From the Old Northwest to the Pacific Northwest: The 1853 Overland Trail Diaries of Patterson Fletcher Luark and Michael Fleenan Luark, edited by Howard Jablon and Kenneth R. Elkins (Soft cover)

The overland trail diaries written by brothers Patterson and Michael Luark during their journey from Illinois and Indiana to Oregon Territory in 1853 are presented in parallel format extensive footnotes. The brothers’ diaries complement each other well, and together they portray a full and rich description of their journey. Patterson traveled with his family, while Michael’s remained in Indiana, adding the dimension of family to their narratives. Of particular interest to both trails enthusiasts and scholars, the brothers traveled some unusual trail routes, encountered special trail conditions, and described two significant emigrant registers kept that year.