Plainesmen and Indians

Plainsmen is a generalized term that could and does encompass all the Characters in the two or three Posts preceding this one. Anyone who had the grit made their way out into the great plains, deserts, and forest, of early America, Canada, and parts of Mexico. Don't look for the faint hearted in this bunch. You have everyone from Daniel Boone to wild Bill Hickcock. There were drifters, gold miners, trappers, mountain men, Cowboys, Gunslingers, and the strong stout hearted women who accompanied, or serviced them in some way. Even General Custer in the earlier years put up a defense for, and learned from the "savages" at times. There were the immigrants and cattle barons, the railroaders and sod busters and just a general mass of people looking for a better life.

It was a colorful time, when people lived hard, next to the land, and fought harsh environments. But you can imagine what the thoughts of the original inhabitants of this country were. A land that was pristine was soon over run by all of the above. Many of the tribes tried to cope in a peaceful way but soon realized that this was all but futile, as the white man in general spoke with a forked tongue. Still the real true Mountain men and plainsmen looked to bridge the gap, and learn from the aboriginal people of the earth about their ways. There was an inclusion of many customs, hunting techniques and dress from the native tribes of the different regions. Scouts and trackers learned their skills from the very people they were later to hunt down. The Red man was willing to share and live together in many instances until their back was against the wall.

The white man and the United States Government owe these people a huge debt. If they had tried to become one with the land, and learned how to integrate with it, we wouldn't have the problems we are facing today. But greed got the better of most, with money, gold, and land grabbing being the order of the day. Still the Native American spirit is strong and many of, if not most of our states and cities are named after tribes, and people that were the original inhabitants. All in all it was a colorful time, and a part of history. But looking back, my sentiments are with the "people of the earth" and those who reached out to them by trying to learn their ways. Some even lived with them and became mixed blood. Many today are waking up to the true nature of these spiritual people and what they still might have to offer.
And what is really interesting is that their blood line extends or flows in many of the people living in the America's until this day.
-Thunderhands