Tuesday, August 9, 2022

George Rogers Clark Doubles U.S. Territory + HUGE Giveaway

 By Tiffany Amber Stockton


Last month, we delved into the history and development of Bluegrass music and the inspirations behind it stemming from the ballads of Scotland and Ireland. If you missed last month's post, you can read it here.

Today, it's back to some names of individuals who contributed greatly to the expansion into the Frontier west of the Appalachians.

AMERICAN FRONTIER PIONEER

When stories from the Revolutionary War are told, towns like Lexington and Concord or events like Crossing the Delaware and winter at Valley Forge are brandished everywhere. How often do you hear about the American Frontier, though? Sure, Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett are the names of many bigger-than-life folk tales, but what about the heroes who are often overlooked?

Although Daniel Boone made great strides toward opening up the frontier on the other side of the Appalachian Mountains by leading hundreds through the Cumberland Gap, he didn't succeed alone. Many other frontiersman with equally expansive visions played vital roles, and George Rogers Clark was one of them.

Born to wealthy landowners in Virginia, he spent most of his early years right on the westernmost border of what outlined the United States at the time. He was a red-headed giant (I like him already! *winks*) and commanded quite a presence with his confidence and knowledge, but he was also adept at persuasion. When the Revolutionary War began, he convinced Virginia to declare Kentucky a county of Virginia in order to secure supplies, then convinced Patrick Henry to send him and a small army to capture British outposts along the Ohio River.

There was a ruling from England that settlers could not expand west across the mountains, but colonists didn't exactly like those restrictions, so the adventurous pioneers moved out there anyway. In retaliation, the British engaged Native Americans to attack any settlements, leaving most settlers unprotected. That's where Clark stepped in to gain support.

His efforts led to the overtaking of multiple forts along the Ohio River (often with no exchange of gunfire) as well as negotiations with several Indian tribes, convincing them to stop fighting for the British. By the end of the War, Clark had amassed a substantial amount of land for the United States through mostly peaceful engagements, nearly doubling its existing territory. The area he secured through his military leadership would become present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, with Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota also included.


Unfortunately, as the highest ranking officer leading those campaigns, he often had to personally sign for supplies. When he appealed to the state of Virginia to cover the costs, no one wanted to take responsibility for those wartime debts. He died penniless in 1818. Only his heirs were able to finally receive a settlement from the government four years later.

Even though his accomplishments were discounted during his lifetime, the role Clark played in America's westward expansion is definitely recognized today.

Fun Fact: In 1783 Thomas Jefferson asked Clark if he would lead an expedition to explore the western part of the continent. Although Clark decided against the invitation, he later brought his youngest brother William to Jefferson’s attention. That's right. William Clark, the man who partnered with Meriwether Lewis to explore the Louisiana Purchase lands. :)


NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What was your favorite part about today's post?

* If you live in any of the current states from the Northwest Territory, are you aware of any monuments, statues, plaques, etc. that honor George Rogers Clark?

* Who is a lesser-known hero in *your* area that might deserve bigger notice than the history books have granted?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I have started a new pattern of sending a FREE autographed book to one person each and every month from the comments left on this blog. You never know when your comment will be a winner! Be sure to come back to this post to see if you've won.

Return to this blog every day for fascinating historical influences, but for my next contribution, visit on the 9th of September to learn about Stephen Bishop, the slave who explored Mammoth Cave and helped turn it into a tourist attraction!

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!



To celebrate reaching 3 Million views, HHH is hosting a HUGE giveaway of over 60 books in 18 prizes, so there are many chances to win! One grand prize will consist of 10 books, two readers will win a second prize containing 5 books, and there will be 15 winners of a third prize containing 2 books each. There are several ways to earn entries, such as following or commenting on the HHH blog each day. You can also enter with your email address at Rafflecopter using the link below. Thank you for being part of the HHH community, and best wishes in the giveaway!


Here are the 5 titles I donated to the giveaway:






Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also an advocate for literacy as an educational consultant with Usborne Books. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for posting today. It's interesting to note that those two brothers shared a curiosity for unknown lands. I wonder if it was something that was instilled in them as children. And thanks for your contribution to the big giveaway. Congratulations to all of you writers who have shared your passion for history with all of us who follow!

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    1. I too found that fascinating, Connie! Learning about the Clark brothers and their contribution to the expansion of America's lands. Thanks for your loyal and steady support. All the best in the giveaways!

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