The Founding

by Michael L. Ross

Two men, two dreams, two new towns on the plains, and a railroad that will determine whether the towns--one black, one white--live or die.

Will Crump has survived the Civil War, Red Cloud's War, and the loss of his love, but the search for peace and belonging still eludes him. From Colorado, famed Texas Ranger Charlie Goodnight lures Will to Texas, where he finds new love, but can a Civil War sharpshooter and a Quaker find a compromise to let their love survive? When Will has a chance to join in the founding of a new town, he risks everything--his savings, his family, and his life--but it will all be for nothing if the new railroad passes them by.

Luther has escaped slavery in Kentucky through Albinia, Will's sister, only to find prejudice rearing its ugly head in Indiana. When the Black Codes are passed, he's forced to leave and begin a new odyssey. Where can he and his family go to be truly free? Can they start a town owned by blacks, run by blacks, with no one to answer to? But their success will be dependent on the almighty railroad and overcoming bigotry to prove their town deserves the chance to thrive.

Will's eldest sister, Julia, and her husband, Hiram, are watching the demise of their steamboat business and jump into railroads, but there's a long black shadow in the form of Jay Gould, the robber baron who ruthlessly swallows any business he considers competition. Can Julia fight the rules against women in business, dodge Gould, and hold her marriage together?

The Founding tells the little-known story of the Exodusters and Nicodemus, the black town on the plains of Kansas, and the parallel story of Will's founding of Lubbock, Texas, against the background of railroad expansion in America. A family reunited, new love discovered, the quest for freedom, the rise of two towns. In the end, can they reach Across the Great Divide? The Founding is the exciting conclusion to the series.

296 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

Michael Ross is a lover of history and great stories. He’s a retired software engineer turned author, with three children, and five grandchildren, living in Newton, Kansas with his wife of 42 years. Michael graduated from Rice University and Portland State University with degrees in German and software engineering. He was part of an MBA program at Boston University. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, and still loves Texas. He’s written short stories and technical articles in the past, as well as articles for the Texas Historical Society. Across the Great Divide now has three novels in the series, “The Clouds of War”, “The Search”, and “The Founding”. The series has won many awards and positive reviews, including Silver Medal Book of the Year from the Coffee Pot Book Club (The Search), Honorable Mention Book of the Year (Clouds of War), Five Star Firebird award, Five Star Chanticleer International Book award, shortlisted for the Chanticleer Laramie award 2021, and Publisher’s Weekly positive review. Clouds of War was an Amazon #1 best seller in three categories in 2019. Most recently, The Founding has won a five-star review from The Historical Fiction Company.

Reviews

[Anmol Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the great Divide" is a compelling narrative interweaving the lives of Will Crump, Luther, and Julia, depicting their quests for love, freedom, and success in the backdrop of railroad expansion in America. Spanning the creation of Nicodemus and Lubbock, this tale beautifully delves into the lesser-known Exodusters' story, offering a poignant portrayal of perseverance against adversity. A rich tapestry of history, family ties, and the struggle for acceptance, culminating in a gripping conclusion that transcends racial divides.

[Glenda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is a powerful and beautifully layered conclusion to Michael Ross’s Across the Great Divide series. It brings together history, family, love, and the struggle for freedom in a way that feels both sweeping and deeply personal. Ross masterfully intertwines the fates of two very different communities one Black, one white whose futures depend on hope, resilience, and the unpredictable path of the railroad.

At the heart of the novel is Will Crump, a man shaped by war, loss, and survival. His journey from Colorado to Texas feels like a search for peace he’s never quite been able to touch. His relationship with a Quaker woman adds emotional depth, as Ross explores whether two people with different beliefs and histories can build a life together. Will’s involvement in founding a new Texas town gives the book a thrilling, high-stakes tension especially as everything hinges on whether the railroad will bless their efforts or destroy them.

