feature black cowboys or other than white western heros. Though Blazing Saddles isn't history, it did leave me with an impression of African-Americans in the old West. That impression was substantially wrong, uninformed and inadequate.
The frontier was a chance for many to get a fresh start and this started very early in our history. Schlissel does an extraordinary service to us by combining rare photographs with a text full of insights. Cowboys are not the sole focus. We have mountain men, trappers and guides. There are settlers and women are not neglected.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the slave, Ned Huddleston, alias Isom Dart, alias the Black Fox. "...he stole a few more horses. It wasn't long before Isom Dart was arrested. On the way to jail, the sheriff's horse bolted, the buckboard turned over, and the sheriff's leg was broken. Now Isom may have been a horse theif, but he was also a kindhearted man. He caught the horses, righted the buckboard, took the sheriff to the doctor, and turned himself in at the local jail. When Isom Dart came to trial, the all-white jury said he was an honest man, and they set him free."
The chapter on Black Indians was enlightening. Runaway slaves were able to find refuge with many tribes. Schlissel documents this with specific anecdotes and astounding pictures. What a treasure!
The frontier was a chance for many to get a fresh start and this started very early in our history. Schlissel does an extraordinary service to us by combining rare photographs with a text full of insights. Cowboys are not the sole focus. We have mountain men, trappers and guides. There are settlers and women are not neglected.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the slave, Ned Huddleston, alias Isom Dart, alias the Black Fox. "...he stole a few more horses. It wasn't long before Isom Dart was arrested. On the way to jail, the sheriff's horse bolted, the buckboard turned over, and the sheriff's leg was broken. Now Isom may have been a horse theif, but he was also a kindhearted man. He caught the horses, righted the buckboard, took the sheriff to the doctor, and turned himself in at the local jail. When Isom Dart came to trial, the all-white jury said he was an honest man, and they set him free."
The chapter on Black Indians was enlightening. Runaway slaves were able to find refuge with many tribes. Schlissel documents this with specific anecdotes and astounding pictures. What a treasure!
July 7, 2011
The 369th Armory in Washington Heights is the site of the annual Black World Championship Rodeo, A Brooklyn college faculty she has written a very informative and eye-opening narrative on a part of American history that purports to only be composed of "John Wayne" personas.
Her historical account not only speaks to the very depressed information that Africans in the new world and Native Americans bonded to form an alliance against racism but also to aid one another.
Jim Beckwourth lived with the Crow Indians and became a tribal leader. He died in 1866. Famous of what they called 'mountain men' born in 1798 the son of an Irishman and a Mulatto slave. He married a crow woman, which begs the question and his descendants? if they remained loyal to the Crow are now considered Native Americans. In anthropology we know that very few people in America are of pure anything and that goes for peoples in the Diaspora whose soil was tainted by slavery.
You will learn about the Exodusters, focus on Kansas and learn about Benjamin Singleton founder of the Black community called Dunlap, Nebraska, Oklahoma- Nat Love, Bill Pickett, Ned Huddleston, "the Black Fox" born a slave in Arkansas in 1849. He lived for a while in Mexico, and tried mining, but the gold that Blacks mined was always stolen by White men. A thread that runs through Slave testimonies across history.
Her historical account not only speaks to the very depressed information that Africans in the new world and Native Americans bonded to form an alliance against racism but also to aid one another.
Jim Beckwourth lived with the Crow Indians and became a tribal leader. He died in 1866. Famous of what they called 'mountain men' born in 1798 the son of an Irishman and a Mulatto slave. He married a crow woman, which begs the question and his descendants? if they remained loyal to the Crow are now considered Native Americans. In anthropology we know that very few people in America are of pure anything and that goes for peoples in the Diaspora whose soil was tainted by slavery.
You will learn about the Exodusters, focus on Kansas and learn about Benjamin Singleton founder of the Black community called Dunlap, Nebraska, Oklahoma- Nat Love, Bill Pickett, Ned Huddleston, "the Black Fox" born a slave in Arkansas in 1849. He lived for a while in Mexico, and tried mining, but the gold that Blacks mined was always stolen by White men. A thread that runs through Slave testimonies across history.
