Going West / The Pioneer Journey: Going to California - T.E. Watson

In the year 1852 the American Pioneer migration to California and Oregon was in full swing. Thousands of folks, hoping to fulfill a wish in a new land journeyed westward to amke a better life for their families.

Sacrificing everything they worked for, they packed up and headed for a land they only knew in their dreams.

This true story is told by one of the daughters, Katherine Summers, a twelve-year-old girl who experienced the trail first hand, many times, seeing death and disease, getting to know the Native Americans, watching tragedy, as well as being a part of the joyful times along the trail. Not to mention swarms of bees, meeting notorious characters, and living through bad weather.

The trip to California was the most important thing to these hearty people. It was make it or break it, and they were bound and determined.

This is the perfect pioneer story for children in the 3rd and 4th grade who are studying the Pioneer History of America.