The Plains of North America and Their Inhabitants

by Richard Irving Dodge

This book, originally published in 1876, is the personal accounts of Lt-Col. Richard Irving Dodge in the plains as a soldier and hunter/fisherman. The book is comprised of three 'The Plains' (6 chapters devoted to geology, topography, climate, and techniques for travel and camping), 'Game' (12 chapters describing chief species of game animals, best equipment and procedures for pursuit), and 'Indians' (26 chapters recounting in detail the beliefs, customs, and behavior of Plains Indians.

Genres: History

477 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1989

About the author

Colonel Richard Irving Dodge served in the United States Army through the Civil War era, retiring after a 43-year career on May 19, 1891. Coming from a military family, he notably served as Aide-de-camp to General William T. Sherman, 1881–82, and provided the descrition that led to the (controversial) naming of Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

Reviews

[Joe Faifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone looking for insight into life on the plains post-slaughter and pre economic boom. Dodge gives insight from a true Plainsman's point of view not only in regards to the wild game that populated the terrain, but those that still remain from the Native Tribes.