Meaning: The quote you've provided refers to the perception of the region west of the Mississippi River in the popular imagination during a particular period of American history. The essence of the quote is that, in the minds of the people, the western region was seen as a mysterious and unfamiliar land, almost as if it were a fictional creation. The reference to "Cooper's Prairie" likely alludes to the works of James Fenimore Cooper, an American writer known for his frontier novels, particularly those set in the American wilderness.

During the 19th century, the western frontier of the United States held a certain allure for the American public. It represented the unknown, the untamed, and the potential for adventure and discovery. However, due to the limited first-hand experiences of most people regarding the western territories, their perceptions were largely shaped by the accounts of explorers, travelers, and writers. These narratives often took on a fictional quality in the eyes of the public, contributing to the sense of the west as a "strange land."

The mention of Cooper's Prairie likely references the works of James Fenimore Cooper, who is best known for his novels set in the American wilderness, including the famous Leatherstocking Tales, which feature the character Natty Bumppo, also known as Hawkeye. Cooper's vivid descriptions of the frontier, the interactions between settlers and Native Americans, and the challenges of survival in the wilderness may have contributed to the romanticized and often exaggerated perceptions of the western region in the popular imagination.

The quote also suggests that, despite the compelling nature of the narratives about the western territories, there were relatively few individuals who actively pursued a life in the west, or who were inspired to explore or settle in those areas. This may reflect a certain hesitancy or caution among the general population when it came to venturing into the largely unknown and potentially perilous western lands.

Furthermore, it's important to consider the historical context in which this perception of the west as a "strange land" took shape. During the 19th century, the United States was experiencing rapid territorial expansion, with the idea of Manifest Destiny driving westward migration and the acquisition of new territories. This period saw the Oregon Trail, the California Gold Rush, and the settlement of the Great Plains, all of which contributed to the evolving perceptions and realities of the western region.

In conclusion, the quote captures the romanticized, almost mythical perception of the region west of the Mississippi River in the popular imagination during a particular period in American history. It highlights the influence of explorers, travelers, and writers in shaping the public's view of the west as a mysterious and almost fictional land, while also noting the relatively limited number of individuals who actively pursued opportunities in the western territories. This quote provides insight into the ways in which the American public perceived and conceptualized the western frontier during a time of significant expansion and change in the nation's history.