Bobbie Kalman, author of the acclaimed Historic Communities and Early Settler Life series, explores the action and adventure that made the West famous. In the latter part of the 19th century, more than half a million pioneers headed west to carve out a future on an unknown frontier. Some were drawn by the offer of cheap land and the promise of religious freedom while others had high hopes of finding gold. Thrilling, authentic photos and full-color illustrations recreate what life was really like for these cowboys, adventurers, and immigrants in this rough-and-ready era in our history.In the 19th century, many brave women made the harsh journey west -- some with their families, others in search of more freedom and independence. Women of the West describes the challenges they faced in establishing new lives. Period photos and detailed text describe: -- women at the homestead and on the ranch-- growing up and raising a family-- women in the workforce and their rights-- leisure time and clothing styles-- immigrant, African American, and Native American women