'Poems of American History, The Period of Growth' Summary

This anthology, 'Poems of American History, The Period of Growth by Various,' presents a diverse array of poems that chronicle the significant events and personalities that shaped early America. The poems delve into the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, and the presidency of George Washington, offering perspectives on the nation's birth and its foundational principles. The collection also explores the westward expansion, showcasing tales of frontier life, including the legendary Johnny Appleseed and the fateful battle at the Alamo. The Gold Rush, a period of intense economic and social upheaval, is vividly portrayed through the eyes of the poets. The anthology concludes with poignant reflections on the death of Thomas Jefferson, a founding father, and the tragic maritime disaster of the 'Wreck of the Hesperus.' The poems, penned by renowned writers such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Francis Scott Key, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Lord Byron, provide a multifaceted and insightful exploration of America's growth and its enduring struggles.