Discovering America Podcast
History
About
This podcast will be a history narrative collected from various sources. I will be covering the stories of events and people that played a part in creating America. My goal is to give the listener an entertaining dialog of history and walk away (or ear away) with a, "I didn't know that", feeling.
Episodes
- 177-dela Salle
This next series covers the exploits of Rene Robert Cavelier or better known as Sieur de La Salle. A man with great ambition and fortitude willing to risk and endure so much to improve the holdings for France and of course to increase his…
- 176-Henri Joutel's Introduction
A letter was written by Henri Joutel to the publisher who in turn added Joutel's thoughts to his book as an introduction. He described the travels and exploits of Monsieur de la Salle, Indians in the great unknown and what la Salle and oth…
- 175-Jolliet and Marquette's Travels
I tell of the travels of Jolliet and Marquette's travel to learn more about the mysteries of the great river, the Mississippi. Along their travels they met with many Indian tribes and shared food and religion. But that wasn't all, no; Marq…
- 174-Various Explorers and Religious Individuals Pushing Westward
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…
- 173-James Needham and Gabriel Arthur 1673 & 1674
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 e…
- 172-Expedition of Batts and Fallam 1671
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.
- 171-John Lederer Expeditions of 1669
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.
- 170-Edward Bland's Expedition of 1650
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.
- 169-Abraham Wood
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 engage…
- 168-Jean Nicolet's Wife
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)
- 168- Thanksgiving Proclamation by George Washington
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.
- 167-Patrick Henry's Speech
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.
- 166-William Penn part six
Taking you through the years after 1711 until William Penn's family take over the Pennsylvania proprietary.
- 165-Correspondense between William Popple and William Penn
Popple who was secretary to the plantation office in 1688, wrote to Penn on varies topics and about the attacks that were being made against him. Penn responded as one would expect with principle and laid out a defense and proof on allegat…
- 164-William Penn's Pep Talk
Pep talk, more of a scolding, William Penn was disappointed on the behavior of the colonists and the financial burden was taking its toll. Here is a letter to give them a sort of wake up call. Do your part and enjoy the freedom you have to…
- 163-William Penn part five
Recounting Pennsylvania during the years 1702 through 1710 pertaining to meetings between the different Governors and the House and the assembly, there were individuals on both sides of the isle trying to set up an acceptable government wi…
- 162-William Penn part four
This episode is a continuation of the historical encounters and events of William Penn residing either in England or Philadelphia, trying to set up and maintain the territory of Pennsylvania and the lower counties between 1684 and 1701.
- 161-Quit Rent System Under William Penn
Individuals were starting a new life across the ocean and with that were able to purchase land. This land also had some strings attached. The crown had amount that was due for lands sold to the Proprietors, such as William Penn. The new co…
- 160-"The United States Constitution" read
I read the United States Constitution in Celebration of July 4th 2023.
- 159-Excerpt of William Penn's Frame of Government
I read an excerpt of William Penn's frame of government for Pennsylvania.
- 158-William Penn's letter to Free Society of Traders, 1683
It was time to let people know just what they had invested in, you know, keep them happy, so the monies would continue to flow to his venture. Penn offered to the first 100 investors an additional 5000 acres. Whoa what a deal. Is there a r…
- 157-Treatise written by Andrew Sowle in 1684 about Pennsylvania
A treatise written by Andrew Sowle in 1684 describing the why a person should make their way to the land of Pennsylvania.
- 156-A letter written to the Indians from William Penn
This is a letter written in 1681 by William Penn to the Indians to express his intentions of peace and prosperity between the colonists and the Indians.
- 155-William Penn part three
William Penn with patient in hand from Charles II begins to set up his form of government for Pennsylvania and the lower counties. Are the boundaries really set, yea riiiight that will come later? People pour into this land with opportunit…
- 154-letters written by Mahlon Stacy & Gawen Laurie
Mahlon's letter expresses the beauty and fertility of the country. He invites others to join him and with hard work will enjoy a good life. Gawen Laurie writes to the proprietors at London expressing much the same about the abundances the…
- 153-Pamphlet by Thomas Budd
Thomas Budd owned a share of propriety in West Jersey. He was related to large family who had arrived at Burlington in 1678. Thomas wrote a pamphlet nine or ten years after settling in. It describes relations between the colonists and the…
- 152-Letter written by Samuel Jenings concerning paying a custom
Samuel sends off a request to William Penn Edward Byllinge or Gawen Laurie about discontinuing the paying of customs or duty to the New York government.
