Yellowstone Denied: The Life of Gustavus Cheyney Doane

About this book

Frontier soldier and explorer extraordinaire Gustavus Cheyney Doane was no stranger to historical events. Between 1863 and 1892 he fought in the Civil War participated in every major Indian battle in Montana Territory and led the first scientific reconnaissance into the Yellowstone countryhis report on that expedition even contributed to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Doane was always close to being at the right place at the right time to secure lasting fame yet that fame always eluded him even after his death. Kim Allen Scott rescues Doane from obscurity to tell the tale of an educated and inventive man who strove in vain for recognition throughout his life. Yellowstone Denied is a psychological portrait of a complex and intriguing individual. During his thirty years in uniform Doane nearly achieved the celebrity he sought but twists of fate and at times his own questionable behavior denied it in the end. Scotts critical biography now examines the mans accomplishments and failures alike and traces the frustrated efforts of Doanes widow to see her husband properly enshrined in history. Yellowstone Denied is also a revealing look at military culture scientific discovery and western expansion and it gives Doane the credit long denied him.