Sweet Betsy from Pike

Description:

It's a historical novel based on the goldrush folk ballad of the same name. In 1849 Betsy was 18, a minister's daughter, and pregnant. To escape the shame, she and her lover. Ike, join a wagon train bound for the California mining camp of Hangtown. Along the trail and in the rough-and-tumble camp, Betsy outgrows Ike and develops into a strong woman, capable of taking charge of her own destiny. Historical figures include Brigham Young, Joaquin Murrieta, and Bayard Taylor.

subjects: gold rush,  Hangtown,  wagon train,  Sweet Betsy from Pike,  Brigham Young,  Joaquin Murrieta,  Bayard Taylor,  English Folk songs,  Fiction

People: Brigham Young,  Joaquin Murrieta,  Bayard Taylor,  John Studebaker,  Philip Armour,  Mark Hopkins

Places: Hangtown (now Placerville),  California; Salt Lake City

Times: 1849-50