When most people hear the term “western expansion” of our nation, they think of circled wagon trains in the wild west and cowboys and buffaloes. However, the western expansion of the US first started in colonial times and onward. Going west, settlers had to first get to western Pennsylvania and brave the wilds of Ohio, much less the primitive wilderness of Wisconsin! By Wagon and Flatboat, authored by Enid La Monte Meadowcroft, tells the story, based on historical documents, of a family who goes by Conestoga wagon by land and then flatboat on the Ohio River to finally settle in Losantiville, a new town on the banks of the Ohio River. By the way, in 1790, 13 years before Ohio became a state, this town was renamed Cincinnati, taken from the Society of the Cincinnati, a group of Continental Army officers of the Revolutionary War. The society got its name from an ancient Roman hero named Cincinnatus, a farmer who came out of retirement to lead the armies of Rome successfully against invaders then retired again to his farm. Our George Washington was called the Cincinnatus of the United States. A report comparing his life to that of Cincinnatus would be a good school project.
By Wagon and Flatboat is an historical novel (upper elementary to middle school) but is based on historical facts. It tells of the dangers and difficulties facing a westward journey at this time, along with the good humor, love, and faith of a pioneer family undertaking this rigorous expedition. Look for other children’s books by Enid La Monte Meadowcroft – she is an excellent author.