This episode covers mostly the French events and individuals that were risking it all to find what lay beyond the territory already known to the west. You have the explorers / fur traders trying to find the quickest routes to market and to meet Indian tribes willing to supply the desired furs. But this is only one part, there are the different religious groups trying to spread their word of God to the various tribes.

The adventures of James Needham and Gabriel Arthur in 1673 and 1674, for one, did not end so well. The other experienced what few ever did, following along with a native tribe through many parts of the settled and unsettled wilderness of early America.

A commission was given by Abraham Wood to Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam to explore the mountainous areas to the west. A short trek compared to others but still added knowledge and visited Indian villages along the way.

Setting off from Virginia territory to learn of what lay to the west, three expeditions in the same year, most of the episode is taken from his own words.  Enjoy.

An expedition setting off from Fort Henry in Virginia with Edward Bland, Abraham Wood, Sackford Brewster, Elias Pennant and an Appamattuck guide, Pyancha to explore lands to the southwest of Virginia.

Who is Abraham Wood? In this episode we describe his life accomplishments making his way up the ladder from indentured servant to a major land owner, military and governmental leader in early Virginia. There are many factors that he engaged in to promote the wilderness to the west. Those adventures will follow in other podcasts.

A request by a listener to go into detail about Jean Nicolet’s wife, Gisis Kwen Anishnabek Bahmahmaadjimowin and their daughter Euphrosine Madeleine Nicolet, here is their story. (see episode 87 for a refresher)

I read a proclamation handed down from George Washington in October of 1789 to dedicate the day of November 26th to give thanks for the nation that had been created.

For my part in celebrating the Fourth of July, I am going to read to you a speech given by Patrick Henry to the Continental Congress on March 23, 1776 about the reasons to continue the fight against England’s tyranny. Please enjoy.

Taking you through the years after 1711 until William Penn’s family take over the Pennsylvania  proprietary.