In contrast, Luther’s story is gripping and deeply affecting. After escaping slavery with Albinia’s help, he discovers that freedom in name is not freedom in reality. The rise of the Black Codes forces him to uproot his family again, pushing him toward a daring dream: a Black-owned, Black-led town where dignity, independence, and justice are not up for negotiation. His journey reflects real American history and highlights the courage of the Exodusters who sought a new beginning in Kansas.

Alongside these men stands Julia, Will’s eldest sister, whose storyline adds a compelling layer of ambition and personal sacrifice. Watching her transition from steamboats to railroads while facing both cutthroat businessmen like Jay Gould and the limitations placed on women makes her one of the most dynamic characters in the book. Her struggle to hold her marriage together while carving out a place in a male-dominated world is inspiring and heart-wrenching.

What makes The Founding exceptional is how Ross balances these three journeys:
A love story tested by war and belief
A quest for true freedom against systemic bigotry
A woman’s fight for respect in an unforgiving business world

All of it framed against the larger backdrop of America’s westward expansion, where the railroad is both promise and threat. Ross uses this metaphor brilliantly showing how entire lives and communities can rise or fall depending on a single decision made miles away.

The depiction of the Exodusters and the founding of Nicodemus, Kansas, is especially moving. These are stories often left out of popular history, and Ross brings them to life with empathy, research, and vivid storytelling.

The Founding is an inspiring, emotional, and richly detailed novel that honors the spirit of those who built towns, families, and futures from nothing but determination. It ties together adventure, history, romance, faith, and grit into a satisfying conclusion to the series.

A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, American history, and multi-generational stories rooted in hope and perseverance.

[Faith Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is a powerful and deeply human conclusion to Michael Ross’s Across the Great Divide series. It blends history, emotion, and frontier grit into a story that feels both intimate and sweeping, shining a light on two communities fighting for survival, relevance, and freedom as America expands westward.
What makes this book stand out is its dual narrative of two towns one Black, one white each trying to build a future on the uncertain promise of the railroad. Ross doesn’t just write history; he gives voice to the people who lived through it.
Will Crump’s journey is especially compelling. A man scarred by war and personal loss, he seeks peace but remains drawn into the harsh realities of frontier life. His love story with a Quaker woman adds a beautifully gentle contrast to his rugged past. Watching him try to carve out a new beginning and risk everything on a town whose fate hangs on the railroad gives the story authentic emotional weight.
Luther’s storyline is equally powerful. After escaping slavery, he faces new layers of prejudice in Indiana and is pushed into forging an entirely new path for himself and his family. The dream of a Black-owned, Black-led town is inspiring, yet Ross doesn’t soften the challenges: the Black Codes, bigotry, and the unforgiving demands of the railroad all make Luther’s journey feel urgent and meaningful.
Julia and Hiram’s subplot adds another dimension, showing the shifting economic landscape as steamboats die and railroads take over. Julia’s battle not just against financial ruin, but also against the limitations placed on women in business is one of the most compelling threads. Her fight against the looming power of Jay Gould adds tension, realism, and depth.
Ross weaves these three storylines together with a steady hand. Each character’s experiences feel distinct yet connected, reinforcing the book’s central theme: the quest for belonging, freedom, and a place to call home in a rapidly changing America.
The novel also highlights an often-overlooked part of history: the Exodusters and the founding of Nicodemus, Kansas, one of the most important Black settlements on the Plains. Paralleling this with the founding of Lubbock, Texas, gives the book both historical richness and emotional balance.

The Founding is heartfelt, grounded, and sweeping in scope. It’s a story about resilience, community, and the personal sacrifices behind the building of two towns whose survival depends on courage, determination, and the whims of a railroad line.
It’s a satisfying, emotional, and enlightening finale to the series one that honors the people who struggled to build new lives across a divided nation.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, character-driven storytelling, and untold American history.

