Allan W. Eckert: That Dark and Bloody River (state, events, historical)

[stanman13]

I just started this book. Looks like it may take me a while, because it's a rather large and dense volume, and my reading time is less than I would prefer. At any rate, it has grabbed my interest right away. It covers the time of our expansion across the Appalachian Mts. into the Ohio River Valley. I am impressed with the level of detail the author seems able to provide about relatively obscure events. This era of our history I think is ignored to a certain extent, but it was a crucial time in our development as a nation, and shaped events far down the road.

Have any of you read it or are familiar with it? What are your thoughts on Mr. Eckert's version of these events?

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by stanman13

Have any of you read it or are familiar with it? What are your thoughts on Mr. Eckert's version of these events?

Eckert is a good storyteller and doesn't let the truth get in the way of a good story. Read him as you would read a historical novel.

[stanman13]

Thanks for your comment, Irishtom. I kinda thought that. He includes a lot of things that I'm not sure could be substantiated, and his particular bias is fairly easy to spot. At any rate, it seems a good read so far.

[Capt. Dan]

It seems I remember hearing once that the word "Kentucky" was a Native American word meaning something like "dark and bloody ground."

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

It seems I remember hearing once that the word "Kentucky" was a Native American word meaning something like "dark and bloody ground."

Yeah; I read that that too years ago though I wouldn't be surprised if it's been debunked.

The Kentuckians disliked Indians, particularly so I mean, and I can't think of a state that has less Indian place names than Kentucky. All that come to mind are Kentucky itself, the Kentucky River and the town of Paducah. And the Dix River which was named after an Indian named Dick.

In any event the contrast compared to states like Michigan, Wisconsin and even Illinois is striking.

I lived down there in Lexington for three years.