The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper

First of the Leatherstocking Tales (in terms of chronological order, rather than publication date). Historical novel set in 1744. First published in 1841. The other Leatherstocking Tales are Last of the Mohicans, Pathfinder, Pioneers, and Prairie. According to Wikipedia: James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851) was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo. Among his most famous works is the Romantic novel The Last of the Mohicans, which many consider to be his masterpiece.