Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, A Tale of the Old West

1859: A drought has settled on the middle of the country, and crops aren't growing. If fourteen-year-old Early Wittcomb's family can't pay the mortgage on their Iowa farm, the bank will take the land and sell it to the Chicago and North Western Railway. Uncle Jesse thinks the answer to their problems is gold-rumored to be plentiful in the Rocky Mountains-and heads west. Then he writes that his life is in danger, and Early sets off on a perilous journey of his own. Glossary. Author's Note. Bibliography. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations.