American Legends

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In the footsteps of previous history podcasts (The History of Rome and Byzantium, in particular), comes American Legends, a narrative history series based around the story of the first seven President's of the United States. The series begins with a prologue about the Confederation Period, and then…

James Nelson


    • Sep 2, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 10 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from American Legends

    Episode 12 – Not Worth The Paper It’s Written On

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019


    In this episode, we discuss John Jay's return to New York. His negotiations with Diego de Gardoqui, and how the ramifications of the treaty served as the trigger for The Spanish Conspiracy. For more information on the podcast, follow us on Facebook @AmericanLegends, on Twitter @jk_nelson, and on Instagram @jamesknelson.

    Episode 11 – Gnadenhütten

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2019


    On Today's episode, we discuss one of the most shameful, and forgotten, acts in American History, the Gnadenhütten Massacre. Join us for the lengthy discussion. As always, follow us on Facebook @AmericanLegends, on Twitter @jk_nelson, and on Instagram @jamesknelson.

    Episode 10 – It’s Treason Then

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2019


    In this episode, James discusses how the Cherokee and Chickamauga react to the creation of the State of Franklin. We also take a wider look at the frontier as a whole, to see what developments lay in the Old Northwest. Follow me on Twitter @jk_nelson, or follow me on our facebook page @americanlegends.

    Episode 9 – A Seceding We Will Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2019


    On this week's episode, your host James Nelson takes you through the creation of the Lost State of Franklin. Follow me on Twitter @jk_nelson, or follow me on our facebook page @americanlegends.  

    Episode 8 – John Sevier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2019


      This week we talk about John Sevier, one of the pioneers of frontier Tennessee and one of the heroes of the Battle of Kings Mountain.

    Episode 7 – The Overmountain Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2018 21:49


    People tend to think about the Revolutionary War in idealistic terms. It was a gentlemen’s war, fought with clearly delineated rules of war. That usually ignores basic facts, like how during the battle of Yorktown, General Cornwallis deliberately infected escaped slaves — who were under his protection — with smallpox and sent them into the…

    Episode 6 – The Campaign of 1776

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2017 24:31


    After the abrupt end of the meeting between the Cherokee Nation and Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Company at Sycamore Shoals, War breaks out between the Americans and their British masters. The Cherokee must choose, side with the Americans or their British allies. Dragging Canoe leads a invasion into East Tennessee.

    Episode 5 – 20 Years of Blood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2017 20:02


    This episode I discuss the events leading up to the Cherokee-American War, the conflict which tips off 20 years of conflict between settlers and Cherokee. The principle actors being Attakullakulla, Oconostota, and Dragging Canoe. I also touch on the sources for this period, and why it has languished so long in obscurity.

    Episode 4 – A Cherokee History

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2017 36:29


    This week James takes a look at the Cherokee Nation, their history, and their origins. He also examines their relationships to early American settlers and dives into the Anglo-Cherokee War, a subset war within the French and Indian War. This is the first episode in the State of Franklin cycle.

    Episode 3 – Robert Morris and the Financial Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2017 28:43


    When people take a deep dive into the American Revolution, one  name languishes in obscurity. Was he a thief? A tory? Or was he something more? In this episode I discuss who is the man that saved the Revolution, Robert Morris. Check out the book of the week here (http://www.americanlegendspodcast.com/?page_id=49) Check out my Patreon page here (https://www.patreon.com/nerdunion) Follow…

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