Robert West Howard
Personal Information
Description
Robert West Howard (1908‑1988) was a journalist who wrote well over a dozen books on American pioneer history, the American West, and similar topics. His book The Great Iron Trail, presented here, was published in 1962, the centennial year of the first Pacific Railway Act that formally set in motion the project to span the continent by rail.
Books
The boatmen
A history of inland and coastal water transportation in North America. Examines Indian birchbark canoes, rafts, keelboats, barges, steamboats, bullboats, sternwheelers, and oarboats; and describes boat building, piracy, and navigation problems as well as the colorful language, legends, and songs of the boatmen.
The horse in America
Traces the history of the horse in America with emphasis on its role in the history of the United States.
Niagara Falls
Briefly describes Niagara Falls, its appearance, history, and environmental concerns, such as erosion.
The South Pass story
Describes South Pass, a strategic location in the Continental Divide, and relates many of the events that took place there important to the building of the West.
The vanishing land
I only read a couple of chapters 28 years ago, but it was very interesting. I will read the whole thing and give a full report.
Farms
Describes farms and farm life; specialized farms, ranches, and plantations; growing seasons and cycles; old-fashioned tools and new machinery.