In 1800, the American West was still wild country – no cities, no railroads and no cattle ranches yet existed. It was quiet and untouched. People in the eastern U.S. had heard stories about the western mountains and the desert, but only the Native Americans had been there.

Learn more about this period in American history.

There are many children’s books that take place during this time period. Little House on the Prairie or any of the other books by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a favorite read-aloud book for school age children. Check the library for stories about Davey Crockett and tall tales about Paul Bunyan.