The fifth installment in the Adventures in Colonial America series focuses on New Hampshire, another colony with a unique founding and history. New Hampshire was founded through land grants issued to John Mason and Fernando Gorges in 1622. Unable to create a formal government for several years, the colony was split in two, each with its own governor. However, the divided usually fall and realizing their weakness, they sought protection from Massachusetts. Although New Hampshire was governed by Massachusetts, the Massachusetts legislature allowed New Hampshire some self-government. Turbulent times were still ahead and in 1691, King William and Queen Mary issued charters that separated the two colonies permanently. New Hampshire colonists were not satisfied fighting amongst themselves however; they also fought against other colonies, particularly New York and a territory known as the New Hampshire Grants, created by Benning Wentworth. The New Hampshire Grants, where Ethan Allen became famous, eventually became the 14th state - Vermont. War was part of the colonial history of New Hampshire as it was in all the colonies, whether the fight was against local Native Indian tribes, against the New French, or against the British ultimately leading to independence. The Battles of Breed's Hill, Bunker Hill, Bennington, and Hubbardton will be examined, as will Father Le Loutre's War, the fifth in the French-Indian War series. No survey would be complete without discussing the lives of the men from New Hampshire who were delegates to the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, who voted for independence and wrote what are probably the most important political documents in our nation's history. The special topic of this installment is about the Army Rangers - formed in 1622, they became a vital part of the colonial and military forces for two centuries. Units such as Roger's Rangers, Bedel's Rangers, Danks' Rangers, and many others were a vital part of military organizations in the 17th and 18th Centuries, and fought on both sides of the American Revolution. The tradition of the elite Army Rangers continues even today as they protect U.S. interests around the world.
About the Author: Mary A. Baewer is a retired U.S. Army Reserve Major, and graduated with honors from Florida Atlantic University where she received her second bachelor's degree in Public Administration. She also has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Marquette University. In her military studies and research, she has established important links between public policy, the events that occurred during the U.S.' colonial period and the protections written in the U.S. Constitution.