Frontier Life
7
Residents from New York, Ohio, Idiana, and Illinois have been moving in large numbers to get a feel for the western life. The frontier is free of the over-crowding and job shortages in the east. Land can be purchased for less as well, a plot of land ten times the size of a person's current plot of land could cost five times less than the eastern land plot cost. Oppurtinities galore are awaiting patiently for anyone with a yearning for adventure and something a little new.
Travel farther west to experience a secluded life without even the smoke of a chimney stack from a neighbor in sight. Or if something more social is what one hopes to find then stop a little early in a town that will suit your needs.
Eastern Iowa is a fine ares to find small towns and good places to raise up your children. Buy a plot of land and build a farm, knowing that a town center is not too far away if a need for any other supplies may arrise.
Or go a bit farther to reach total sanctuary. Be independent and self-sufficient living without the pester of other neighbors around.
But settlers beware, for with such fulfilling promises comes hardships as well. Women be prepared to join your husbands out in the farm work for some extra hands, the first few years on the fronteir may be tough.
When it comes to getting to the frontier, make sure you know your directions, getting even a little off track can lead to devistation and fatalities.
Many frontier settlers lead very independent lives, be sure to have what it takes to survive almost entirely on your own, even with a general store nearby, they're not going to build your house or sew your clothes. Be prepared for the worst.
Hope for the best, of course, but be ready for struggles and hardships within the first couple years of living until you are settled.
Anyone with a knack for adventure, head to the frontier, but know what you're getting into.
- Jeanette Schwalm