Recollections of a '49er

First published in 1908 by Edward Washington McIlhany, Recollections of a '49er is a classic work on the American Westward movement, the California Gold Rush, the Colorado Gold Rush, and the opening and development of the cattle industry in the southwest. In this updated work, published in 2006, editor Scott Lawson annotates with details and photos as he follows McIlhany's travels through California, Colorado, Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland. Much of McIlhany's story covers his life as a mule packer from Marysville, California into the mining camps of Plumas County, particularly Onion Valley and Hopkins Creek. To complement the book, Lawson has written over 80 biographies of the members of McIlhany's Charlestown Virginia Mining Company that crossed the Plains with him in 1849. Many of these men went on to stellar careers in politics, business, and community endeavors. This is an important addition to any collection of the California Gold Rush and the American West. Includes over 100 vintage and contemporary black and white photos, maps, diagrams, and illustrations, bibliography, index. Hardbound w/dustjacket: 400 pages: 7.375 x 10.375"