Recommended Reading - Guidebooks for Western Trails


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	There are guidebooks and histories available for other historic overland trails, as well for the Oregon Trail. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an excuse to hit the open road, you may find the following books to be of interest.

"Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark" by Barbara Fifer and Vicky Soderberg Along the Trail
with Lewis and Clark
Barbara Fifer & Vicky Soderberg, 1998
Montana Magazine - $17.95
ISBN 1-56037-117-X

Though perhaps a bit light on historical content for serious fans of the Corps of Discovery, this book includes good maps and extensive information on lodging, entertainment, dining, and other useful nuggets for latter-day explorers. With the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition rapidly approaching, this book would be tough to beat for planning a family vacation.

"The Applegate Trail of 1846" by William Emerson The Applegate Trail of 1846
William Emerson, 1996
Ember Enterprises - $19.95
ISBN 1-889082-00-7

Traces the route followed by the 1846 emigrants who first traveled Jesse Applegate's road to Oregon, the "Southern Route" from Fort Hall to Dallas, Oregon.

"The California Trail Yesterday and Today" by William E. Hill The California Trail
Yesterday and Today
William E. Hill, 1986
Tamarack Books - $14.95
ISBN 0-9634839-2-7

More a general history of the California Trail than a guidebook, extensive illustration and lengthy diary quotations make this book a worthy addition to any expedition following in the footsteps of the '49ers. Fans of western art will appreciate the inclusion of many sketches by J. G. Bruff and James F. Wilkins.

"The Santa Fe Trail Revisited" by Gregory M. Franzwa The Santa Fe Trail Revisited
Gregory M. Franzwa, 1989
The Patrice Press - $12.95
ISBN 0-935284-74-5

The author of The Oregon Trail Revisited is perhaps even more learned concerning the history and route of the Santa Fe Trail than he is about the emigrant road to Oregon, and it shows. If you're thinking about following the old wagon road to Santa Fe, you'll want to have a copy of this book on the dashboard.

"Terrible Trail: the Meek Cutoff" by Keith Clark and Lowell Tiller Terrible Trail:
The Meek Cutoff, 1845
Keith Clark & Lowell Tiller, 1966
Maverick Publications - $14.95

This history of Stephen Meek's wandering wagon train, lost for weeks in the high desert of Oregon's interior, can be used as a guidebook, though you'll need a good map or gazetteer to plan your trip.

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	Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark Barbara Fifer & Vicky Soderberg, 1998 Montana Magazine - $17.95 ISBN 1-56037-117-X Though perhaps a bit light on historical content for serious fans of the Corps of Discovery, this book includes good maps and extensive information on lodging, entertainment, dining, and other useful nuggets for latter-day explorers. With the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition rapidly approaching, this book would be tough to beat for planning a family vacation.
	The Applegate Trail of 1846 William Emerson, 1996 Ember Enterprises - $19.95 ISBN 1-889082-00-7 Traces the route followed by the 1846 emigrants who first traveled Jesse Applegate's road to Oregon, the "Southern Route" from Fort Hall to Dallas, Oregon.
	The California Trail Yesterday and Today William E. Hill, 1986 Tamarack Books - $14.95 ISBN 0-9634839-2-7 More a general history of the California Trail than a guidebook, extensive illustration and lengthy diary quotations make this book a worthy addition to any expedition following in the footsteps of the '49ers. Fans of western art will appreciate the inclusion of many sketches by J. G. Bruff and James F. Wilkins.
	The Santa Fe Trail Revisited Gregory M. Franzwa, 1989 The Patrice Press - $12.95 ISBN 0-935284-74-5 The author of The Oregon Trail Revisited is perhaps even more learned concerning the history and route of the Santa Fe Trail than he is about the emigrant road to Oregon, and it shows. If you're thinking about following the old wagon road to Santa Fe, you'll want to have a copy of this book on the dashboard.
	Terrible Trail: The Meek Cutoff, 1845 Keith Clark & Lowell Tiller, 1966 Maverick Publications - $14.95 This history of Stephen Meek's wandering wagon train, lost for weeks in the high desert of Oregon's interior, can be used as a guidebook, though you'll need a good map or gazetteer to plan your trip.