Though the women on the trains may have quailed at the prospect of fighting off Indians, when faced with the daily challenges of life on the trail, they proved themselves resourceful, hardy, and uncomplaining, even cheerful.

Occasionally they were called upon to drive a team or load and unload wagons, but for the most part they were responsible for the same chores that had long been a woman's lot: cooking, washing dishes and clothing, and watching over the children.

As demanding as these tasks could be on a homestead, they were doubly difficult on the trail. "Oh! horrors," wrote America E. Rollins, "how shall I express it; it is the dreded washing day... but washing must be done and procrastination won't do it for me."

The only good opportunity for doing a wash came when the train was camped along a sizable stream. Most...