From Reveille to Taps

Main Themes and Topics

From Reveille to Taps by Jan Cleere delves into the lives of military families in the 19th-century Arizona Territory. At its heart, the book illuminates the experiences of officers' wives and families who moved from the more refined Eastern United States to the challenging and often harsh conditions of the Arizona frontier. Through an exploration of personal letters, diaries, and journals, the book reveals the immense hardships faced by these women and their roles in supporting and civilizing military posts. Themes of resilience, courage, and adaptation are central as the women transition into an environment vastly different from what they previously knew. Cleere highlights their untold stories of courage and how their presence was crucial to the development of the frontier.

Writing Style and Tone

Jan Cleere employs a narrative style that combines historical research with vivid storytelling. Her writing is both informative and engaging, skillfully weaving together the personal accounts of these women with the larger historical context of frontier life. The tone is empathetic and respectful, capturing the gravity of the challenges faced while celebrating the strength and resourcefulness of the women whose voices are brought to life through their own words. Cleere's meticulous attention to detail allows readers to immerse themselves in the era, feeling the hardships and triumphs alongside the women whose stories she tells.

Brief Summary

From Reveille to Taps presents a compelling narrative about the women who accompanied U.S. Army officers to the Arizona Territory during the 19th century. These women, hailing from sophisticated Eastern backgrounds, faced numerous challenges on the frontier, often dealing with cultural shock, isolation, and the day-to-day adversities of frontier life. Through their letters and diaries, Cleere illustrates their resilience and influence in domesticating and shaping the military posts scattered across the West. The book paints a vivid picture of their daily lives and the significant roles they played in supporting the Western military efforts and settling the often turbulent and wild Arizona landscape.