Examining Related Evidence: Robert Louis
Stevenson’s Transcontinental Journey, 1879
This internet activity is based on the Examining the Evidence feature found on page 605 of
The American Pageant, Twelfth Edition. Or you can view the feature
here.
In Robert Louis Stevenson’s account of his transcontinental journey, he found many features of the landscape in Nebraska remarkable. At the same time as Stevenson was journeying West, settlers were moving onto those Nebraska plains. To investigate further by comparing photos of Nebraska with Stevenson’s account, go to the PBS website on "
The West".
Examine the six photos of farmers in Nebraska (7.1a–7.3b).
- What geographic features described by Stevenson also appear in the photos?
- Identify at least two examples in the photos of the farmers adapting to the geography of the plains.
- How do these families seem to feel about having their photographs taken? Explain.
- Do these family photographs remind you of any images you have seen before? Explain
- How do you imagine Stevenson would have felt about these farmers?
