Paul F. Sharp

Whoop-up country is the area of North America the includes most of Montana, the northern portion of Idaho, and much of the southern portions of the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Benton, Montana was a "boom town" and gateway to Whoop-up country on the Whoop-up Trail which leads northwest to Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada.

The book covers life in the region during days of the wild west from 1865 to 1885. Fur traders, Blackfeet, cowboys, sheepherders, farmers, merchants, thieves, the establishment of the Northwest Mounted Police, and then some all are discussed. The political roles of the British, US, and Canadian governments are evenhandedly described, particularly as to how they worked to solve the problem presented by Sitting Bull and his warriors who were on the run from defeating General Custer.

A well-researched book which reflects good scholarship. In addition, I found it entertaining to read.

A number of photos and maps enhance the book. Indexed.… (mehr)