Publisher's Synopsis
Hi Jolly & The Camel Corps: A Syrian American Odyssey
In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Army launched one of the most ambitious and unconventional military experiments in American history-importing camels to conquer the harsh deserts of the Southwest. At the heart of this bold venture stood Hadji Ali, known to history as Hi Jolly, a skilled camel driver from Syria who became an unlikely figure in the American frontier. Hi Jolly & The Camel Corps: A Syrian American Odyssey is a gripping historical account that brings to life the incredible story of an immigrant's journey from the bustling ports of Smyrna to the Great American desert. As one of the first documented Syrian Americans, Hi Jolly's story is one of adaptation, survival, and perseverance in a land that saw him as both an outsider and a pioneer. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this book explores:✅ The origins of the Camel Corps experiment and its visionary backers, including Jefferson Davis.
✅ The trials and triumphs of training camels for military use in the American Southwest.
✅ Hi Jolly's personal struggles and legacy as a Middle Eastern immigrant navigating frontier life.
✅ The mystery of the camels left behind, their transformation into legend, and the haunting tales of the "Red Ghost."
✅ The construction of the Hi Jolly Monument and his enduring status as an Old West folk hero. Blending military history, immigrant experience, and forgotten frontier lore, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and those fascinated by untold stories of the American West. Immerse yourself in a forgotten chapter of American history-order your copy today!
