Midwest Frontier Stories

Midwest Frontier Stories is a history and publishing project dedicated to preserving the experiences of Midwest pioneers who lived on the frontier before 1860. Its books and online collections bring together first-hand stories and biographies, many drawn from 19th-century newspaper clippings that were at risk of deteriorating in library collections. Written by people who experienced frontier life, the accounts describe settlers, neighboring Indigenous communities, everyday events, and the beginnings of Wisconsin and Iowa.

The collection also supports historical and family research. Some biographies include personal details such as age, occupation, physical features, hair and eye color, height, and build. Additional materials, including images, footnotes, indexes, and a glossary, help readers understand historical references and colloquial language. A featured 1836–37 store ledger offers insight into provisions purchased in Sweet Home, Missouri, and their prices.

Midwest Frontier Stories offers several volumes, a master index, quizzes, videos, and contributed family stories. Its books are available through listed retailers, and the project invites visitors to share stories and explore its historical resources.