anti-slavery platform, the pro-slavery Southern states start to rebel and the first secession from the Union occurs with South Carolina being the first state to start what will become "the confederacy" in December of 1860. This is important information to truly appreciate the atmosphere of turmoil that existed within the confines of this tender and sentimental tale.

However, as of this particular novel, Fred Gipson actually focuses more on the aspects of life in Texas within the specific region where the story takes place. This gives the narrative a stronger "flavor" of the region which helps the author focus more on this particular stamp, rather than dilute the rest of the narrative with broad, historical frameworks.

"Old Yeller," the book written by Fred Gipson, is set during the late 1860's.  The setting location is in Salt Lick, Texas.  That location is 600 miles south of Abilene, Kansas.  The main character, Travis Coates, has been left behind on his family's ranch to take care of the property, his mother, and his younger brother Arliss.  The reason that Travis is left more or less in charge is that his dad has left on a cattle drive.  For historical reference, the late 1860's would put the time period just after the American Civil War has ended (Civil War went from April 1861 - April 1865). The book itself was written in 1956 and Walt Disney did not waste any time turning it into a film.  The film was made by 1957, and the book had to wait until 1969 to receive a Newbery Honor Award. 

The setting of mid- 19th Century America impacts the plot in a couple of distinct ways. The time period illuminates the homesteading aspect of American History. Travis and his family live on their farm. For all practical purposes, they are self- sufficient.  Papa leaves to find a means of income for his family. Homesteaders were left to fend for themselves as they established land and found ways to sustain their families in the vast and unincorporated land of the time period.  Papa has to leave for the cattle drive, another way in which the setting of time and place triggers the plot.  The time period in which people lived off the land and had to travel to make money is one way in which the setting impacts the plot: "Still, they needed money, and they realized that whatever a man does, he's bound to take some risks."  The time period of mid- America in the 19th Century is one in which the spirit of pioneering against natural conditions in order to provide for one's family impacted the plot of Gipson's novel.  In some respects, this setting helps to set the plot in motion.

Another way in which the setting impacts the plot can be seen in Travis, himself. Papa leaves and tells him that he is to be "the man of the house." Travis has to tend and protect the family because of the wilderness where the story is set.  It is a wilderness that represents the essence of the American frontier.  Threats are present, and these natural threats posed great danger to settlers who made their home on the frontier.  This aspect of the setting provided the emotional climax of the novel.  Mama and Lisbeth were threatened by the wolf who “had to’ve been mad...no wolf in his right senses would have acted that way.”  The wolf was part of the natural setting of the frontier that posed challenge to human beings.  The fact that Old Yeller jumps out to protect the family is impacted by the plot.  This causes Mama to comment about Old Yeller's presence that  "It was a good thing for us, Son; but it wasn't good for Old Yeller."  Old Yeller showcases his value to the family because of the setting.  It is in this way where setting demonstrates another impact on the development of the plot.