- 151-William Penn part two
This episode is kind of a part two surrounding William Penn. There is much more to it before he gets involved. So a back story must commence that involves other players, such as the Dutch, the Swedes, the Duke of York, Sir George Carteret…
- 150-Speech given by Calvin Coolidge on July 5th 1926
I read a speech that was given on July 5th, 1926 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- 149-William Penn
Who was William Penn? Which one you say, the father or the son? The father was a great sea commander and had ties to England's royalty. The son would not follow in his father's steps but, did make a name for himself in a non-agreeable way.…
- 148-A Sample of William Penn's Writing
My next topic will be the settling of the Pennsylvania territory. I have not had the time to create a new episode for the podcast. So I've decided to give to you a small sampling of William Penn's Writing. Please enjoy.
- 147-Common Sense by Thomas Paine ch4
In celebration of July 4th, I continue reading the final chapter of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine - Chapter 4
- 146-Common Sense by Thomas Paine Ch3
In celebration of July 4th, I continue reading "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine - Chapter 3
- 145-Common Sense by Thomas Paine ch1&2
In celebration of July 4th, I have decided to read Thomas Paine's great pamphlet, "Common Sense" and hear the reason so many were willing to fight to break colonial ties with England and create a separate nation with a new form of governme…
- 144-Taking Possession of the Carolina Coast
Sir Humphrey Gilbert invested a great portion of his fortune; this first attempt ended in disappointment. It became a starting point for the next one, taking encouragement from his stepbrother Sir Walter Raleigh. The second attempt took th…
- 143-King Philip's War part three
The colonial forces along with Indian allies start to close in on the man named Phillip. This would also include many of his close leaders and many of his followers.
- 142-King Philip's War part two
The war continues and it appears that there is no end in sight. Benjamin Church makes his way to meet with Awashonks and her tribe, the meeting is a positive endeavor, they are willing to side with the English.
- 141-King Philip's War
A series of events lead to this clash between the English Colonies and some of the New England Indian tribes, this episode starts to cover this unfortunate time known as King Philip's War.
- 140-Colonization of Rhode Island part six
The New England colonies are visited by the commissioners of England to sort things out; finally there will be peace among the colonies, in your dreams. Even after they left the in-fighting continued.
- 139-John F. Kennedy speech on July 4,1962
To celebrate this great holiday, I read a great speech, one by Pres. John F. Kennedy on July 4, 1962 at Independence Hall. Please listen to the words, hear what was important back then and maybe compare to what is happening today.
- 138-A reading of the 1663 Rhode Island Charter
I read the Rhode Island charter of 1663 for your enjoyment and enlightenment.
- 137-Colonization of Rhode Island part five
The Rhode Island's government had to stand its ground against the on slot of those who tried to take away its territory. What finally arrives is the charter of 1663; I think we made it, well sort of.
- 136-stay safe
Time on your hands? Listen to a podcast. Above all stay safe during these unsettling times.
- 135-A Christmas Story by Richard Armour
I read a Christmas story entitled, "the Year Santa Went Modern," written by Richard Armour. May you have a great time during the holidays with family and friends and may the New Year fulfill everything good you envision.
- 134-Letter by Sir Henry Vane-1653
A letter written by Sir Henry Vane sent to Roger Williams wondering why the people of the Plantations and Aquidneck could not see their way through their differences and become a union of one government.
- 133-a colonial document written in Dec 1647
The colonial settlers and leaders were trying to set a government through their own general assemblies far away from the mother country of England, a representative type from the local communities of freeman and landholders. This is one of…
- 132-Colonization of Rhode Island part four
You would think that the charter of 1644, the plantations and Rhode Island had all they needed to move forward but, that was not the case. The Bay (or Massachusetts) or Plymouth felt that their jurisdiction covered more of the Narragansett…
- 131-Colonization of Rhode Island part three
Unlike Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the plantations just did not have a firm foundation of government, which gave Massachusetts reasons to find ways to incorporate those lands under their jurisdiction. It also didn't help that people li…
- 130-Colonization of Rhode Island part two
The separation of Williams' plantations settlements and Coddington's Rhode Island settlements from that of the more pronounced settlements of Massachusetts and Plymouth was having its toll. There were those in Williams' camp that wanted th…
- 129-Colonization of Rhode Island
The other English colonies didn't like the opinions or the teachings of Roger Williams and it was decided he must go. He headed off to plant a colony away from the rest of society although, many found his presents more favorable and made t…