The Frontier wound its way west over more than a century. At each stop on the way, dreamers, schemers and visionaries left the procession to start new lives in new towns. And some left behind spectacular houses which belie their origins.
Brigam Young hosted President Grant, Samuel Clemens and General Sherman in the Beehive House, his Salt Lake home and headquarters. THE PIONEERS tours the immaculately preserved residence, providing an intimate look at the life of its owner. Next, learn the story behind Vaile Mansion in Independence, Missouri. Originally called the House of Gold by town residents, the 26-room mansion soon became better-known for the tragic tale of Sophie and Harvey Vaile. Finally, tour the spectacular, shingle style home of freighter, trader, financier, banker and empire builder Charles Conrad, who married a Blackfoot Indian. Dramatically set in the Rocky Mountains, it remains filled with eclectic collection that Conrad acquired on his worldwide travels.