Noble brutes: camels on the American frontier

by Eva Jolene Boyd

"... details the United States government's experiment with camels in the U.S. Army before the outbreak of the Civil War. Imported from the Middle East in 1856 on the navy's USS Supply, both the small dromedary and the large Bactrian were commissioned as beasts of burden to be used in the controversial and difficult survey expeditions across the arid Southwest. Here is the account of the exploration of the Big Bend region of Texas, the story of the Texas governor who came to the rescue of several camels abandoned on Galveston Islands, camels grazing in Hill Country pastures, camels turned loose to fend for themselves, camels seeking human companionship, and the frightening tale of the legendary Red Ghost.

"With a collection of rare photographs, drawings, and maps, this historically accurate narrative is highlighted by numerous excerpts from journals by those who actually lived the adventure." --back cover

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[J. Bryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great contribution to US Frontier history. Traces the experimental (re)introduction of camels into the American West by the Army in the years immediately preceeding the American Civil War.

The book is a quick read; the author did admirable research and conveys her story well.

As far as I can tell, this may be the only "popular" work on the subject, and is pretty rare, but worth seeking out if you're interested in the subject.

[Camerone Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories that accompanied the factual research. I
My favorite part was the epilogue with her journey as part of the reenactment

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The US Army experimented with camels in the American West in the 1850s due to harsh climate conditions. The idea was championed by US Secretarty of War Jefferson Davis and started in Texas.