Frederick William Lander was a tour de force during his time. He was an explorer, engineer, and warrior. His gravitas was undeniable and even pulled presidents into his orbit. The frontier's exploration and the national crisis in the United States during the 1850s and 60s called forth the best of people. They rose to the occasion of the time, performed like veterans despite their youth, and faced many perils along the way. Even among this group of exceptional individuals, Frederick William Lander stands out. We can only imagine what he would have accomplished with a long and full life.
But, as his brother feared, generations have grown up in Lander, Wyoming and Lander County, Nevada without any knowledge of their namesake. Generations of passengers and countless freight cars have crossed rugged territory on a railroad without knowing of the man whose wisdom, foresight, and strength made it possible. Most visitors to Lander Post Number Five in Lynn, Massachusetts, have no idea or appreciation for the man's intellect, speeches, essays, poetry who devoted and gave his life for the nation. This book is the first of three as correction to that injustice.