Crossing the Plains, Days of '57 A Narrative of Early Emigrant Travel to California by the Ox-team Method

"Crossing the Plains, Days of '57" by Wm. Audley Maxwell is a true story about a group of thirty-seven people who left Missouri in 1857, hoping to find a fresh start in California. The writer explains what it was like to travel using ox-pulled wagons, showing the difficulties and strong feelings these settlers faced while moving west. The story begins with the group getting ready to leave, feeling sad about saying goodbye to their old lives but excited for what might happen next. These pioneers of all ages had to deal with rough land and not many supplies. The story tells about crossing the Missouri River, setting up their first camp on the prairie, and meeting Native Americans. Through stories of their daily travels and funny moments with the travelers, the book shows the courage, strength, and friendship that helped them keep going as they journeyed into uncharted territory.