To Nebraska in 1857: A Diary of E. F. Beadle

This site presents the complete text of the 1857 travel diary of Erastus F. Beadle (1821-1894), a man who spent several months in Omaha during the early territorial days. To Nebraska in 1857 is a book-length document, including an introduction and eighteen chapters. Intimate and well-written, Beadle’s diary is among the best first-hand accounts of life in a Western frontier town. Through his daily entries, we experience the hardships of travel, the ambition and heady optimism of the frontier, the isolation and longing for family, and the day-to-day trials of life “on the border.”

Contents

Part 1

Introduction by David L. Bristow
1- Leaving Home. To the Ohio River—March 9-12, 1857.
2 – Sons of Dixie. To St. Louis—March 13-20.
3- Big Muddy. On the Missouri River—March 21-27.
4 – Stagecoach. To Council Bluffs, Iowa—March 28-30.

Part 2

5 – Welcome to Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska—March 31-April 9.
6 – Pawnees & Claim Jumpers. Omaha, Nebraska—April 10-24.
7 – “Gloomy, Lonesome Day” Omaha, Nebraska—April 25-30.
8 – “Such Business Will Pay” Omaha, Nebraska—May 1-9.
9 – Corax. Omaha, Nebraska—May 10-16.

Part 3

10 – Saratoga. Omaha, Nebraska—May 17-25.
11 – A Lady. Omaha, Nebraska—May 26-June 9.
12 – The Weary Bachelor. Omaha, Nebraska—June 10-25.
13 – Dick Darling. Omaha, Nebraska—June 26-July 9.

Part 4

14 – Frontier Politics. Omaha, Nebraska—July 10-29.
15 – Rock Brook Farm. Omaha, Nebraska—July 30-August 5.
16 – Waiting. Omaha, Nebraska—August 6-20.
17 – Homeward. Omaha, Nebraska to Cooperstown, New York—August 21-September 30.
18 – What Next? Cooperstown, New York—October 1.

 

New material © 2000 by David L. Bristow