Breaking the Wilderness: The Story of the Conquest of the Far West, From the Wanderings of Cabeza de Vaca, to the First Descent of the Colorado by Powell, and the Completion of the Union Pacific Railway, With Particular Account of the Exploits of Trappers and Traders

"Breaking the Wilderness" by Frederick Samuel Dellenbaugh is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the exploration and conquest of the American West, from the early wanderings of European explorers such as Cabeza de Vaca to the first descent of the Colorado River by John Wesley Powell, and the completion of the Union Pacific Railway. The author emphasizes the role of trappers and traders in revealing the vast wilderness, while also addressing the ecological richness and cultural significance of the indigenous peoples and wildlife inhabiting this landscape. The opening of "Breaking the Wilderness" sets the stage for an exploration of the untamed American West, describing its natural diversity and the historical context of early European encounters. Dellenbaugh outlines the geographical features that shaped the wilderness, including vast mountain ranges and traversable rivers, and introduces notable figures of exploration. The text emphasizes the significance of the beaver and buffalo as crucial elements of this frontier, with beaver trading acting as a catalyst for exploration, and buffalo serving as a vital food source for early settlers and hunters. Through vivid descriptions, Dellenbaugh aims to engage readers in understanding the struggles and triumphs of those who ventured into this wild domain.