The Helonaki Deep Dive

The last entry of Ruth Shackelford's published 1868 diary ends as the Shackelfords were about to cross the Red River from Texas to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). From other sources, we know the Shackelfords did return to Missouri. In this episode, we'll explore their probably route for the end of their travels, summarize what happened to them after they returned to Missouri, an...

Mr. Atwell Gatewood had been a widower for almost 3 years, raising 3 boys by himself, although probably with help from the Shackelfords. While in Hood county Texas, he meets and marries Miss Oxier, changing the dynamics of the group. Support the show

The Shackelfords and their traveling companions, the Kirklands and Gatewoods, stopped at Center Mills, Hood county, Texas for a month to rest their horses. Ruth's account of their time in Hood county can be put into context with local histories, but her descriptions of the area and events also add facts and color to those local histories. Show notes on the Helonaki website! Support the show

In late June 1868, the Shackelfords reached Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River in west Texas. Ruth wrote vividly about the crossing and in this episode, Jen examines their experience in light of other travelers. Plus an update on mapping progress! Support the show

On June 23-24, 1868 the Shackelfords crossed paths at Barilla Station with the family of Harriet Bunyard who were traveling from Texas to California. In this episode, Jen discusses Barilla Station, crossing paths, Buffalo Soldiers, and progress on mapping using BLM GLO plat maps. Support the show

On May 17, 1868, the Shackelfords traveled through Apache Pass, the site of much fighting between the U.S. Army and the Chiricahua Apache, due to its strategic position. In this episode, Jen provides context about Apache Pass and the Apache Wars, which began with events at the pass. Support the show

In April 1868, the Shackelfords were traveling beside the Gila River (which Ruth called "the Heeley") along the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. In this episode, Jen discusses in-law etiquette, the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, and the roadmap for Shackelford maps. Show Notes: Helonaki website Patreon Support the show

On Wednesday, April 8, 1868, the Shackelfords left San Bernardino, California for Texas and ultimately, Missouri. Who was traveling with the Shackelfords on this journey and how did Ruth feel about being on the road again? Also in this episode, some contemplation about lying maps. Shownotes: Helonaki website Patreon Support the show

The last entry of Ruth Shackelford's 1865 diary is on November 5, 1865 signifying the end of their journey from Missouri to California. But reaching this entry is only the beginning of the research on the Shackelfords' journey and the middle of mapping their 1865 path. Show notes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/48322976 Show notes on Helonaki website: https://www.helonaki.com/b...

Partly in honor of Black History Month (February) and also because it's fascinating, in this episode Jen relates insights from the book "Sweet Freedom's Plains" by Shirley Ann Wilson Moore about the experiences of Black people on the western trails. Did the Shackelfords interact with Black people on their travels, and if so, did Ruth record those interactions? Jen discuss the p...

The Shackelfords traveled to California mostly following the regular trail, until they reached Utah. In this episode, Jen discusses the various trails to California and who should get credit for those trails. Then she describes (perhaps in agonizing detail, sorry) her process for adding Indigenous territories to the locations mentioned by Ruth Shackelford in her diary. It's a work-in-progress...

One of the issues I've grappled with since before beginning this project was how to put the Shackelfords' journey into context, especially with regard to Indigenous peoples. This episode is the beginning of a conversation grappling with what is owed to Indigenous peoples and how to include and center them in research, such as mapping Ruth Shackelford's diaries. Disclosure: I am an a...

Happy New Year! Jen took a break from mapping over the holidays and instead played the game Oregon Trail. This episode also includes a discussion of illnesses pioneers suffered and a new source for information about the Shackelfords' journey! Show links:     Poll: Next step in mapping pioneer trails     Covered Wagon Women series, University of Oklahoma Press     Covered Wagon Women, Volume 9...

The Shackelfords traveled near Fort Kearney on June 9-10, 1865 and passed through the towns of Dogtown and Doby . . .  neither of which exist today. In this episode, Jen discusses music along the trail and how she solved the mystery of where Dogtown and Doby were located. Show notes and transcript: here Support the show

TW: Description of death along the trail (1:15-1:34) and discussion about death in Shackelford's diary and in present day (2:45-5:32). The first death Ruth Shackelford recorded during her journey, but certainly not the last, was on May 17, 1865. The entries from May 16 and 17, 1865 also provide good examples of problems identifying streams from the diary. And a new feature: Listener Q&A!...

On May 1st, 1865, Ruth Shackelford's family set out for California from Missouri in their covered wagon. In this episode, Jen describes the beginning of her journey mapping Ruth Shackelford's diary. Link to show notes and transcript Support the show

An introduction to The Helonaki Deep Dive podcast hosted by Jen Glaubius of The Helonaki. On the podcast, Jen explores mapping and spatial analysis for historical and archaeological projects using open source tools.  Support the show