Vaughn initially travelled to Montana from Wales in 1864, working as both a miner and butcher. He had intended to return after a few years, but was so taken with the West that he never did. Eventually he settled in Great Falls, where he financed the construction of several buildings and became instrumental in the growth of the town. The town of Vaugh in Montana is named after him.

It may not be out of place to explain how this book came to find its way into print. It was written for my little daughter, in the form of letters at various times, and not intended for publication, but many friends after reading them insisted that they should be published. One said: “You must not wait until you are dead before these letters are given to the world.” As my desire is, by the grace of God, to live many years yet, I now present these letters to the reader, supplemented by others from old time friends who braved the perils and dangers of pioneer life; and as they are intended to be a part of the history of this great state, care has been taken to keep strictly to the truth. It is hoped that a line here and there will be appreciated by those who ride in palace cars as well as the old pioneers who came west in prairie schooners.

Robert Vaughn's 'Then and Now; or, Thirty-Six Years in the Rockies' is a captivating narrative that offers a unique glimpse into the historical and geographical landscapes of the American West. Through Vaughn's vivid descriptions and detailed accounts, readers are transported back in time to experience the challenges and triumphs of life in the Rockies. The book is written in a descriptive and engaging style that immerses the reader in the harsh realities and breathtaking beauty of the frontier. Vaughn's attention to detail and historical accuracy make this work a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the American West. The author's deep knowledge and passion for the subject shine through in every chapter, making 'Then and Now' a truly enlightening and informative read. Robert Vaughn's personal experiences and connections to the Rockies undoubtedly fueled his desire to share this important history with the world. His dedication to preserving the stories of the past is evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the American frontier.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ... TRAVELING "THEN" AND TRAVELING "NOW." Some one said that to many persons, especially those in the East, the country west of Chicago is still a hazy geographical proposition, and that the Twin Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis--those posts at the gateway of an empire--seem to be on the confines of civilization, and to those less informed, the words Minnesota, Washington, Oregon and Montana, which represent new and powerful states, may mean some new patent medicine or the names of noted race horses.' In fact it does seem but yesterday that west of the Mississippi was but a dimlyknown region when all traveling was done by stage and on horseback; even the first locomotive that entered the state of Minnesota is now in the possession of the Great Northern Railway Company. But "now" there are within the limits of the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington over 17,000 miles of railway. As I now write the name "Great Northern" I cannot but think of the powerful agency this transcontinental road has been to bring about the "then and now" in the Rocky mountain regions, and, for that matter, from the Great Lakes to Puget Sound, its eastern terminus being Duluth, on Lake Superior, and St. Paul and Minneapolis, on the Mississippi river, and extending westward to Everett, on the Pacific coast, a distance of 1,782 miles. It crosses the main range of the Rocky mountains without a tunnel at an elevation of 5,202 feet above sea level, with a grade on the easterly slope of 1 per cent and on the westerly slope of 8 per cent. A few miles west of the main divide and but three miles from the Great Northern track, lies the famous Lake McDonald, almost concealed by remarkably high and steep mountains and thick...

Then and Now; or, Thirty-Six Years in the Rockies Personal Reminiscences of Some of the First Pioneers of the State of Montana, is a classical and a rare book, that has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and redesigned. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work, and hence their text is clear and readable. This remarkable volume falls within the genres of United States local history Rocky Mountains. Yellowstone National Park