The early settlement of the region around Pittsburgh was characterized by a messy collision of personal; provincial; national; and imperial interests. Driven by the efforts of Europeans; Pennsylvanians; Virginians; and Indians; almost everyone attempted to manipulate the clouded political jurisdiction of the region. A Colony Sprung from Hell traces this complex struggle. The events and episodes that make up the story highlight the difficulties of creating and consolidating authority along the frontier; where the local population’s acceptance or denial of authority determined the extent to which any government could impose its will. Ultimately; what was at stake was the nature of authority itself. Author Daniel P. Barr demonstrates that deep divisions marked efforts to exercise power over the western Pennsylvania frontier and limited the effectiveness of such attempts. They developed roughly along provincial lines; owing to a fierce competition between Pennsylvania and Virginia to incorporate the region into their colonies. This jurisdictional dispute permeated many social and political levels; impacting all those who sought power and influence along the western Pennsylvania frontier. Individuals; businesses; provincial governments; and British policymakers competed for jurisdiction in the political and legal arenas; while migrants; settlers; and Indians opposed one another on the ground in a contest that was far more confrontational and violent. Although the participants and the nature of the conflict changed over time; the fundamental question―who was going to make the important decisions regarding the region―remained unsettled and unanswered; resulting in a consistent pattern of discord and contention. A Colony Sprung from Hell is an important contribution to the understanding of power and authority along the late colonial frontier.
#2561828 in Books 2009-03-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.30 x 5.60l; 1.35 #File Name: 1603441131442 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating review of a unique archaeological adventureBy W. David MangumDr Wachsmann's book is a detailed and entertaining saga about the discovery; recovery; movement; restoration and display of a unique archaeological artifact. The author draws you into the first hand account of every step; every challenge; every trial; every setback and every victory involved in the process of removing and restoring the one and only ancient Sea of Galilee boat ever found. The attention to the detail of the process and the description of the major characters involved makes this account read more like a novel than like the first hand archaeological report that it is. In everyday language and with patient detailed explanation; every step is made clear. The illustrations; though basic and in black and white; proove very helpful in visualizing things that are described. The historic references also add depth and detail to the mystery of answering the questions about the date; ownership and use of this boat. Also; having read the several references in the Gospels that refer to Jesus being in boats on Galilee; being able to picture such a typical fishing boat that was from the first century has added additional color and richness to those Gospel accounts.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Phenomenal StoryBy C. MillerI never expected to enjoy an archeological story so much. The art and science of discovery masterfully engages the reader with suspense; history; human interactions; and innovative thinking. I could not put this book down. I hope Hollywood makes a movie of this intriguing and compelling story.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Book commentsBy Patricia HickamI loved this book! What a great story. Not just a "story" but an event that actually took place. I saw "the boat" while in Israel on a tour last March. I plan to read the book again at a future date.
