Alabama's Frontiers and the Rise of the Old South

A History of the Trans-Appalachian Frontier

By: Daniel S. Dupre

Narrated by: Rich Brennan

Alabama endured warfare, slave trading, squatting, and speculating on its path to becoming America’s 22nd state, and Daniel S. Dupre brings its captivating frontier history to life in Alabama's Frontiers and the Rise of the Old South.

Dupre’s vivid narrative begins when Hernando de Soto first led hundreds of armed Europeans into the region during the fall of 1540. Although this early invasion was defeated, Spain, France, and England would each vie for control over the area’s natural resources, struggling to conquer it with the same intensity and ferocity that the Native Americans showed in defending their homeland.

Although early frontiersmen and Native Americans eventually established an uneasy truce, the region spiraled back into war in the 19th century, as the newly formed American nation demanded more and more land for settlers. Dupre captures the riveting saga of the forgotten struggles and savagery in Alabama’s - and America’s - frontier days.

The book is published by Indiana University Press.

"Will have a substantial impact." (Craig Thompson Friend, author of Kentucke's Frontiers)

"Well-sourced and well-written, this book is a fascinating read." (Walter Nugent author of Habits of Empire: A History of American Expansion)

"A remarkable contribution to frontier and Southern history." (Malcolm Rohrbough author of Rush to Gold)

©2018 Daniel S. Dupre (P)2018 Redwood Audiobooks

Fairly good

With the exception of colonial euphemisms like “slave help”(it was forced labor) or settlers and the continued unnecessary usage of terms like “savages” the book does contain some inter information.

Alabama

I was expecting the story would be more historical taking me through after the civil war instead of stopping in 1840. I did learn a lot about pre-Alabama that I didn't know about

Detailed overview of an overlooked piece of history

This is a well told tale of competing forces that converged on an area already home to an ancient civilization. French, Spanish, and English empires fought with each other and the natives in a complex web of shifting borders and allegiances. Alabama became the king of cotton but before that it as a vast woodland culture focused on corn and game. The intersection is fascinating and worth the time to learn more about. Note there is an editing error near the end in Chapter 10 @21.40

Interesting, but...

The substance of this book is quite interesting, but I feel badly for the author. Why? Because the narration is monosyllabic and becomes tiresom rather quickly.

well researched and detailed work

I liked the book in general, it was very informative and rich with details. though I have a solid knowledge of old south, this study has depth that kept me attracted. strongly recommended for anyone with the interest in the history of USA and American south

Issues with the recording

I enjoyed the history and how the book was read. However, there were technical issues with the recording such that in several places it sounded as if the book had been double recorded and was being read by two people at the same time.

Fascinating history of the early frontier

Excellent presentation of the forces at work as the US expanded. Balanced treatment. Narration needed more rehearsal.