In Spite of It All!

Godey's Lady's Book did more than provide women with reading material, fashion, patterns and domestic information - it was a source of information on the idea of going West..

Popular during the mid to later-1800s were "Guidebooks" which were instrumental sources of information on western travel, from how to travel safely and efficiently, equipment details and costs, best trails to take, to recent reports in letters and journals from those who had gone before.  These were highlighted in Godey's on a regular basis for women to read.

Guidebooks also had the reputation of ignoring the role that women would play in this journey, portraying the West as primitive and hazardous country with "savage Indians", suggesting that women must be strong, resilient and resourceful to survive the long and arduous journey - more  manly characteristics than those of women of the period.

It should be noted that the model pioneer was written to be "a MAN with a good gun, 5 lbs. of powder, 20 lbs. of lead and prepared with energy and courage for any encounter.".  Many claimed, women, on the other hand, to be "unnecessary encumbrances for necessity and comfort".

Yet despite all this public opinion, women went west in great numbers - in spite of it all the suggestions, inferences and warnings.  What kind of women answered the call?  Next time...