The Cabin Faced West facts for kids
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| Author | Jean Fritz |
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| Illustrator | Feodor Rojankovsky |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | G.P. Putnam's Sons |
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Publication date
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1958 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 124 pp |
| OCLC | 300893 |
The Cabin Faced West is an exciting historical children's book written by the American author Jean Fritz. Published in 1958, this story takes young readers back in time to the early days of the United States, showing what life was like for families settling new lands.
Contents
The Story of Ann Hamilton
This novel takes place in the year 1784. The setting is Hamilton Hill in Washington County, Pennsylvania. This area is close to the Monongahela River, about 20 miles south of the city of Pittsburgh. The main character is a ten-year-old girl named Ann Hamilton.
Ann's New Home in the West
Ann's family has moved to what was then called "The Western Country." They came from the other side of the Allegheny Mountains, near Gettysburg. Ann finds her new home very different from where she used to live. She misses her old friends and the comfortable life she knew before.
Making Friends and Learning
Ann feels quite lonely on Hamilton Hill. Her only friend in this new place is a boy named Andy McPhale. Andy is the son of a "squatter," which means his family lived on land they didn't officially own yet. Ann decides to help Andy. She takes on the special project of teaching him how to read and write.
A Special Visitor: George Washington
The story ends with a very important visitor. None other than George Washington himself comes to Hamilton Hill! At this time, Washington was traveling to check on his properties in the region. He was also looking for a place to have his evening meal. His visit makes for a memorable end to Ann's adventure.
Is This Story True?
The author, Jean Fritz, included a special note at the end of the book. She tells her readers that the story of Ann Hamilton is a true family story! Jean Fritz is actually Ann Hamilton's great-great-granddaughter.
Proof from History
To show that the story is real, Jean Fritz shares something amazing. She includes an entry from George Washington's own diary! This diary entry, dated September 18, 1784, records his visit to the Hamilton family. This shows that the events in the book really happened.
Hamilton Hill Today
Today, the place known as Hamilton Hill has a different name. It is now called Ginger Hill. You can find this area near the town of New Eagle.
