America’s first uprising, told with careful research and gripping detail
A true narrative of how frontier settlers challenged royal authority ten years before Lexington, led by James Smith and his Black Boys.
This nonfiction work reconstructs the spring of 1765 on the Pennsylvania–Maryland frontier, using contemporary documents and Smith’s own memoirs. It examines the causes, risks, and dramatic events that shaped early American resistance, while presenting the story in a clear, readable way. An appendix collects certified sources to illuminate the drama for history readers and curious newcomers alike.
- Recounts the Conococheague valley rebellion and the first armed conflict with British troops
- Profiles James Smith, his leadership, and the frontier volunteers who rallied around him
- Explores clashes with traders, the fort at Fort Loudon, and the role of local justice
- Includes an appendix of original documents and corroborating material
Ideal for readers of American colonial history, frontier studies, and those curious about the roots of the Revolution.