The 1859 exploration of the Great Basin by army topographical engineer James Simpson opened up one of the West's most important transportation and communication corridors; a vital link between the Pacific Coast and the rest of the nation. It became the route of the Pony Express and the Overland Mail and Stage; the line of the Pacific telegraph; a major wagon road for freighters and emigrants; and; later; the first transcontinental auto road; the Lincoln Highway; now Highway 50.No one has accurately tracked or mapped Simpson's original route; until now. Jesse Petersen shows in words; maps; and photos exactly where the explorer went. Sharing his detective-like reasoning as he walked or drove the entire trail west and Simpson's variant route returning east; Petersen takes readers on a mountain and desert trek through some of America's most remote and striking landscapes.
#1232954 in Books Brian Leehan 2004-07-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; .82 #File Name: 0873515110264 pagesPale Horse at Plum Run The First Minnesota at Gettysburg
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Detailed description of the 1st Minnesota Regiment experiences in the Civil WarBy J. GroenThis book provides a detailed perspective of the 1st Minnesota Regiment's experiences during the Civil War. It does this primarily through the first person comments of the men who served in the regiment. It shares the ups and downs of serving and fighting in the Civil War.To me; this book was an excellent one for a couple of reasons. First; it provided a more detailed layout of what happened on July 2nd than any other book that I've read - when the 1st Minnesota charged the Confederates and stopped their attack on Cemetary Ridge. This is the best description of that event that I've read so far - laying out what happenend on both flanks of the regiment - with Willard's New York regiments on their left attacking Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade and the 19th Maine on the right; and what occured with the primary companies of the 1st regiment that were involved in the charge. It also mentions the experiences of some of the companies that were placed on separate duty including the sharpshooters. Second; it questions some of the myths regarding this event in the main body of the book and then provides a very logical and fact based reason why it disagreed with these myths in an excellent appendix. The myth that 262 men attacked and 47 returned for 82% casualties is questioned with facts. Third; it provides a very readable perspective of what happened after the battle of Gettysburg with the individuals who survived and the regiment.This book isn't for a casual reader of the Civil War though. This is for a reader who wants to dig into the details of what happened during the largest and most important battle fought on US soil - the battle of Gettysburg. Since this book provides the details for the experienced Civil War reader; I highly recommend it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. good bookBy Mac-Twanted to read about the first Minnesota and bought this book. good overall; and did a nice job discussing the regiment and events around Gettysburg. I liked this book. if you want to look into the history of the regiment then I think this book will satisfy a lot of your questions3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. good readBy Donald R. JohnsonFrom a seemingly small event that occurred on the 2nd day of the Battle of Gettysburg; the story of a few minutes of ultimate courage that changed the outcome of that horrific day. Mr. Leehan is an excellent writer and historian and helped me understand the context of the role of the 1st Minnesota at Gettysburg. I read this in preparation for visiting Gettysburg for the 150th anniversary of the battle and it was very helpful.
