Nathan Boone and the American frontier
By: R. Douglas Hurt.
Series: Missouri biography series
Publisher: University of Missouri Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Columbia, MO
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 256
Subjects: Boone, Nathan, 1781-1856.; Pioneers -- Missouri -- Biography.; Frontier and pioneer life -- Missouri.; Missouri -- Biography.
Description: Based on primary collections, newspaper articles, government documents, and secondary sources, this well-crafted biography begins with Nathan's childhood in present-day Kentucky and Virginia and then follows his family's move to Missouri. Hurt traces Boone's early activities as a hunter, trapper, and surveyor, as well as his leadership of a company of rangers during the War of 1812. After the war, Boone returned to survey work.

In 1831, he organized another company of rangers for the Black Hawk War and returned to military life, making it his career. The remainder of the book recounts Boone's activities with the army in Iowa and the Indian Territory, where he was the first Boone to gain notice outside Missouri or Kentucky.

Although Nathan Boone was an important figure, he lived much of his life in the shadow of his father. R. Douglas Hurt, however, makes a strong case for Nathan's contribution to the larger context of life in the American backcountry, especially the execution of military and Indian policy and the settlement of the frontier.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-249) and index.