'Three Score Years and Ten' Life-Long Memories of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and Other Parts of the West   By: Charlotte Ouisconsin Clark Van Cleve (1819-1907)

In "Three Score Years and Ten: Life-Long Memories of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and Other Parts of the West" by Charlotte Ouisconsin Clark Van Cleve, the author provides readers with a remarkable glimpse into the early days of settlement and the pioneers who shaped the Western United States. Van Cleve's personal recollections and vivid storytelling bring this era to life, making it a captivating read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the American frontier.

The book focuses on Van Cleve's own experiences growing up in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, during the mid-19th century. Her stories paint a picture of a vibrant community where fur traders, Native Americans, soldiers, and settlers intermingled, creating a unique and complex cultural tapestry. Van Cleve's attention to detail and her ability to recall events from her childhood with such clarity make for an engaging narrative that pulls the reader in from the very beginning.

One of the strengths of "Three Score Years and Ten" is the way Van Cleve combines personal anecdotes with a broader historical context. While her stories revolve around her own life and the people she knew, she also provides insights into larger events happening in the region, such as conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, the impact of the Civil War, and the growth of towns and cities. This holistic approach makes the book both informative and enlightening.

Van Cleve's writing style is straightforward and sincere, reflecting her Midwestern roots. Her narrative is easy to follow, and she avoids excessive embellishment, allowing the events themselves to shine. The result is an authentic and genuine account of a bygone era that truly transports readers back in time.

Furthermore, Van Cleve's engagement with social and political issues of the time is commendable. She speaks openly about topics such as slavery, women's rights, and racial inequality, offering her own insightful reflections. By sharing her experiences and opinions, she not only provides a historical record but also invites readers to consider the lessons and implications of the past in the present day.

While "Three Score Years and Ten" succeeds in its depiction of pioneer life and the challenges faced by early settlers, it is not without its limitations. Occasionally, the pacing feels slow, particularly in sections where Van Cleve delves extensively into personal anecdotes that may not have broader significance. However, these moments are outweighed by the overall richness of the narrative and the window into history that Van Cleve provides.

In conclusion, "Three Score Years and Ten: Life-Long Memories of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and Other Parts of the West" is a captivating memoir that offers readers an irresistibly personal account of life on the American frontier. Through her vivid storytelling and recollections, Charlotte Ouisconsin Clark Van Cleve brings the past to life, shedding light on a pivotal period in the history of the United States. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the early settlement of the West or the experiences of pioneers during this transformative time.

First Page:

Whenever there is growth in any community the desire arises to know something of what was in the beginning. It was with no weariness I read in manuscript the "Reminiscences" from your pen. Each chapter contains something in connection with the dawn of civilization in the west, which is worthy of being preserved. The incidents related are stirring, and the style is graphic. When I finished the perusal I felt the force of the adage, that "Truth is Stranger than Fiction." As the diary of John Evelyn, throwing light upon the days of Charles the Second, is still read, so I think, if printed, your unaffected narrative will always find a place in the private and public libraries of Minnesota and the Western States... Continue reading book >>