David McCullough’s The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West offers a detailed account of the early settlement of the Northwest Territory, focusing on the establishment of Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. Through the lives of key figures like General Rufus Putnam and Reverend Manasseh Cutler, McCullough explores the challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, emphasizing their commitment to ideals such as education, religious freedom, and the prohibition of slavery. The narrative provides vivid descriptions of frontier life, highlighting the settlers' resilience and determination. However, some critics have noted that the book predominantly presents the settlers' perspectives, with limited exploration of Indigenous viewpoints and experiences. Despite this, The Pioneers serves as a valuable resource for understanding the early foundations of American expansion and the complexities of frontier settlement.​