The conquest of Apacheria is an epic of heroism, mixed with chicanery, misunderstanding, and tragedy, on both sides. The author's account of this important segment of Western American history includes the Walapais War, an eyewitness report on the death of the gallant lieutenant Howard B. Cushing, the famous Camp Grant Massacre, Butterfield Station, The Battle of Apache Pass, the Bascom Affair, General Crook?s offensive in Apacheria and his difficulties...

Discusses the concept of manifest destiny and examines the diplomatic deals and wars that brought new territories under American control and allowed the country to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean.

Tracing North American exploration from Balboa to Lewis and Clark, DeVoto tells in classic fashion how the drama of discovery defined the American nation.