FLATBOAT DAYS ON FRONTIER RIVERS were filled with the dangers of hostile Indians, murdering outlaws, and treacherous shoals on both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Flatboats were a clumsy craft to navigate, but in the late 1700's and early 1800's, they were a vital part of river transportation.

Taking a load of cargo by flatboat to the busy port of New Orleans was a gamble. Pirates were rampant on the frontier rivers—and a vicious lot they were. Would the cargo sell for enough to make the long, hazardous trip worthwhile? Would the men survive the dangers along the way? If the flatboatmen succeeded in reaching their goal, they could enjoy a stay in bustling, colorful New Orleans before starting the long hike back to their homes.

The hardy folk who lived in those long-ago days come to life again in this fascinating book. Our nation's strength and growth are based on unique contributions of many kinds of people from all parts of the country. This book, part of a series called How They Lived, will give young people a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history as they see life in the past through the eyes of those who lived it.

From the book