The Awakening of the Desert, by Julius C. Birge

Originally published in 1912, The Awakening of the Desert describes an 1866 wagon train trip along and near the Oregon Trail. Along the way, author Julius Charles Birge happened upon events, places and people whose significance was revealed with time from Red Cloud going on the warpath to Mormon services where Brigham Young preached. The book takes readers along on the trek, vividly portraying fellow travelers heading west after the Civil War, sharing forgotten details and reminding modern audiences of essential values.