Western life presentation draws interest in history

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

In a world where almost everything already has been discovered, with only the deepest depths of the oceans and the farthest expanse of the universe left to be explored, it is hard to imagine the thrill of being the first to lay eyes on a place.

Such was the experience white explorers had upon seeing the Western U.S. for the first time in the 18th century.

Folks who attended the Bear Creek Free Trappers’ presentation at the Herman Brown Free Library in Burnet on Wednesday, Jan. 20, learned about Western life through the lens of artifacts, including several kinds of furs, axes, firearms and traps. Many of the artifacts told the story of interactions and trade between Americans and Native American tribes in the region.

“I was glad to see such a good turnout,” said Jack Mabe, member of the Bear Creek Free Trappers. 

For more, see The Highlander, Friday, Feb. 5.