CITADEL IN THE WILDERNESS

by Evan Jones ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 1966

This carefully researched and, for the most part, pleasantly written history of Fort Snelling on the St. Peter River, now the site of St. Paul, is actually many histories. Fort Snelling was the focal point of the fur trade rivalries between American and British companies; it was also a gathering place for many of the area's Indian tribes, and a main stop for travellers from the East. Its inhabitants and passing acquaintances included some famous persons (Lewis and Clark, the slave Dred Scott, the painters George Catlin and Seth Eastman, General Zachary Taylor), some less well known persons (the Indian agent Taliaffero who struggled against the rapacious fur companies, James Dickson who aspired to the title of ""Liberator of All the Indians,"" honest chiefs and braves hot to scalp). Greatly enhanced by his judicious use of contemporary accounts, Jones' history of a single fort gives off reverberations and meanings for the whole westward movement.

Pub Date: Oct. 5, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Coward-McCann

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1966

Categories: NONFICTION