The text provides an extensive examination of the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, detailing the geography, natural history, climate, and human settlement of the American West. The author begins with a comprehensive survey of mineral productions, noting the abundance of iron, bituminous coal, salt springs, and lead mines, particularly in Missouri, Illinois, and the Wisconsin territory. Vegetable productions are cataloged across different latitudes, distinguishing between forests, prairies, and barrens while detailing timber, fruit trees, and native plants.
Climate and health form a major focus, comparing western temperatures and weather patterns with the Atlantic states. The author addresses common diseases, such as bilious fevers and agues, offering practical medical advice and preventive rules for new settlers, while arguing that the western climate is fundamentally healthy when proper precautions are observed.
The character, manners, and pursuits of the diverse population are described in depth. Chapters are dedicated to the planters of the lower valley, the independent farmers of the north, the urban populations, and the distinct frontier class of pioneers, hunters, trappers, and boatmen. The author details the backwoods lifestyle, including log cabin construction, primitive furniture, and hunting techniques, emphasizing the hospitality and self-reliance of the settlers.
A significant section explains the public land survey system, detailing meridians, base lines, townships, sections, and land offices. The process of acquiring government land, military bounty lands, and tax policies for non-residents are clearly laid out for prospective emigrants.
The aborigines of the region receive careful attention, including a critical examination of mounds and antiquities, historical accounts of the French explorers like Marquette and La Salle, and the contemporary status of tribes. The creation of the Indian territory west of Missouri and Arkansas is detailed through the accounts of missionaries like Isaac McCoy.
Finally, the guide presents detailed regional descriptions of Western Pennsylvania, Western Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Each section covers surface features, soil, internal improvements such as canals and rail-roads, chief towns, and government structures, providing a complete economic and social snapshot of the developing Western states during the early nineteenth century.
