Author: Paul

Author Paul R. Wonning considers himself an "Indiana Hound," because he likes to "sniff" out the interesting places and history of Indiana and then use his books to reveal them to his readers. He also enjoys gardening, American history and dabbles in writing fantasy and humorous fiction.
Podcast - Stories of American History, Timeline of United States History

Podcast – First Blacks Land at Jamestown Virginia

First Blacks Land at Jamestown Virginia
Sometime in late August, 1619 a ship docked at Jamestown bearing a cargo of blacks. The probable origin of these people was Angola, Africa. Thus, the first blacks had arrived in the New World. The status of these people is unknown. The institution of slavery did not exist yet. Many historians feel that these blacks served as indentured servants for a period. There are records that blacks received awards of land in later years, lending credence to that theory. Continue reading Podcast – First Blacks Land at Jamestown Virginia

Podcast - United States History Timeline, Timeline of United States History

The Explorations of Henry Hudson – Part 2

Henry Hudson, on his fourth and final voyage, sailed his ship Discovery through the turbulent waters of the Labrador Sea and Davis Strait. On August 2, 1610, Hudson’s ship entered the bay that would bear his name, Hudson’s Bay. After three month’s at sea, Hudson was confident he had found the elusive Northwest Passage. Hudson and his crew would spend the next two months sailing around the Bay, looking for a route through, until ice closed in on the ship in late October. Continue reading The Explorations of Henry Hudson – Part 2

Podcast - United States History Timeline, Timeline of United States History

Podcast – Jamestown Colony Abandoned

Thomas West, Baron De La Warr, and Anne Knollys West, birthed their son, Thomas West, on July 9, 1576 in Wherwell, Hampshire, England. He attended Queen’s College, Oxford, where he received a degree. After graduation, he entered the army and served under Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. The Queen accused him of participating in Devereax’s insurrection against her, however, the court acquitted him. Continue reading Podcast – Jamestown Colony Abandoned

Podcast - Indiana Places and History, Road Trip Indiana Series

Podcast – Lesko Park and Dearborn Trail – Dearborn County, Indiana

Lesko Park occupies a grassy, landscaped strip along the Ohio River waterfront. There are three parking areas strung along Indiana State Road 56 just west of downtown Aurora. River access for boats is nearby using the Aurora Landing just off Judiciary Street. The park derives its name from Aurora Clerk-Treasurer Tony Lesko.
Lesko Ohio River Park features a wide, asphalt walkway which is about a mile long. The walkway provides a great way to get a bit of exercise after a picnic lunch. It is an easy hike along the river. Continue reading Podcast – Lesko Park and Dearborn Trail – Dearborn County, Indiana

Podcast - Indiana Places and History, Timeline of United States History

Podcast – The Disastrous Jamestown Third Supply Mission

The Sea Venture was the first ship designed as an emigrant ship and included several new interior design features. The hold was designed to accommodate passengers. Previous vessels had their defensive guns placed below decks. This placement called for a double-planked hull so it could withstand the concussion of the cannon. The Sea Venture’s guns were on the main deck, eliminating this need. The Sea Venture had a displacement of 300 tons. Many sea historians think she was the first single timbered ship built for immigration. Continue reading Podcast – The Disastrous Jamestown Third Supply Mission

Road Trip Indiana Series, Video

Video – Hickory Ridge Fire Tower

While on a camping trip to Brown County State Park, we took the opportunity to use our camping sticker to inspect the campground and facilities in the Paynetown Recreation Area on the northern shore of the lake. Paynetown has an electric and a non-electric campground, hiking trails, boat docks, boat rental and picnic shelters.
State Road 446 crosses a bridge that carries the highway over the lake. We crossed this and turned right into the Cutright Recreation Area, which consists mostly of another boat ramp. Continue reading Video – Hickory Ridge Fire Tower

Podcast - United States History Timeline

Podcast – The Founding of Jamestown, Virginia – Part 2

Their initial landing on April 26, accomplished, the English colonists searched for a site to settle. If successful, they would be the first permanent English settlement in North America. At length, the president they chose to lead them, Captain Edward Maria Wingfield, decided on a spot. It was on a marshy spit of land on the north shore of the James River. They arrived on the spot on May 13, 1607 and went ashore on May 14. Continue reading Podcast – The Founding of Jamestown, Virginia – Part 2