African American Women of the Old West, First Edition
African American Women of the Old West, First Edition book cover

African American Women of the Old West, First Edition

Paperback – February 1, 2007

by
Price
$14.95
Format
Paperback
Pages
168
Publisher
TwoDot
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0762739004
Dimensions
6 x 0.42 x 9 inches
Weight
0.494 ounces

Description

"Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of adventure stories, African American Women of the Old West presents the reader with fascinating accounts of ten extraordinary, generally unrecognized, African Americans. Tricia Martineau Wagner takes these remarkable women from the footnotes of history and brings them to life."--Ed Diaz, President of the Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation The brave pioneers who made a life on the frontier were not only male—and not only white. African American Women of the Old West profiles ten incredible women overlooked in most history books—including Biddy Mason, a slave who fought for her family’s freedom; Elizabeth Thorn Scott Flood, a teacher determined to educate black children and aid them in leading better lives; and the mysterious Mary Ellen Pleasant, a civil rights crusader and savvy businesswoman. Even in the face of racial prejudice, these unsung heroes never gave up hope for a brighter future. Tricia Martineau Wagner , a North Carolina author and presenter, is an experienced elementary teacher and reading specialist. She is a well-versed and entertaining speaker who brings history to life. She enjoys conducting presentations for schools and organizations around the country on the history of the Oregon Trail, African American Women born before 1900, and the Underground Railroad, as well as creative writing for grades three through twelve. For additional information or to book Ms. Wagner for an event please contact her at www.authortalk.org.Tricia has also written It Happened on the Oregon Trail and It Happened on the Underground Railroad . An Ohio native, she attended The University of Toledo and Miama University. She has lived most of her adult life in the Chicago and San Francisco area. She is an avid hiker and now makes her home in Charlotte with her husband, Mark; their children Kelsey and Mitch; and their puppy, Tiger. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • The brave pioneers who made a life on the frontier were not only male—and they were not only white. The story of African-American women in the Old West is one that has largely gone untold until now. The stories of ten African-American women are reconstructed from historic documents found in century-old archives. Some of these women slaves, some were free, and some were born into slavery and found freedom in the old west. They were laundresses, freedom advocates, journalists, educators, midwives, business proprietors, religious converts, philanthropists, mail and freight haulers, and civil and social activists. These hidden historical figures include Biddy Mason, a slave who fought for her family's freedom; Elizabeth Thorn Scott Flood, a teacher determined to educate black children and aid them in leading better lives; and the mysterious Mary Ellen Pleasant, a civil rights crusader and savvy businesswoman. Even in the face of racial prejudice, these unsung heroes never gave up hope for a brighter future.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(186)
★★★★
25%
(78)
★★★
15%
(47)
★★
7%
(22)
★
-7%
(-23)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Great Read!

This is an excellent introduction to the contributions African American Women made in the opening of the Old West. Wagner profiles 10 women of indomitable courage who went through whatever it required to get where they wanted to get.

I am a bit disappointed there were no stories of African American women who helped settle the Inland Empire of Oregon, Washington, & Idaho – but that's probably due to the fact there were none. Those who came went on to Portland or Seattle.

I think my favorite character, and she was, indeed, a character was Mary Fields, aka Stagecoach Mary, though it's difficult to pick a favorite.

Ms. Wagner did her research, and told each story with care and attention to detail, without bogging the story down in nothing but facts. This book should be in every history class in every high school in the country. Not just in the class, but taught.

I look forward to reading Wagner's book, It Happened on the Underground Railroad. If I have to find a negative remark about this book, it is only that it was too short. I would like to have read a great deal more about many of these women. Oh, wait, I can do that, can't I? ;-)

If you're a history buff, as I am, I heartily recommend this book. Job well done, Ms. Wagner. Job well done.
15 people found this helpful
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Little Known History of African American Women

Tricia Martineau Wagner is a wonderfduil story teller (I have her "It Happened on the Underground Railroad"). Without straying from the facts, Ms. Martineau Wagner writes of her subjects almost as if she knew them, personally, or that they are still alive! She brings the reader into their mind and heart. You feel their toughness and iron will, as in the story of Mary Fields (aka "Stage Coach Mary"), the infinite tolerance and patience of Biddy Mason; and the resourcefulness and cleverness (the latter bordering on deceitfulness) of Mary Ellen Pleasant, in order to survive and maintain their dignity -- Mary Ellen Pleasant went on to become the richest African American woman in San Franisco during the 19th century. Those are but three of the well-told stories in this book.

This book fits into the same category of Ms. Martineau-Wagner's other book that I read "It Happened on the Underground Railroad." It reads like fiction, and that's a compliment. Although the women Ms. Martineau-Wagner writes about continually confront racial indignities, and to some, slavery, the focus of their stories is on their strength of character and force of personality (particularly in the case of Mary Fields, who's on the cover)

Martineau-Wagner's works, so far, are excellent reading for young adults who can read about history in a very enjoyable way, and in the process find good role models.
.
-- James A. McGowan, publisher, the harriettubmanjournal.com
15 people found this helpful
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I read this book in a day!!!!

You know I am somewhat of a history buff in general and I have learned over the years that you have to learn not just Black or African American History separately, intertwined, that is how I manage to know the "I didn't know that stuff". This is one of those books that adds to my knowledge of that kind. Women, of all races get short changed in history, but this book brings to light some women who are part of the American Story. I love anything having to do with the Old West so that was just a bonus. This is a good book for any daughter who is maybe having some issues with finding that we are all a part of a story and that we are all valuable. The book has sections that are so interesting that you find yourself having to tear yourself away from them. As my title states, this was a book that I read in a day, as in it came and I opened the first page and couldn't put it down. I think that its a good historical book for anyone interested in this era in American History.
12 people found this helpful
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Historically important book.

These women were brave strong and intelligent. If you're interested in stories of women who paved the way for their race, but also for women of any race who have suffered persecution of any kind, this book is a must read.
10 people found this helpful
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Interesting Black Women

I found the stories of the Black women pioneers in the old west very fascinating. I enjoyed each woman's story. The only thing I did not like about the book is the author's mild touch of paternalism; otherwise, I am glad the author brought the women before us. I thank you.
10 people found this helpful
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Good book, very interesting

Good book, very interesting. I a=consider myself a history guru and there are two people here I did not know of. Also each story is packed with interesting facts.
8 people found this helpful
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Stories of success before the system to help you understand the term systemic

Very interesting tales of black women shaking their worlds up and helping shape it. It’s unfortunate American history reshapes itself to take these stories out of history books. These stories also take place in eras before all the Jim Crow, black codes and segregation came. That really puts into perspective what these people achieved before the country took that away.
6 people found this helpful
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Good book I never knew about the women of the ...

Good book I never knew about the women of the old west it was very good to know because you never hear about them
6 people found this helpful
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ITS A VERY GOOD BOOK, SUPER INFORMATIVE !

I bought this book for my Grandaughter so she will be proud of the things that Black Women did to help tame the West and she will not be ignorant to these things and can pass them on to the children, so when they play Cowboys & Indians they will know "JUST" who the real bad guys are !!!!!
5 people found this helpful
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Great short stories of ten woman who went through struggles ...

Great short stories of ten woman who went through struggles of the Old West and of early Reconstruction. Love this for teaching. You could assign 10 people 10 stories and use the book to understand black women during this time. Gave an insight into these women's lives.
4 people found this helpful

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