Days on the Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865 is a captivating memoir written by Sarah Raymond Herndon, detailing her journey across the Great Plains in 1865. Her vivid descriptions of the harsh conditions, the beautiful scenery, and the challenges she faced along the way paint a vivid picture of life on the frontier during that time.

Herndon's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves accompanying her on this treacherous journey. Her honesty and candor in recounting the difficulties she faced – from the dangers of Indian attacks to the struggles of crossing rivers and mountains – add depth and authenticity to her narrative.

What sets this memoir apart is Herndon's unique perspective as a woman traveling alone with her young son. Her bravery and resourcefulness in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. Her descriptions of the people she meets along the way, the friendships she forms, and the kindness she receives from strangers further add to the richness of this narrative.

Overall, Days on the Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865 is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or women's narratives of the frontier. Herndon's storytelling is powerful and moving, offering a glimpse into a little-known aspect of the American West. Highly recommended.

Book Description:
“We had spent almost all our money for toll, ferrying and other expenses on the road. It might be a serious matter to be in a strange place without money . . . There is nothing we can spare so well as Dick. . . . It would not do to be sentimental under existing circumstances.” This is the practical pioneer woman Sarah Raymond Herndon writing in her journal about selling her horse to finance the final days of her family’s trek across the plains to Montana. However, when her brother, Hillhouse, actually sells her beloved pony, Sarah is distraught. “I sobbed out loud. I could not help crying. I let the purse (with the money) roll out of my lap into the bottom of the wagon.” But then, she stiffens her resolve and displays a quiet sense of humor: “Of course, I knew the wagon bed was tight, and there was no danger of (the purse) being lost.” Sarah became the first school teacher in Virginia City, Montana. Her account of crossing the plains in 1865 is rich in emotion and incident.