[Solomon Terez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is a powerful and beautifully layered historical novel that brings the post–Civil War American frontier to life through courage, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom. Michael Ross masterfully intertwines the stories of two men, two families, and two towns one Black, one white whose futures hang on hope, determination, and the unpredictable path of a railroad.

Will Crump is a deeply compelling character, shaped by the trauma of war and the loss of love. His search for peace leads him to Texas, where new love offers both healing and challenge. Ross handles Will’s personal journey with emotional depth, especially the tension between his past as a sharpshooter and his Quaker partner’s convictions. When Will risks everything to help found a new town, readers feel the weight of every decision the gamble of his savings, his family’s safety, and the looming question of whether the railroad will save or doom their dream.

Parallel to Will’s journey is Luther’s, a story that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Having escaped slavery only to face new prejudice and the crushing force of the Black Codes in Indiana, Luther’s determination to build a self-governed Black town is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. His story brings important historical perspective, shining a light on the little known Exodusters and the founding of Nicodemus, Kansas. His perseverance in the face of discrimination and uncertainty adds emotional weight to every chapter.

Julia, Will’s sister, provides yet another compelling arc. Watching her steamboat business crumble, she is thrust into the ruthless world of railroad expansion where being a woman in business is almost as dangerous as crossing paths with Jay Gould, one of history’s most notorious robber barons. Her strength, ambition, and fight to protect both her marriage and her livelihood add a refreshing and powerful dynamic to the novel.

Ross excels at weaving all three storylines together against the sweeping backdrop of America’s westward expansion. The characters feel real, the stakes are high, and the historical context is rich without ever overwhelming the narrative. Themes of family, freedom, community, bigotry, ambition, and survival resonate through every page.

In the end, The Founding is not just a story about two towns but about the people brave enough to build them and the divides they must cross to find common ground. It’s a fitting and memorable conclusion to the Across the Great Divide series.

[Frank Wilfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this novel extraordinary isn't just that Ross tells both stories it's that he tells them together, forcing readers to hold both truths simultaneously. We watch Will navigate land deals and weather challenges, building something from nothing through grit and community. Then we turn the page and watch Luther do the exact same thing, except he must also navigate white hostility, institutional barriers, and the casual cruelty of a nation that freed Black people without ever intending to treat them as equals.
The railroad becomes Ross's perfect metaphor. Both towns need it to survive. But when Jay Gould and his fellow robber barons decide where the tracks will run, their choices aren't neutral they're loaded with the racial calculations that would determine which frontier communities lived and which were left to die in obscurity.

[Joy Essien · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Across the Great Divide - The Founding" is a mesmerizing literary masterpiece. Two visionary men, driven by their quest for freedom and peace, courageously build towns from scratch, defying adversity. The founding of Lubbock, Texas, and Nicodemus serves as a testament to the unwavering tenacity and grit of pioneers like Will & Mary Crump, Luther & Ruth, and Julia & Hiram Johansen.

This inspiring narrative showcases the strength and resilience of its characters, leaving readers in awe. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, and I'm honored to endorse this exceptional book. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and American history. I will also recommend for anyone seeking a captivating story of courage, perseverance, and the American spirit.

[Sophia Botch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes Ross's approach so effective is how the dual narrative exposes the lie of the "frontier as equalizer." Both towns face brutal weather, economic uncertainty, and the life-or-death question of railroad access. But only one town must also navigate the crushing weight of racial prejudice from neighboring communities, hostile officials, and even the railroad magnates themselves.
The book doesn't just acknowledge racism as background noise it shows how systemic discrimination determined which towns lived and which died. When Jay Gould and other railroad barons decided where tracks would run, they weren't making neutral business decisions. They were deciding which communities deserved a future.

