Publisher's Synopsis
The Banditti of the Plains: Or The Cattlemen's Invasion of Wyoming in 1892 is a historical non-fiction book written by Asa Shinn Mercer. The book provides a detailed account of the Johnson County War, a range war that took place in Wyoming in the late 19th century. The conflict arose between small farmers and ranchers on one side, and large cattle barons on the other, who were accused of using their wealth and influence to control the local government and intimidate their rivals.The book opens with an introduction to the history of Wyoming and the cattle industry in the region, before delving into the events leading up to the Johnson County War. Mercer describes the tensions between the small farmers and the cattlemen, the formation of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, and the hiring of a group of gunmen known as the ""invaders"" to eliminate the perceived threat posed by the small farmers.The book then details the invasion itself, as the invaders rode into Johnson County and began targeting the small farmers and their supporters. The conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale war, with both sides engaging in violent clashes and assassinations. Mercer provides a vivid account of the battles, including the infamous siege of the KC Ranch, where the invaders were defeated by a group of local farmers and their allies.Throughout the book, Mercer presents a balanced view of the conflict, highlighting the perspectives of both the small farmers and the cattlemen. He also explores the broader social and political context of the time, including the role of the media in shaping public opinion about the conflict.Overall, The Banditti of the Plains is a gripping and informative account of a little-known chapter in American history, shedding light on the complex relationships between landowners, farmers, and government officials in the Wild West.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.