Beautiful Land, the Future State of Iowa, 1835-1838

Lovers of historical fiction will find this new novel fascinating and informative. The Beautiful Land, The Future State of Iowa, 1835-1838 tells the story of two families, plus a fifteen-year old adventurer. These people travel together in two Conestoga Wagons pulled by strong Conestoga Horses. Together, they all brave the hardships of the journey and early life on the prairie. They choose fertile land near water and open prairie to be plowed and planted, but also trees for fuel and house building--so many challenges to be met with primitive tools brought with them from Ohio. They make friends with and learn much from the helpful Native Americans. Four adults, one teen-ager, and three children are all heroes who find purpose and joy in the never-ending struggle between man and nature. Finally figuring out how to turn adapt to this new and beautiful land of Iowa and in so doing come to call the beautiful land of Iowa their home.

Ethel Barker is the author of two previous historical fiction novels. One on women’s roles during World War One in Iowa and The Orphan Train.