1000 White Women

"1000 White Women - The Journals of May Dodd" by Jim Fergus is historical fiction based on Indian Relocation that occured during President Grant's administration. Cheyenne Chief proposes to President Grant that the two nations trade 1000 white women for 1000 horses. It was the Chief's belief that by having children with the white brides that the offspring would bring the Cheyenne closer to the white world and thus begin the process of assimilation. In reality, this proposal did not set well with most Americans and the Cheyenne were eventually relocated or those who would not move were murdered. In the book, the US Government takes the Indian Nation up on its offer and secretly sends only those women who volunteer or want the freedom to escape their current lives, such as women in asylums and jails. May Dodd jumps on this opportunity to free herself from the asylum her parents put her in for having children out of wedlock. This novel is comprised of journal entries and letters by May (a fictional character) during her time as a member of the Cheynnne. The story presents the Native American's perspective as their land was taken from them and they were forced onto Reservations and murdered.