[Bennette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Founding" is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the real American West not the sanitized version of movies and dime novels, but the complicated, violent, hopeful, and unjust reality of it. Ross writes with empathy for both his communities while never losing sight of the vast inequality that shaped their different fates.
This is historical fiction that does what the genre does best: it makes us feel the weight of history, understand the humanity of those who lived it, and recognize how the past's choices echo into our present. In telling the story of two towns, Ross tells the story of America itself a nation always promising freedom while rationing it carefully based on the color of your skin.

[Céleste Dufresne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding exceeded my expectations. The narrative seamlessly intertwines multiple storylines—Will���s search for belonging, Luther’s journey toward true freedom, and Julia’s battle against social and business constraints. Each arc is compelling on its own, but together they form a rich, layered portrayal of American history during the era of railroad expansion.

I was especially impressed by how respectfully and powerfully the book handles the story of the Exodusters and the establishment of Nicodemus. The characters grow, struggle, and triumph in ways that feel authentic and emotionally resonant. Ross’s attention to historical detail and his ability to craft a hopeful, human story make this a memorable read.

An excellent conclusion to a well-crafted series.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Founding is a beautifully written and deeply engaging conclusion to Michael L. Ross’s series. I loved how the story wove together multiple characters, families, and towns while still keeping an emotional core. The historical research is impressive, and the author brings to life the Exodusters, Nicodemus, and the founding of Lubbock in a way that feels both vivid and meaningful.

The characters’ journeys Will, Luther, Julia, and the others felt real, inspiring, and full of heart. I especially appreciated the balance between personal struggles and the larger themes of freedom, community, resilience, and the power of hope.

Ross delivers a story that’s rich, uplifting, and full of humanity. A fantastic read and a strong finish to the trilogy.

[Daniel Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is one of those historical novels that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. Michael L. Ross doesn’t just write history he brings it close enough for you to feel it breathing.

The story follows two very different pioneer experiences after the Civil War: Black families escaping the violence and oppression of the South to build a new life in Nicodemus, Kansas, and white settlers laying down roots in Texas while the railroad reshapes everything around them. Ross moves between these storylines with a patience and tenderness that makes the characters feel real not symbols or background to history, but people with wounds, hopes, mistakes, and dreams.

[Amani Zayd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a moment in American history that doesn't make it into most textbooks—when thousands of formerly enslaved Black Americans, exhausted by broken Reconstruction promises and escalating Southern violence, looked west toward Kansas and saw salvation. They called themselves Exodusters, invoking the biblical escape from bondage. Michael Ross's "The Founding" brings this exodus to vivid life while simultaneously chronicling the establishment of Lubbock, Texas, creating a masterwork that exposes the dual Americas being built in the same historical moment

[David Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ross constructs his narrative like a careful architect, alternating between Will Crump's efforts to carve Lubbock from the harsh Texas plains and Luther's leadership in founding Nicodemus, Kansas—one of the all-Black townships that represented the Exoduster movement's greatest hope. Both men are visionaries. Both communities face starvation, drought, isolation, and the desperate need for railroad access. Both believe in the American promise of self-determination.
Only one has to prove their humanity while doing it.

[Emmanuel Adeshina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished The Founding, and I’m honestly blown away. The story pulls you right into the struggles, hopes, and courage of these characters as they fight to build something of their own. I loved how the book shows two towns; one Black, one White and how the railroad could make or break them. The characters felt real, and the mix of history, family, love, and survival kept me hooked the whole way. If you enjoy powerful historical stories with heart, this one is definitely worth reading.

