Dee Alexander Brown distinguished himself as a foremost chronicler of early American West life. Born in the small town of Alberta, Louisiana, Brown's life was steeped in stories and books thanks to his grandmother and mother who instilled in him a love for reading from an early age. His passion for literature, cultivated in the humble surroundings of his childhood, would later propel him to become a celebrated author, best known for his works on Native American history and Western expansion.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings

After the tragic loss of his father, Brown's family relocated to Stephens, Arkansas, where his grandmother played a pivotal role in his upbringing. She was instrumental in awakening his fascination with books, a fascination shared by his mother, who ensured their home was always brimming with literary treasures. By the time Brown reached first grade, he was already delving into the works of Robert Louis Stevenson.

As a young boy, Brown invested much of his earnings in books and the enticing tales found in pulp magazines. His first short story was published in Blue Book magazine while he was still in high school. Seeking better educational opportunities, the Brown family moved to Little Rock, offering Brown access to a public library, which soon became his refuge. There, he immersed himself in the writings of Sherwood Anderson, John Dos Passos, and William Faulkner, broadening his literary horizons.

Influences and Historical Interests

Brown's interest in history, particularly the American West and Native American cultures, was shaped by multiple influences. A significant factor was his exposure to the History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark. Visits from relatives in West Texas, alongside friendships with American Indian peers, and an encounter with Moses Yellowhorse, an American Indian baseball player, further fueled this interest. These influences culminated in Brown's first western novel, aptly titled Yellowhorse.

Career Path and Academic Pursuits

Upon completing high school, Brown embarked on a career in journalism as a printer and reporter for the Harrison Daily Times in Boone County. He showcased his unique talent by composing news stories directly on the Linotype machine. However, his career trajectory shifted when he decided to pursue teaching at Arkansas State Teachers College, now known as the University of Central Arkansas. By the time he graduated in 1933, his aspirations had evolved, leading him to pursue a career in library science, culminating in a degree from George Washington University in 1937.

Military Service and Continued Writing

During World War II, Brown served in the Army, where his training at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, inspired his first book, Wave High the Banner, a narrative centered on the life of Davy Crockett. His literary journey continued to flourish when, in 1948, he became an agricultural librarian at the University of Illinois. There, he collaborated with Martin F. Schmitt to publish Fighting Indians of the West, the first in a trilogy featuring historical photographs.

Prolific Writing Career

Brown's foray into Civil War history began with Grierson’s Raid, soon followed by works like The Bold Cavaliers. The 1960s marked a prolific period for Brown, during which he released eight books, including the meticulously researched The Galvanized Yankees and his personal favorite, The Year of the Century: 1876, cherished for the enjoyment he found in its research.

Signature Work and Legacy

Brown's meticulous collection of speeches, statements, and photographs of late nineteenth-century American Indian leaders laid the groundwork for his most renowned book, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee . Initially conceived as a modest project for young readers, it evolved into...