Trammel’s Trace tells the story of a borderlands smuggler and an important passageway into early Texas. Trammel’s Trace; named for Nicholas Trammell; was the first route from the United States into the northern boundaries of Spanish Texas. From the Great Bend of the Red River it intersected with El Camino Real de los Tejas in Nacogdoches. By the early nineteenth century; Trammel’s Trace was largely a smuggler’s trail that delivered horses and contraband into the region. It was a microcosm of the migration; lawlessness; and conflict that defined the period. By the 1820s; as Mexico gained independence from Spain; smuggling declined as Anglo immigration became the primary use of the trail. Familiar names such as Sam Houston; David Crockett; and James Bowie joined throngs of immigrants making passage along Trammel’s Trace. Indeed; Nicholas Trammell opened trading posts on the Red River and near Nacogdoches; hoping to claim a piece of Austin’s new colony. Austin denied Trammell’s entry; however; fearing his poor reputation would usher in a new wave of smuggling and lawlessness. By 1826; Trammell was pushed out of Texas altogether and retreated back to Arkansas Even so; as author Gary L. Pinkerton concludes; Trammell was “more opportunist than outlaw and made the most of disorder.â€
#550346 in Books 2013-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.40 x .40 x 5.10l; .35 #File Name: 1620657163112 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy mommyofcartorsongreat interactive book. my son hates to read but I could get him to read this series9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Good decisions lead to bad outcomesBy EverestIn this book; written for ages 12 and up; you play the role of a soldier fighting in World War II. At the beginning of the book; you are given a choice: to be a British soldier in North Africa; an American soldier fighting in the D-Day invasion; or an American infantryman in the Philippines. You turn to the appropriate page depending on your choice. From then on; you are given a choice almost every step of the way; your decisions affect how the story ends; whether you live or die. Along the way; you learn about different historical events; as well as techniques and weapons used; in a very absorbing and informative book.The trouble is this: the author seems to have his own opinion about what's right and what's wrong - often he seems to think a bad decision is a good one; and a good decision is bad. The reason I say that is because multiple times after you make a good decision; he kills you for it. And what's even worse is his method of killing you. Since it's such a good decision; you don't easily die; so to kill you; he makes you do something really stupid (without giving you an option); and THEN he kills you. Of course; he includes a graphical description about your bones crushing; or whatever.Here's a word-for-word example from the book; after you make the choice to throw a grenade at the enemy:"You pick up the grenade and pull the pin. But you wait a moment too long to hurl it at the Germans. It explodes in your hand."The explosion blows away your hand and part of your arm. You lie bleeding on the ground. The Germans in the gun nest hear the explosion. They aim their machine guns at you and quickly put you out of your misery."Here's another one; this takes place after you decide not to take the risk and disarm an unfamiliar type of land mine:"When the supply truck comes by; you can load [the mine] inside and have it brought back to the base. There an expert can look at it."As the supply truck comes rumbling toward you; a German shell whizzes down from the sky. It hits the mine; and the mine explodes. It kills you; Jim; and the driver of the truck. You never knew what hit you."See? It just doesn't make sense. When you try to hitch a ride on a tank; it hits you; "crushing every bone in your body"; another time you get put in jail after the author forces you to strike an officer. It's very frustrating.The idea is a really good one; though; it's like an adventure video game; except it's on paper and the events described really happened. I just wouldn't suggest getting this particular book in the series; rather; try World War II Spies or World War II Pilots.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good book for certain reluctant readersBy TealeafGood book for certain reluctant readers: 3rd or 4th grade reading level without having a childish looking cover. Reader gets to / has to make story line choices. A good transition to chapter books. Short sections that reduce reading intimidation.
