James A. Michener · 1974 · overland

The migration thread of Michener's Centennial. In 1844 Levi Zendt, a Mennonite cast out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, loads a great Conestoga wagon and sets out for Oregon with his child bride Elly. Worn down on the Oregon Trail and frightened at the Continental Divide, they turn back and settle on the South Platte, founding the trading post that will become the town of Centennial.

1. 1
   Lancaster

   Levi Zendt, disowned by his Mennonite community, loads a Conestoga wagon and sets out west with his young bride Elly.

2. 2
   St Joseph

   To the Missouri frontier and the jumping-off place, and onto the Oregon Trail.

3. 3
   Scotts Bluff

   Up the Platte past Courthouse Rock, Chimney Rock and the great bluff.

4. 4
   Fort Laramie

   To Fort John on the Laramie, the trail's chief way-station.

5. 5
   South Pass

   But near the Continental Divide, exhausted and afraid, having seen the elephant, they turn back.

6. 6
   Centennial

   And settle on the South Platte, where Elly dies of a snakebite and Levi builds the post that becomes Centennial.