Kit Carson and the Indians

By Thomas W. Dunlay and Tom Dunlay

Book Overview

Often portrayed by past historians as the greatest guide and Indian fighter in the West, Kit Carson (1809-68) has become in recent years a historical pariah--a brutal murderer who betrayed the Navajos, an unwitting dupe of American expansion, and a racist. Many historians now question both his reputation and his place in the pantheon of American heroes. In Kit Carson and the Indians, Tom Dunlay urges us to reconsider Carson yet again. To Dunlay, Carson was simply a man of the nineteenth century whose racial views and actions were much like those of his contemporaries.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803266421
• ISBN13: 9780803266421
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

In-depth Analysis of a Complex Personality

This is an excellent book and is highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about Kit Carson, especially his relationship with Native Americans in general and the Navajo in particular. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico where Carson is often denegrated, particularly in regards to his treatment of the Navajo. While Dunlay's book is not an easy read, it does a good job of presenting and discussing the activities and achievements of Kit Carson within the context of his times, analyzing all facets of his life. He was a complex man who lived in changing times.

Compelling, charismatic study

An authoritative and spellbinding examination into the life of our great frontiersman Christopher Carson. Dunlay delves into every crevice, explores behind and under every rock and examines every shred of research to justify Carson's character toward the American Indian. The premise here is to thwart the image of Kit Carson as an "Indian-hater", racist and genocide advocator. The author has done just that. Yes, in his youth Kit had killed numerous Indians, but only when warranted. Oftentimes it was kill or be killed from the 1820's to early 1840's. There were good Indians and bad. There were good whites and bad. When the mountain man came west, he was another 'tribe' who had battles to fight. Later in life when Carson became Indian agent, scout, soldier and superintendent of Indian affairs, his entire demeanor towards the Native American changed dramatically. He did support violence but only to the few hostiles. All told he was there to protect and save the Indians from extermination by white encroachment. His continued and tireless efforts of feeding and clothing hundreds upon hundreds of Indians, promoting the reservation system to separate whites from Indians in order to suppress troubles between the two cultures, etc. are conclusive evidence of his caring. I read his autobiography several years ago and thought I was well informed, but these memoirs conclude in 1856. Much more happened to Kit (and the nation) up until his death in 1868. This book by Dunlay covers his entire life. An absorbing and significant read.

tour de force

This is a thoroughly researched and balanced treatise on Kit Carson and his complex relationship with Native Americans. Recommended!!!