The premier episode of American History Revealed deals with the first attempt to create an English settlement in what one day would become the United States of America. Shipwreck and conflict with the local Native American tribes doomed the endeavor almost from the start. Eventually, nearly all the settlers opted to return to England, and the first effort to create an English colony in North America failed.

The premier episode of American History Revealed deals with the first attempt to create an English settlement in what one day would become the United States of America. Shipwreck and conflict with the local Native American tribes doomed the endeavor almost from the start. Eventually, nearly all the settlers opted to return to England, and the first effort to create an English colony in North America failed.

1. New World

The second attempt to establish a colony at Roanoke, how within months after the arrival of the settlers poor planning made it necessary to dispatch a relief ship to England for supplies. Although the supply ship was supposed to return the following spring, the Spanish Armada and England’s war with Spain delayed its return for three years, by which time the Roanoke settlers had vanished without a trace.

The second attempt to establish a colony at Roanoke, how within months after the arrival of the settlers poor planning made it necessary to dispatch a relief ship to England for supplies. Although the supply ship was supposed to return the following spring, the Spanish Armada and England’s war with Spain delayed its return for three years, by which time the Roanoke settlers had vanished without a trace.

2. Lost Colony

This episode tells the story of the founding of Jamestown Colony - the conflict with the Native Americans, the struggle of the colonists to survive, and John Smith’s adventure with the Indian princess Pocahontas (which may or may not have occurred) - all of which set the stage for disaster to come.

This episode tells the story of the founding of Jamestown Colony - the conflict with the Native Americans, the struggle of the colonists to survive, and John Smith’s adventure with the Indian princess Pocahontas (which may or may not have occurred) - all of which set the stage for disaster to come.

3. Jamestown

After the departure of Cap. John Smith, the "starving time" begins. Surrounded by hostile tribesmen, the settlers are compelled eat their dogs, cats, and rats. At last, driven to extremity, they resort to cannibalism. By the end of winter, 1610, only 60 settlers (out of 214) remain alive.

After the departure of Cap. John Smith, the "starving time" begins. Surrounded by hostile tribesmen, the settlers are compelled eat their dogs, cats, and rats. At last, driven to extremity, they resort to cannibalism. By the end of winter, 1610, only 60 settlers (out of 214) remain alive.

4. Disaster

The members of the Scrooby congregation in England - the original “Pilgrims” - plan to flee the country because of religious persecution. They attempt to leave England illegally, but are foiled on two occasions. At last, they reach Holland, a place of refuge, where they will remain for 13 years, before sailing on the Mayflower for America.

The members of the Scrooby congregation in England - the original “Pilgrims” - plan to flee the country because of religious persecution. They attempt to leave England illegally, but are foiled on two occasions. At last, they reach Holland, a place of refuge, where they will remain for 13 years, before sailing on the Mayflower for America.

5. Exiles

During the voyage of the Mayflower to America a crack in one of the ship's beams almost produces a catastrophe. Having landed on Cape Cod, the passengers encounter Native Americans for the first time. After much searching the settlers discover the site of their proposed settlement, to which they give the name "Plymouth."

During the voyage of the Mayflower to America a crack in one of the ship's beams almost produces a catastrophe. Having landed on Cape Cod, the passengers encounter Native Americans for the first time. After much searching the settlers discover the site of their proposed settlement, to which they give the name "Plymouth."

6. Plymouth

In this episode, we talk about the earliest English settlements in our country - Roanoke, Jamestown and Plymouth - and how the fascinating histories of all three contributed to what you might call the epic story of the creation of our country. We also touch on the fact that in the end none of those places ever developed into a vibrant political, commercial, and cultural center.

In this episode, we talk about the earliest English settlements in our country - Roanoke, Jamestown and Plymouth - and how the fascinating histories of all three contributed to what you might call the epic story of the creation of our country. We also touch on the fact that in the end none of those places ever developed into a vibrant political, commercial, and cultural center.

7. Winter

John Winthrop

After years of religious persecution, a group of English Puritans decides that life in the country of their birth has become unbearable. Lawyer John Winthrop becomes not only the nominal leader of the group but one of its spiritual leaders, and members of the group plan their departure for the New World

After years of religious persecution, a group of English Puritans decides that life in the country of their birth has become unbearable. Lawyer John Winthrop becomes not only the nominal leader of the group but one of its spiritual leaders, and members of the group plan their departure for the New World

8. John Winthrop and the Creation of Boston

The Winthrop fleet sails from England with high hopes, but a prolonged voyage, poor diet, crowded conditions, disease, and a miserable winter after its arrival in Massachusetts, end in bitter disappointment and tragedy.

The Winthrop fleet sails from England with high hopes, but a prolonged voyage, poor diet, crowded conditions, disease, and a miserable winter after its arrival in Massachusetts, end in bitter disappointment and tragedy.

9. A Season of Misery

Roger Williams was one of the most brilliant, mysterious, complicated, and in the end admirable human beings in the history of our great nation. That having been said, he was a walking, talking bundle of contradictions - a fanatic who ultimately became one of our great humanitarians, a devout Christian who in time opened his mind and heart to other ethnicities and faiths, a man who was instrumental in creating a world - one of modest size, to be sure - the guiding principles of which were, very simply, decency and civility. In his life he set a standard which has inspired thoughtful, decent Americans ever since.

Roger Williams was one of the most brilliant, mysterious, complicated, and in the end admirable human beings in the history of our great nation. That having been said, he was a walking, talking bundle of contradictions - a fanatic who ultimately became one of our great humanitarians, a devout Christian who in time opened his mind and heart to other ethnicities and faiths, a man who was instrumental in creating a world - one of modest size, to be sure - the guiding principles of which were, very simply, decency and civility. In his life he set a standard which has inspired thoughtful, decent Americans ever since.

10. The Remarkable Mr. Williams

AHR transports the listener back in time to significant moments in the early history of our great nation - the epic history of “Lost Colony,” Jamestown, the Pilgrims, and the Pequot War. Our country. Our history. These are the stories that have made us who we are.

This podcast is unique, not the usual interviews with guest experts but a radio play complete with the voices of different characters and sound effects. I love it and I’ve learned things I didn’t know before.
Anxiously awaiting the next episode

Podcast fan

At school in England I spent an inordinate amount of time studying history, which I loved.  I was particularly fond of the Tudors and Stuarts.  Richard Ives’ storytelling, with excellent sound effects and mimicry, is captivating.  He vividly describes the hardships of early discovery, the motivation and courage of the explorers and settlers, and the glee of Elizabeth I in the prospect of capturing both land and Spanish gold.  Late at night my husband and I thought we’d listen to just the first episode to get a sense of the podcast.  We moved right on to the second.

’American History Revealed’ digs up, dusts off, and gives life to swept-aside events in American’s history.  Ives’ delivery is perfect and as far as we’ve gone, the stories are compelling.  We look forward to lots more listening.

History brought to life

American History Revealed

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