16
May 2017
Currents
By: Dr. Joanie McConnell
The Lady With The Blue Tattoo
In the second half of the 19th century, most
Americans lived east of the great Mississippi River.
The land to the west was, for the most part, unex-
plored territory and home to many Native American
tribes. In 1848, gold was discovered in California.
This discovery marked the beginning of a massive
migration that transformed the nation's landscape.
Between 1849 and 1853, an astonishing one quarter
of a million people went west in search of wealth,
free land, adventure or religious freedom.
The incredible story of Olive Oatman begins in
the spring of 1850. Like thousands of other Ameri-
cans, the Oatman family decided to journey to Cali-
fornia. They travelled in uncomfortable covered
wagons over bumpy trails. Thy endured extreme
weather, horrendous sanitary conditions, food short-
ages and disease. They always lived in fear of attacks
by hostile Native American tribes.
After many long, difficult months, the Oatmans
arrived in what is now southern Arizona. To reach
California, they had to pass through a very danger-
ous area. Instead of waiting for other settlers, Mr.
Oatman decided to travel alone. This was a fatal
mistake.
There a group of hostile warriors from the Yavapai
tribe surrounded the Oatman wagons, and killed
most of the family. Olive, who was then 14, was
taken prisoner. For one long, miserable year, she
was forced to work as a slave in the Yavapai village.
Then one day, the chief sold her to the neighboring
Sunday, May 14th
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