Don Wildman

Without the steamboat, you don't really develop the middle of the country and the rivers that we have today, and so much that follows from that.

It's a fascinating history, and you really want to dive into these stories in a much more detailed fashion, thanks to this good man here.

Professor Robert Goodmanstead has authored the books Steamboats and The Rise of the Cotton Kingdom.

and The Devil's Own Purgatory, The United States Mississippi River Squadron in the Civil War.

I am fascinated by this.

I can't wait to get these books.

Thank you so much for joining us.

I really appreciate it.

Thanks.

But you'll also be reminded when our shows are on.

And while you're at it, please share with a friend.

American History Hit with me, Don Wildman.

So grateful for your support.

Thanks so much.

New Year's Day, 1889.

In the vast open skies of western Nevada, a solar eclipse begins as if a bite's been taken out of the sun, then gradually more and more until fully consumed by the moon.

On the horizon, the golden mountain range simmers, dimming to dusk.

All around, bird songs rise to a frantic crescendo, then suddenly go silent.

In the eerie silver-white glow of totality, the sun's corona bursting from behind the lunar disk, a Paiute prophet suffers the ill effects of scarlet fever.

Seized by delirium and chills, he slips in and out of a deep trance, experiencing visions of a different world, a renewed world, where his people's ancestors have returned, where the buffalo roams free again and native nations thrive in peace.