Crossroads of a Continent Podcast

Episode 17 - The Revolutionary War pt. 4: Arnold's March to Quebec, Franklin's Visit to the Valley, and the "Living Hell" at Ile aux Noix

In this episode, we discuss Benedict Arnold's harrowing march through the wilderness of Maine to Quebec, and the incredible hardships that earned Arnold the nickname of "The Hannibal of North America".  We also discuss the Battle of Quebec and the disappointing result for American forces.  In addition, we will discuss Benjamin Franklin's visit to the Champlain Valley.  Plus, we will discuss the horrific 10 days of misery the Americans faced at Ile aux Noix, a small island in Canada on the Richelieu River just 12 miles north of the border from New York and Vermont, and why it was a "living hell" of sorrow and suffering. Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crossroadsofacontinent]

Episode 16 - The Revolutionary War pt. 3: The Invasion of Canada and Knox's Noble Train of Artillery

In this episode, we discuss the all too often overlooked American invasion of Canada, America's very first war of liberation.  We look into the preparations for the invasion, and the emergence of Philip Schuyler and Richard Montgomery.  We also look at Charles Preston's valiant defense of Fort St. Jean lasted 48 days, and in the big picture caused a delay that likely saved Canada.  We also look at Henry Knox's incredible noble train of artillery that helped end the British occupation of Boston. Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crossroadsofacontinent]

Episode 15 - The Revolutionary War pt. 2: America's First Victory at Ticonderoga, and America's First Warships on Lake Champlain

This episode delves into America's first large-scale victory, the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold.  We discuss Arnold and his up ringing, his heroics and gift of military command, and his fatal character flaws.  Before the capture, a major clash of two gigantic egos threatened to derail the operation.  We also discuss the capture of a supply sloop, the Liberty, and her role as America's First Warship - right here on Lake Champlain!   Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crossroadsofacontinent]

Episode 14 - The Revolutionary War pt. 1: The War for Vermont, Skene's Lost Colony, and the Kindling of a Revolution

In this episode we discuss in detail the events in the Champlain Valley leading up to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.  We discuss the contested land called "The Grants", present-day Vermont, for which both New York and New Hampshire claimed as their own.  We also discuss the "ejectment trials", and how a man named Philip Skene looked to create a new, 14th colony north of Massachusetts stretching from the Connecticut River to Lake Ontario that was very short-lived.  We also discuss the leadup to a revolution, and the man who settled in St. Albans who took part in the Boston Tea Party. Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crossroadsofacontinent]

Episode 13 - The French and Indian War pt. 6: New France's Last Stand at Ile aux Noix

In the 6th and final episode of the French and Indian War series, we explore the last stand of New France at Ile aux Noix, where the final significant defense of New France before her demise took place.  Ile aux Noix is an island on the Richelieu River just 12 miles north of the outlet of Lake Champlain.  The episode will also explore the Battle of Point au Fer as well as the Surrender of Montreal. Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crossroadsofacontinent]