The last thirty-five years of the nineteenth century were a time of dramatic change for the U.S. military, including the Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War; fighting the Indian Wars of 1865 through 1890; and shifting military personnel concerns and increased responsibilities, including law enforcement, protection of the National Parks, and border patrols. As the century's end neared, the army faced increasing retrenchment and increased advocacy for veteran's causes when the Civil War veteran population aged. This book illustrates the lives of the average soldier and his family, his involvement with the community, and his contributions and needs as a veteran.

The late nineteenth century in American military history is not as well known as others. Highlights of the topics covered by Michael L. Tate in this volume include:
-Reconstruction duty in the south
-Staffing the new military departments in the Trans-Mississippi West
-Relations between American Indians and soldiers, including Indian scouts, and Indian rights
-Promoting Western overland transportation, river improvements and communication
-Army Relief Work and Protecting the Fledgling National Parks
-Social Experiments: Serving with White, Black and Indian Soldiers
-Social Relations with Communities Near the Posts
-Veterans' Needs and Pensions for military families

Relying on documents, diaries, newspaper accounts, and family histories, Tate also includes a timeline, a topically arranged bibliography, and a comprehensive index.