A major period of westward expansion took place in the United States during the first half of the 19th century. The task of protecting the settlers from the Native American tribes that inhabited the Great Plains fell to the US Army, and to do this they constructed a network of permanent forts and temporary camps. By 1867, there were 116 forts and camps on the frontier, and 36 of these were on the northern and central plains. This title takes a close look at how and why these particular forts were built, their design and defensive features, and details the pivotal role they played in the settlement of the American West.

Author Biography

Ron Field was born in Hertford, England, in 1943 and was educated in Cheltenham where he gained a Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree. He has taught history in the Cotswolds since 1973, and is presently Head of History at the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water. He was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1982 and taught history at Piedmont High School in California from 1982-83 as part of the UK/US Teacher Exchange Programme. He has travelled extensively in the US conducting research at numerous libraries, archives and museums. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specialises in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, the American Civil War and the American Revolution. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.