Daniel Boone and the Opening of the American West: The Frontiersman

The first part of a biographical series on Daniel Boone, The Frontiersman notes Boone's origins as the sixth child born into a Quaker family in Reading, PA. Boone's father, Squire Boone, moved the family to the backwoods of North Carolina, where Daniel perfected his legendary marksmanship with a rifle. Viewers will also learn about Boone's marriage, his family, and his trade in farming and trapping for pelts. What eventually drew Boone to unsettled Kentucky territory was his desire to escape poverty by acquiring a number of furs in the rich land of the future state, but his intimate knowledge of the area would lead to more important actions later in life. Of specific focus here is Boone's experience on his first trip to Kentucky, especially his solo time braving the elements and keeping a step ahead of wolves and hostile Shawnee natives. Boone's character and personality are also touched upon (one of his favorite books was Gulliver's Travels, which he often read to his traveling companions). The other three titles in the series are The Explorer, The Revolutionary Soldier, and The Trailblazer. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (T. Keogh)