Olive Oatman: A Mysterious Story of Captivity from the Time of American Expansion

By Elizabeth Haley

The 1800's sparked a time of great change and turmoil in American history. Most people think of events like the War of 1812, the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the gradual destruction of North America's remaining native tribes. There were also many scientific and technological advances around the world during this time, such as Morse code and photography. An early photo - an image of a white woman with a distinct blue tattoo on her chin - looks PhotoShopped. However, it's very real. Who was she? Her name is Olive Oatman.

In the 1850's, Olive Oatman's family set off for California in search of a better life. On their way, however, members of the Yavapai tribe attacked them. Most of the family was slaughtered, but Olive and her little sister were taken captive. Eventually, their captors traded them to the Mohave tribe, where Olive remained for five years. Upon returning to white society, her story spread like wildfire. In modern terms, it went viral. Methodist pastor Royal B. Stratton wrote a biography about the Oatman's ordeal. The book was so successful, it paid for Olive's school tuition.

On the surface, Olive Oatman's story is a simple one of perseverance and survival. However, it doesn't take much digging to see that things are more complex. In the years following her return, many noticed Olive had changed and seemed discontent. Had she actually assimilated with the Mohave? Did she miss them?

Grab this book today and explore the story, the mystery, and the enduring legacy of Olive Oatman and her family. Olive's story is about more than just one life. It tells the tale of racial tensions born in a bygone era that reverberated for generations to come, as well as the complexity of human nature. Most stories are not as simple as they're made out to be at first, and Olive Oatman's definitely deserves a deeper look.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B085KBS1GH
• ISBN13: 9798623036018
• Release Date: March 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 102 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.0"