[Hamzat Babalola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I enjoy frontier history, but I honestly didn’t expect to get this attached to the characters. Will, Luther, Julia each one felt like someone I could actually meet. The way the author connected two different towns and two very different struggles blew me away. I learned so much about the Exodusters, but it never felt like homework. It’s emotional, tense, and surprisingly uplifting. Highly recommend.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't familiar with this series before, but this book made me want to go back and read everything from the beginning. The tension around the railroad deciding the fate of both towns kept me hooked. I also loved the relationship drama especially Will trying to figure out his love life after everything he’s been through. It felt real. The pacing was perfect, and I just kept thinking “one more chapter” until it was midnight.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is an inspiring and heartfelt conclusion to Michael L. Ross’s series. I was completely drawn in by the strength and determination of Will, Luther, and Julia as they each fought to build new futures. The emotional depth in their journeys made the story incredibly moving. Ross captures both the humanity and the hardship of this period beautifully. A powerful read that left me thinking about these characters long after finishing.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael L. Ross brings history to life with remarkable detail in The Founding. The portrayal of the Exodusters and the creation of Nicodemus is fascinating, and the way the author parallels it with the founding of Lubbock adds a compelling balance. The research shines through without ever feeling heavy. It’s a vivid, immersive novel that captures the challenges and hopes of the era. I truly enjoyed every page.

[Costa Maverick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional journey of Luther was especially impactful for me: his resilience, his internal conflict, and his dreams made him one of the most memorable characters. Meanwhile, Will’s pragmatic but hopeful determination, Julia’s courage and intelligence, and the broader backdrop of railroad expansion all come together to deliver a narrative that feels epic in scope but deeply personal in its moments.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding" stands out as an ambitious work of historical fiction that tackles a crucial but often overlooked period in American history. What makes this novel particularly compelling is its dual narrative structure - following both Will Crump's role in founding Lubbock, Texas, and Luther's leadership in establishing Nicodemus, Kansas, one of the all-Black Exoduster towns.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me most was how believable the characters are. Luther’s journey from escaping slavery to building something of his own is honestly inspiring. And Julia going toe-to-toe with businessmen who don’t want her in the room? Loved every second. The stakes feel huge without being over the top, and by the end I just wanted to clap for all of them. A beautifully written finale.

[Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me harder than I expected. There were parts that made me pause and think about how far people had to go just to find freedom or dignity. The racism, the danger, the uncertainty about the railroad it all felt painfully real. But there’s also hope, love, and family woven through every chapter. It’s one of those books that stays in your mind long after you finish it.

[laila shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is a thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully researched novel that shines a light on an overlooked piece of American history. It’s emotional without being melodramatic, educational without being dry, and rich in character without losing the larger picture.

This is the kind of book you finish and feel a little wiser not just about history, but about resilience and community.

[Camile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and heartfelt finale to the series. Michael L. Ross masterfully blends history, emotion, and character growth in The Founding. The depiction of the Exodusters and the parallel creation of two towns—one Black, one white, is fascinating and moving. I loved the depth of the characters and the sense of hope through hardship. A highly recommended historical novel.

[Micky Dov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart. The Founding is full of hope, loss, resilience, and love. Watching the characters grow, rebuild, and fight for their dreams was deeply emotional. Luther’s story especially stood out to me—his courage and determination to protect his family were unforgettable. The ending brought everything together so beautifully. A wonderful, uplifting finish to the series.

[Sunny Dc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Engaging
Across the Great Divide surprised me in the best way. The history feels real, the characters feel genuine, and the story pulls you in without trying too hard. By the end, I felt connected to their journey. It’s a memorable, well crafted series that’s easy to recommend.

[Mark Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is a powerful story that blends real history with real emotion. The journey of two towns, one Black and one white, feels honest, gripping, and full of heart. It shows how hope and courage can shape a future, even when the odds are heavy.

[Xavier Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael L. Ross’s The Founding is an emotionally resonant and well researched novel. its strengths characterization, historical depth, thematic richness make it a standout for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with heart and substance.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Founding is powerful, inspiring, and surprisingly emotional. It blends history, purpose, and personal reflection in a way that feels both timely and motivating. A thoughtful, meaningful read that stays with you long after you finish.

[Johnny Kk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Founding. The characters felt real, and I learned a lot about the struggles of building new towns after the Civil War. Will and Luther’s stories were my favorites. It was a meaningful and inspiring read.