The War in The West, Vol. 3: Fort Laramie--Crossroads Of The West

Fort Laramie in Wyoming witnessed the entire panorama of the western adventure from the fur trade and cattle drives to the wagon train migration and eventual conflicts between the U.S. Army and Native Americans. Located at the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers, Fort Laramie stood active from 1834-1889, serving as an outpost to fur traders, gold miners, Pony Express riders, military men and families and settlers as they traveled over the Oregon, California, Mormon and Bozeman Trails to the west. Voice-over narration underscored by western theme music leads viewers on a chronological tour of the fort's history. Effectively using live action footage, as well as archival photographs, drawings, maps and diary excerpts, this program is thoroughly informative and enjoyable. Many of the military leaders of Fort Laramie are spotlighted and a vivid picture of the hardships of fort life is painted. Color, pacing and sound are first-rate. An excellent program for general travel and history collections as well as high school libraries. (J. Scholtz)