Afloat on the Ohio

Description

Historical journals have been in vogue in the United States during the late 19th century, particularly with historians and adventurers wanting to relive the age of discovery of the past two centuries at the dawn of the new century. Reuben Gold Thwaites (1853 – 1913) was one of the most skilled and well-read historical writers who had a passion for the pioneer stage of North American history.

Afloat on the Ohio was written right at the gap between two centuries, in 1897. The journal documents Thwaites’ journey on the Ohio river taken together with his family – Thwaites’ wife and young boy – and his good friend, the Doctor. While the other members of the expedition were mainly interested in the experience itself, Thwaites aimed to conduct extensive research on his studies about the pioneer stage, particularly focusing on the important role that the Ohio river played in the country’s development.

According to the author, there is no one better to present a fragment of history than one who has actually lived it. This is precisely why the historical writer aimed to travel on the Ohio river, in order to see exactly what the borderers and pioneers saw and reconstruct the scenes to their most minute details in his imagination.

As an accomplished and talented writer, who also had significant experience in authoring works like The Colonies, 1492 1750 or The Story of Wisconsin, Thwaites was in the unique position of also being one of the most well-known non-political figures in Wisconsin. As the Secretary of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, his works had the potential of reaching many more readers than most of his contemporaries in historical circles.

The book itself is written in a clear and well-thought out style, as well as being exceptionally well-organized.
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