Author David McCullough brings history alive in his new book ‘The Pioneers’

SHARE Author David McCullough brings history alive in his new book ‘The Pioneers’
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Popular author-historian David McCullough is a master of research and a wonderful storyteller. | Provided photo

When the Revolutionary War was over, and the Treaty of Paris had Great Britain recognize that a new country had been formed, Britain also gave the new government of the United States vast land northwest of the Ohio River, David McCullough writes in his new book “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West” (Simon and Schuster, $30).

While Congress was working on establishing a Constitution, a Massachusetts minister named Manasseh Cutler visited the area, trying to persuade people to pass a law declaring the area a new territory.

The Northwest Ordinance was the first of its kind since the law was passed promising freedom of religion, free education and the prohibition of slavery.

Soon, the first pioneers braved the wilderness and established a permanent home. They settled off the banks of the Ohio River and named the town Marietta after the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette.

McCullough is a master of research and a wonderful storyteller. He takes the history of the area and turns what could be dry and dull into vibrant and compelling tales.

The people who risked the vast wilderness fought disease, lack of food and harsh winters without supplies. Each colonist had different reasons for gambling for a better future for themselves and their families.

The region and its occupants come alive in McCullough’s hands.

This largely unfamiliar history brushes with the famous and infamous add to the surprises.

McCullough also includes the viewpoint of Native Americans, not glossing over the uncomfortable reality that westward expansion had devastating consequences for existing populations. Not everybody who journeyed to Ohio was virtuous, and he includes stories from a diverse cast of characters.

The book covers the movement to the area in 1787 up to 1853, when the state of Ohio had more than 1.5 million people.

Lovers of history told well know McCullough is one of the best writers of our past. His newest book will only add to his acclaim.

David McCullough’s “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West.”

David McCullough’s “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West.” | Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster

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