Western Train

“A western emigrant train. The occupation of the west. With every year the line of settlements was pushed farther westward. Along the great highways, and by trails across the prairies, one might see long emigrant trains. Covered wagons contained the family goods and carried the women and children; the men marched behind or rode on horseback; they drove the sheep and cattle which they were taking to the new homes. These emigrants often formed large parties for better protection against Indians and wild beasts. They camped at night by streams of water when they could. They built their camp fires and kept guard all night, for they could hear the howling of wolves and sometimes see Indians stealing toward them. As they moved on, they would meet men and wagons coming from the opposite direction. Already the great West was sending back produce and droves of cattle and pigs to the Eastern markets."—Scudder, 1897

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