Babb, T. A. In the bosom of the Comanches. Dallas: Press of John F. Worley, ca. 1912. https://www.loc.gov/item/13000027/.
Dot Babb was captured by Comanche Indians. In his biography, he relates the time and geographical sites traveled over ten days by horse and on foot. By using Dot’s narrative and Google Earth, we can trace and validate the accuracy and audacity of this historical narrative. Are we as aware of our geography as that detailed in Dot’s recollections? Learners will use biographical and historical texts and maps to make chronological timelines, connect to digital map skills, and evaluate the validity of a historical narrative.
Just after the Civil War, Dot Bab relates his experiences living with the Comanche Indians. By investigating his narrative and historical maps of the time, learners can trace the geography and timeline of Bab’s capture. Learners can also synthesize and conclude from multiple sources that help the reader evaluate the validity of the primary source account.
Source: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=255057
- The teacher’s overarching question about the source: How do primary source accounts help historians validate historical truths?
- Supporting questions for primary source inquiry: Looking beyond times and places, what do primary source accounts reveal about the actual human experiences? Can we believe Dot Bab based on the geographical evidence in his account?
- Extension questions
- What do “captive narratives” explain about the westward movement, conflict and clash of cultures, and the impetus for assimilation of Indian cultures during the 1800s?
ELA Standard
6.5H. Comprehension skills. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The learner is expected to (5H) synthesize information to create new understanding.
Social Studies Standard
7.20C. Social studies skills. The student applies critical thinking skills to organize and use information acquired through established research methodologies from a variety of valid sources, including technology. (C) organize and interpret information from outlines, reports, databases, and visuals, including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps
Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
- Read the narrative. (Note: Access the narrative at this site for connected text https://ia801905.us.archive.org/8/items/inbosomofcomanch01babb/inbosomofcomanch01babb.pdf)
- Record notes on times, places, dates, and locations
- Organize the notes into chronological order in a labeled timeline or calendar.
- Using Google Earth, create a project that maps out the key locations in the escape route described on pages 19–38 of In the Bosom of Comanches. Learners will need to use problem-solving skills to locate or disregard places on the map.
- Use Google Earth tools and other historical maps to trace the route and measure distances.
- Use historical maps from the Library of Congress to validate Indian reservation areas and names for locations at the time of the narrative. https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4051e.mf000044/?r=0.308,0.605,0.279,0.164,0 and https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4030.ct002350/?r=0.169,0.119,0.437,0.258,0
- Using research data about average miles per hour on foot and by horse, learners should tabulate the time required for distances traveled each day as described in the narrative.
- Evaluate the data: Can we believe Dot Bab’s narrative? How do the times, places, and distances compare to modern life? What conclusions can we draw about what Dot Bab experienced? How could geographical awareness impact modern experiences?
United States Topographical Bureau. Map showing the lands assigned to emigrant Indians west of Arkansas and Missouri. 1836. Map. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/99446197/.
Young, J. H, S. Augustus Mitchell, and Mitchell & Hinman. New map of Texas with the contiguous American & Mexican states. 1835. Map. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2008625106/.