Henry Inman (1837–1899) was an American soldier, frontiersman, and writer known for his engaging accounts of life in the early American Southwest. His literary imprint is best recognized in his classic work, 'The Old Santa Fe Trail: The Story of a Great Highway' (1897), in which he eloquently chronicles the history and anecdotes associated with the historic route that facilitated trade between Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Inman served in the United States Army, which allowed him to gather a wealth of experiences and observations that he later distilled in his writing. Retiring with the rank of Colonel due to health reasons, he turned to writing, capturing the spirit of the American frontier. His books, often categorized under historical narratives and travel literature, are treasured for their detailed portrayal of the Western frontier, rich narratives, and contribution to the preservation of American history. In his oeuvre, Inman employed a literary style that was both scholarly and accessible, making his works popular among contemporaries and valuable to historians. His stories are filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, characters, and events that defined the pioneering era of the United States, ensuring his place in the annals of American literature and history.