Hart has taken photographs of forts, posts, and military relics, and supplied accounts and reminiscences in accurate detail. The result is a picture of the true beginnings of Western life. From Lewis and Clark's Ford Clatsop, to the "Pig War" in the San Juan Islands, you'll find ground plans, sketches, and anecdotes to make the outposts come alive.

War in the West -- The forts -- Posts of the pioneers -- The forward line -- Conquest of California -- Battles of the blockhouses -- War of the Saints -- The friendly war -- War in the redwoods -- The agency watchers -- Off to the Sioux -- The storm gathers.