This book tells the story of the U.S. Army's role in exploring the trans-Mississippi West, particularly the role of the Topographical Engineers. An interdisciplinary book, it addresses the military's role in the founding of archaeology and ethnology in this country and includes art and photography as part of the story.

Originally published by Yale University Press, 1959.

PART 1: 1776-1842 -- A New King of Explorer -- Into the Mountain Man's West -- PART 2: 1842-1854 -- John C. Fremont -- The Mexican War Reconnaissance -- The Boundary Survey -- Exploring the New Domanin, 1848-1853 -- The Pacific Railroad Surveys -- The Savants and the Surveys -- PART 3: 1854-1863 -- The Wagon Road Program -- War and Western Exploration -- The Sioux Country.