The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey

 How much do you know about mules? The answer: not nearly enough. Mules are the engine that developed America as we know it today, and I never thought a discussion of them could enthrall me to such a high degree. The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey, authored by the wonderful Rinker Buck, hits a sweet spot, able to appeal to the adventure seeker and casual dad historian alike. Buck’s recounting of an epic trip he made across the remnants Oregon Trail, pulled by a team of mules in a traditional Schuttler wagon, is an entertaining, historically rich, and surprisingly emotional story packed into four hundred pages. While the idea sounds more like the fantasy of a teenage boy, Buck was able to execute a difficult idea while also establishing a grander purpose for his journey. If I sound jealous, it's because I most definitely am. 

Buck’s childhood made this unique idea far more attainable, as he explains to the reader. He grew up in the New Jersey countryside, born to a father who not only kept horses but also collected antique wagons and sleighs. The elder Buck’s hobby turned into a wild summer trip in 1958, when he loaded up his family and took off for a multi week journey around the east coast. The wagon the family rode on had a sign affixed to the back stating “See America Slowly”, which really becomes the motto of the book. Having had that experience, and consequently a brother who also adopted their father’s hobby, Buck was able to more clearly envision the possibility of this trip in a way many others could not. He enlisted his brother Nick, an expert mule team driver, to join him on the trip across the traditional Oregon Trail that he began obsessively studying. Rincker and Nick ended up purchasing a team of mules and commissioning the construction of a covered wagon in the traditional Schuttler style in order to embark on the 2,000 mile long journey that is such an indelible part of the American psyche. Buck tells the story of his travels while weaving in heavy amounts of history, explaining how the Oregon Trail developed, facts about mules and wagons, accounts of people who traveled the trail, and so many other tidbits that your well of knowledge on this narrow topic will overflow. The clashing personalities he and his brother Nick possess make for some truly comic moments along the way, with some personal reflections about their father tied in alongside. Buck has a true gift for storytelling, which will be plainly seen when you decide to open up the book. His writing is approachable but in no way panders to the common denominator, not shying away from using words that required me to consult the dictionary.

I struggle to find one part that stood out in particular, as the book caused me to laugh, think, and learn in every chapter, a true rarity in a history heavy text. The evolution of wagons in the 18th and 19th centuries showcased some serious knowledge on Buck’s behalf. The linkage to George Washngton, father of our country and also the apparent father of the American mule trade, was fascinating research that combined foreign policy and animal husbandry to explain a unique feature of the development of America. Buck’s love affair with his mule team (not in a creepy way) is endearing, and gives insight into just how important the human-animal connection was for the vast majority of human history. Buck uncovered so much of what we have lost as a country while on this trip, and he does not shy away from making that point over and over again. The people he meets along the path appear to be some of the best in this country, raising the question as to whether our current polarization is more a creation of the media as opposed to the facts on the ground. 

Oregon Trail fits the dad history mold well because of the niche historical topic it covers in a highly engaging manner. Knowing very little about the Oregon Trail outside of the classic computer game, I came away from this read surprisingly informed and highly entertained. As far as dad history goes, I think that is all one can ask for! Prepare to have to actively suppress your desire to bombard your family with your newfound mule knowledge. I know I sure did!