Kit Carson and the Indians

by Tom Dunlay

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.

Genres: History, American History

528 pages, Paperback

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.