The Frontier Rakers

They came from all over. Farmers from New Hampshire, Get-rich-quick schemers from Ohio, merchants from Missouri, second-sons from England, ladies of the evening, and Mormons from Illinois. Many would not make it, but no one could stop them from trying. It was the spring of 1848, and thousands were heading West to carve an empire out of the raw land. These stron and courageous pioneers had half their lives packed inot their covered wagons and the other half staked on the future of the wild frontier. They knew there would be hardship-death, Indian attack, and rough, dangerous terrain. And they knew there would be great happiness and fulfillment when they settled the untouched earth with their own blood sweat and tears. But these people were adventurers; brave pioneers with passion in their hearts and spirit in their souls. They were willing to take a chance on life, themselves and on America.