Go West, Young Man

Hartwell explores America’s expansion westward, American exceptionalism, and the concept of Manifest Destiny. California has always been a victim of its own success, each boom attracting starry eyed hopefuls to the rich coastal cities only to deject many to the hinterland when the inevitable bust follows. Some go back to where they came from while others retreat to the more affordable, dry, dusty, and hot land at the perimeter, hopeful that should their luck turn they will be afforded another attempt. The same hopes and forces that brought them here seem to inexorably push them farther and farther away from the place they only got a glimpse of. Comforted to be somewhat closer to Eden than most but always far from close enough.