The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West

Cutlers. Readers who enjoy history that’s lively and well-written should consider David McCullough’s book titled, The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West. McCullough focuses on the movement west in the settlement of the Northwest Territory, the place that became the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. McCullough tells of the Cutler family, especially Manasseh Cutler, a Massachusetts minister, whose efforts led to the settlement of this region, and whose leadership ensured that three key provisions were included in what Congress approved: freedom of religion, a prohibition of slavery in the territory, and universal education. Cutler’s son, Ephraim embodied these values, and ensured his father’s values would continue. McCullough tells the story of this time in American history through the Cutlers and through a few other significant characters. As a result, readers are brought into the time and place in a very readable narrative. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Pioneers from amazon.com.