April 3, 2012
This book is full of historical photos, facts, stories and unknown heroes. Throughout the book the African American and American Indian relationship is discussed. Many African Americans lived with American Indian tribes, married, had children, learned the culture and language, even before the Civil War.
The Black Homesteaders and Exodusters are discussed. After the Civil War, Benjamin Singleton purchased part of a Cherokee reservation. Mr. Singleton offered homesteaders the chance to start a black settlement in Kansas. For just one dollar, paid in 25 cent installments they could be part of the new community. By 1879, Dunlap and Nicodemus had eight hundred homesteaders.
Between 1870 and 1885 it is estimated that one in four of the cowboys, in the U.S. were a black man. They were paid the same pay and experienced freedom and camaraderie with fellow cowboys. You'll read about the adventures of Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and Ned Huddleston.
Another interesting story is about the Black Indians. The Seminole Negro Indian Scouts assisted the U.S. Army, as guides. They were desert fighters and trackers that developed a great reputation, as great soldiers. Many African Americans can trace their roots not only back to Africa but to tribes of American Indians.
The Black Homesteaders and Exodusters are discussed. After the Civil War, Benjamin Singleton purchased part of a Cherokee reservation. Mr. Singleton offered homesteaders the chance to start a black settlement in Kansas. For just one dollar, paid in 25 cent installments they could be part of the new community. By 1879, Dunlap and Nicodemus had eight hundred homesteaders.
Between 1870 and 1885 it is estimated that one in four of the cowboys, in the U.S. were a black man. They were paid the same pay and experienced freedom and camaraderie with fellow cowboys. You'll read about the adventures of Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and Ned Huddleston.
Another interesting story is about the Black Indians. The Seminole Negro Indian Scouts assisted the U.S. Army, as guides. They were desert fighters and trackers that developed a great reputation, as great soldiers. Many African Americans can trace their roots not only back to Africa but to tribes of American Indians.
July 20, 2010
Black Frontiers is a good picture book for Social Studies Standard:
SS5H3 The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century.
a. Describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century; include the Black Cowboys of Texas, the Great Western Cattle Trail, and the Chisholm Trail.
This book is a great illustration of African American Cowboys in Texas and the Old West. Good source to use a supplemental text that describes historical black cowboys, culture, and life of African American cowboys, women and Indians in the 19th century and their impacts.
Illustrations presented in this book will allow teachers to use other forms of instruction and assessments (groups, role play, drawings, project etc..). This book could also be used collaboratively with a language arts course with journals, the role and difference of white and African American cowboys or with creative writing pieces about life in the Old West fictional or non-fictional.
SS5H3 The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century.
a. Describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century; include the Black Cowboys of Texas, the Great Western Cattle Trail, and the Chisholm Trail.
This book is a great illustration of African American Cowboys in Texas and the Old West. Good source to use a supplemental text that describes historical black cowboys, culture, and life of African American cowboys, women and Indians in the 19th century and their impacts.
Illustrations presented in this book will allow teachers to use other forms of instruction and assessments (groups, role play, drawings, project etc..). This book could also be used collaboratively with a language arts course with journals, the role and difference of white and African American cowboys or with creative writing pieces about life in the Old West fictional or non-fictional.
May 8, 2017
I loved how this book helped me to expand my picture of what cowboys (and cowgals) and settlers looked like in the 1800s. I wish, however, that it had been able to do this while treating Indians a little more humanely... constantly referring to Natives as "red men" and "the dangerous Apache chief Geronimo" only perpetuates stereotypes about Indians being "other" and "dangerous" and "savage".
But, I did appreciate learning about what black folks did during this time period. So I'd say a good companion to reading about (white) pioneers -- but get something from a Native perspective, too!
But, I did appreciate learning about what black folks did during this time period. So I'd say a good companion to reading about (white) pioneers -- but get something from a Native perspective, too!
Read
December 12, 2012Schlissel’s book provided me with further information about the black homesteaders and the settlements they formed for my History Day project.
July 9, 2015
Good history book for children!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews