Books in Courageous Heroes of the American West series

In the broiling heat of Texas, Richard King built an empire. Before he arrived in Texas, cattle ranching barely existed in the United States. Although it was a hostile land of sand and brush, King saw an opportunity in the Lone Star state. With great skill and tireless determination, Captain King developed a thriving industry, bringing beef to the northern states and inventing modern ranching. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of "the Boss," from his humble beginnings to his creation of a cattle empire: the King Ranch.

As winter strangled the wilderness, John C. Frémont needed to get his expedition party to California. Facing sub-zero temperatures, meager food supplies, and American Indian warriors on their trail, the explorer counted on one man to lead the way: Kit Carson. The mountain man and scout knew the uncharted West better than anyone. Carson led the party through the deep snow over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to their destination. Frémont reported Carson's courageous deeds and exceptional skills, and the mountain man became a national hero. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this American frontier legend.

After the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, the young nation needed brave pioneers to explore this vast uncharted land. Zebulon Pike, a young frontier soldier, welcomed the challenge. Heading southwest from St. Louis, Missouri, Pike led an expedition across rolling prairies before arriving at the towering mountains. Pike became the first American to explore the southern Rocky Mountains, recording detailed maps. The highest peak in the range, which he never reached himself, now bears his name—Pikes Peak. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this American trailblazer.

After the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, the young nation needed brave pioneers to explore this vast uncharted land. Zebulon Pike, a young frontier soldier, welcomed the challenge. Heading southwest from St. Louis, Missouri, Pike led an expedition across rolling prairies before arriving at the towering mountains. Pike became the first American to explore the southern Rocky Mountains, recording detailed maps. The highest peak in the range, which he never reached himself, now bears his name—Pikes Peak. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this American trailblazer.

In the broiling heat of Texas, Richard King built an empire. Before he arrived in Texas, cattle ranching barely existed in the United States. Although it was a hostile land of sand and brush, King saw an opportunity in the Lone Star state. With great skill and tireless determination, Captain King developed a thriving industry, bringing beef to the northern states and inventing modern ranching. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of "the Boss," from his humble beginnings to his creation of a cattle empire: the King Ranch.

Crushing losses at the Alamo and Goliad sent the Texans reeling. With the stronger Mexican army poised for victory, General Sam Houston commanded all that remained of the Texas army fighting for its independence. Greatly outnumbered, General Houston mounted his white horse and led his soldiers into battle at San Jacinto. Surprising the Mexican troops with their bold attack, the fiery Texans rallied to an overwhelming victory, claiming their independence. One of the founders of Texas, Sam Houston served the state as a governor and senator—but he's most remembered as an American hero.

Bill Pickett urged his horse forward chasing after the speedy steer. Like an acrobat, Pickett jumped onto the steer’s back, grabbing it by the horns. In the same motion, he twisted the steer’s neck up and bit its upper lip with his teeth. Instantly, he had the steer on the ground as the crowd roared in delight. Bill Pickett invented this exciting event, known as bulldogging. Despite the racism he faced as an African-American cowboy, Pickett entertained rodeo crowds around the world. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this courageous rodeo superstar.

Hopelessly outnumbered, Davy Crockett and the defenders of the Alamo rallied around the battle cry, "Victory or Death!" The courageous Texans chose to defend the fort in San Antonio against more than two thousand Mexican soldiers. Fighting for their freedom, the Texans were happy to have the well-known Tennessee backwoodsman on their side. And Crockett gave his life defending freedom. Although his brave deeds at the Alamo made him legendary, Crockett had already gained fame as a hunter, soldier, and U.S. Congressman. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this American hero.

Bill Pickett urged his horse forward chasing after the speedy steer. Like an acrobat, Pickett jumped onto the steer’s back, grabbing it by the horns. In the same motion, he twisted the steer’s neck up and bit its upper lip with his teeth. Instantly, he had the steer on the ground as the crowd roared in delight. Bill Pickett invented this exciting event, known as bulldogging. Despite the racism he faced as an African-American cowboy, Pickett entertained rodeo crowds around the world. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this courageous rodeo superstar.

What was Calamity Jane's real name? Was she a horse thief and a preacher's daughter? Did she actually serve under General George Custer? The truth and myth are difficult to separate in the wild life of Calamity Jane. An independent spirit, she never stayed in one place for long. She worked as a gold prospector, bullwhacker, nurse, and had many other jobs. Calamity Jane refused to conform to the typical roles of nineteenth-century women. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green reveal the true story of this legendary American figure.

Through the untamed wilderness, Daniel Boone marched forward. He was leading a group of workers to carve out the Wilderness Road. Over hills, through dense forests, along stony paths, and fending off American Indian attacks, Boone never quit. He opened the way for thousands of settlers to move west, establishing the settlement of Booneseborough in 1775. He had many jobs—hunter, scout, soldier, surveyor—and performed them all with the same courage and determination. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green examine the life of this American legend.

Appropriately nicknamed "the Pathfinder," John C. Frémont blazed many trails across the Wild West. Frémont carved paths over the Rocky and Sierra Nevada mountains. He led expeditions through uncharted wilderness and provided the first useful maps of California and Oregon. However, Frémont did more than explore. As a soldier, he helped California fight for its independence and served as one of the state's first senators. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green reveal the remarkable life of the Pathfinder.