Thomas L. Karnes

William Gilpin was the first governor of the Colorado Territory, during the early days of the Civil War. He was a key figure in the settlement of Oregon and of Colorado, both through participation in setting up government services in both, and through very successful promotion of emigration. He was an effective lobbyist for the interests of the territories, and a ceaseless promoter through his books, journalism, and oratory. He was a skilled cavalry officer, fighting in the Seminole and Mexican Wars, and his provision of troops from Colorado in the Civil War was instrumental in keeping the Confederacy out of most of the West. This account of his life and adventures is thorough and well-supported. The literary style is clear and fluid, though a little humdrum. At times it seemed to me somewhat too detailed, and the narrative sometimes faltered through lack of documentation for portions of Gilpin's life and career. Recommended for those interested in the Great Plains, and the histories of Denver and especially Kansas City. (Also of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the San Juan Valley in Colorado).… (meer)