FOREWORD
ix
INTRODUCTION
xi
PREFACE
xiii
Chapter I
1
THE MILLENS—George Monroe’s mother;
Pennsylvania to Georgia.
THE CORONER’S INQUEST—George Millen
reveals the family history.
THE MONROES—An intriguing theory about
Louis Monroe escaping enslavement to a British colony in Nova
Scotia. Mary Millen and Louis Monroe wed.
LEAVING GEORGIA—George Monroe’s
father, uncle, and later his mother, join the Gold Rush to
California, while George attends school in Washington, D.C., after
which they reunite with Louis and Mary in California.
Chapter II
33
MARIPOSA—The Monroes settle in Mariposa,
California. Yosemite draws increasing tourism.
EMANCIPATION—Slavery in post-war
California. Reconstruction brings new opportunities to the Monroes.
Louis Monroe becomes a pillar of the local Black community, and
George shows an affinity for horses.
Chapter III
57
SETTING THE STAGE—Galen Clark, Henry
Washburn, and the travel industry.
Chapter IV
77
THE ROAD TO YOSEMITE—Monroe Ranch.
Washburn builds a transportation empire. George Monroe gains
stature as a stage-driver.
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Chapter V
97
CELEBRITY—George Monroe’s famous
passengers. Washburn grows his business while George’s parents
perfect the Monroe Ranch.
FIRE—Fire at Big Tree Station.
Chapter VI
117
GRANT—Ulysses S. Grant and George
Monroe—a detailed account.
Chapter VII
147
TRIUMPH—George Monroe’s fame as a
stage-driver, his parents lauded by the press, and Washburn
dominates Yosemite tourism.
Chapter VIII
159
ADVERSITY—Death of George Monroe. Louis
and Mary list their ranch for sale. Mary wins a real-estate
lawsuit. Louis dies from a carriage accident.
SAN DIEGO—Mary joins her brother in San
Diego. The death of Mary Monroe. George Millen testifies at the
Coroner’s inquest.
Epilogue
185
CHRONOLOGY
187
NOTES 197
BIBLIOGRAPHY 263
INDEX 271
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 277
AUTHOR PAGE 279
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