Colonial New England Curiosities: Remarkable Occurrences, Miracles & Madness

By Robert A. Geake

The New World was full of unusual occurrences and strange trials for the early colonists of New England. Devastating plagues, violent conflicts with Native Americans and freak weather ravaged whole communities. When settlers saw an array of colors dancing through the night sky, they thought the Northern Lights were a sign that their end was near. Violators of public drunkenness were forced to wear large, red embroidered "D's" around their necks for a year under the strict laws of the colonies. Through the letters, diaries and journals of influential figures of the time, historian Robert A. Geake uncovers the oddities and wonders that amazed New England's pioneers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The History Press
• Release date: Sep 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781625851727

Robert A. Geake

Robert A. Geake is a public historian and the author of fourteen books on Rhode Island and New England history, including From Slaves to Soldiers: The First Rhode Island Regiment in the American Revolution . His other books include A History of the Narragansett Tribe: Keepers of the Bay and New England Citizen Soldiers of the Revolutionary War: Mariners and Minutemen (The History Press). His essay on Rhode Island and the American Revolution is among those contributed to EnCompass, online tutorials for the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Rhode Island Department of Education.