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. Seeing an increased demand for meat from growing cities in the east, settlers rounded up the cattle that roamed the unsettled west to start ranches. Life on the Ranch takes a fascinating look at a large cattle ranch describing: -- different buildings and tools -- the various jobs of the hired hands -- how cowboys dressed and how horses were tamed -- the rancher's family and the important tasks of women -- special occasions in the ranch community -- threats by wild animals, cattle rustlers, and even homesteaders who began to use up the open range
