For my 23rd Epilogue, I found myself supporting a local author from my home-state: Colorado. I first discovered this author when my local library hosted her for a book talk. I happened to see the event advertised on Facebook, and the premise of the book immediately caught my attention:
- A Colorado setting
- Local history that uncovers the stories behind the names of mountains, hills, trails, and lakes
- A shared love of exploring the outdoors
- Most importantly, the women whose names are attached to these places
It sounded right up my alley, so I attended the talk and brought home a copy of Sarah Hahn Campbell’s book. As an added bonus, it also serves as a trail guide to the locations featured throughout the stories.
I loved the concept of connecting history with the author’s firsthand exploration of these places. One of the most fascinating things I learned was how much more difficult it can be to research women associated with each location. Locations named after men were often identified by their surnames, making their histories relatively easy to trace. Women, however, were frequently commemorated by their first names or even nicknames in geological surveys. As a result, the author often faced significant research challenges. Sometimes the women were well documented and widely recognized figures, but in other cases she encountered dead ends, limited records, or names so common, like Mary, that identifying the correct person became a daunting task.
If you love history and the outdoors, this unique combination of field guide and historical narrative is well worth reading. I connected deeply with the content, having visited or driven past many of the featured locations. Campbell’s research is impressive, and her storytelling brings these women’s lives to life in a compelling and meaningful way. I absolutely loved it.
Jessica's Epilogue 
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