The Last American Frontier.Illustrated

The Last American Frontier by Frederic L. Paxson is a compelling companion to his Pulitzer Prize-winning History of the American Frontier. In this richly detailed volume, Paxson explores the final phase of westward expansion in the United States, focusing on the transformation of the American frontier during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Covering the closing of the frontier era as declared in 1890 by the U.S. Census Bureau, Paxson delves into the settlement of the Great Plains, the conquest and displacement of Native American nations, the rise of cattle ranching, and the eventual shift toward federal regulation, conservation, and statehood. His narrative also reflects on how these changes altered the American character and redefined the nation's sense of identity. Blending historical narrative with economic and political analysis, The Last American Frontier captures a pivotal moment when the American frontier ceased to be a place of expansion and became a symbol of national mythology. Paxson’s work remains a vital resource for understanding the legacy and consequences of America’s westward movement.