The Oregon Trail


Read by R. S. Steinberg

(4.5 stars; 115 reviews)

The book is a breezy, first-person account of a 2 month summer tour of the U.S. states of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas when Parkman was 23. (Summary by Wikipedia) (12 hr 57 min)

Chapters

Chapter I. The Frontier 16:55 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter II. Breaking the Ice 22:21 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter III. Fort Leavenworth 7:01 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter IV. “Jumping Off” 22:46 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter V. The “Big Blue” 36:48 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter VI. The Platte and the Desert 28:41 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter VII. The Buffalo 34:10 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter VIII. Taking French Leave 33:42 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter IX. Scenes at Fort Laramie 31:39 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter X. The War Parties 48:37 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XI. Scenes at the Camp 43:21 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XII. Ill-Luck 15:15 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XIII. Hunting Indians 51:16 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XIV. The Ogillallah Village 42:29 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XV. The Hunting Camp 48:33 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XVI. The Trappers 20:27 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XVII. The Black Hills 8:59 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XVIII. A Mountain Hunt 25:50 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XIX. Passage of the Mountains 35:21 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XX. The Lonely Journey 43:31 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXI. The Pueblo and Bent's Fort 15:10 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXII. Tete Rouge, the Volunteer 9:17 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXIII. Indian Alarms 23:25 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXIV. The Chase 19:44 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXV. The Buffalo Camp 32:47 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXVI. Down the Arkansas 37:37 Read by R. S. Steinberg
Chapter XXVII. The Settlements 22:15 Read by R. S. Steinberg

Reviews

EXCELLENT EXPLORATION PRESENTATION


(4.5 stars)

Parkman Jr's reputation as a fine presenter of historical fare is well deserved. His lucid descriptions of scenery and of actions makes one feel as though he were present. A most surprising thing to me was the constant interface with people; one always considers that the trek west was lonely, the traveling companions being the only company to be had. This narrative seems to show the westward trek to be one long series of meetings and even re-meetings with many diverse groups. It was very interesting and the reader is to be commended for his clear and even narration

Great story and very well read


(5 stars)

Additional info


(4 stars)

Here's a link to the 1892 edition illustrated by Frederic Remington https://archive.org/details/oregontrailsketc07park/mode/2up Wanton slaughter and Indian savages my not be for everyone. Note: Black Hills mentioned are not the ones in SD, but rather they refer to the Laramie Mtns west of Fort Laramie. Missing Chapter Titles: Chapter IV - "Jumping Off" Chapter V - The "Big Blue" Chapter VI - The Platte and the Desert Chapter XI - Scenes at the Camp Chapter XII - Ill-Luck Chapter XII - Hunting Indians Chapter XIV - The Ogillallah Village Chapter XV - The Hunting Camp Chapter XXI - The Pueblo and Bent's Fort Chapter XXII - Tete Rouge, the Volunteer

How the Buffalo disappeared


(3.5 stars)

This was not what I expected. I should have read the description carefully. I found the descriptions of places and lands very interesting. The author is good at descriptions. There were a lot of gruesome occurances, especially when hunting Buffalo. These people had no idea of taking only what you need. I'd like to hear more about the settlers without the obvious prejudices towards Mormans. I think this book makes potential settlers seem crazy for even trying. I listened to the end. Not a book I'd read or listen to again.

I enjoyed this.


(5 stars)

I had to read this for school, but I am very happy I did. This book has been fun in a history sort of way. I likely would not have listened to or read it outside of school, so I'm glad I had to. It was very interesting. I probably would only be able to tell you of a few things that happened to it, though. :)

interesting


(3.5 stars)

the narrative wasn't bad but I had objections to the authors attitude to "inferior races" and even his own peoples' "stupidity". He seemed to think himself above most people he met which is irritating to listen to. Otherwise it is well written. Also thanks to the reader, who did a great job!

The best description of a buffalo hunt


(5 stars)

The way American Indians haunted the buffalo was spectacular and unique sometimes that it lost forever and it very well describe here by a very widnes man. Very good book.


(5 stars)

Parkman' book is a classic all interested in American history will enjoy. The reader is fabulous with wonderful phrasing, a pleasing calm voice, and obvious love of the writing.