A Colony Sprung from Hell: Pittsburgh and the Struggle for Authority on the Western Pennsylvania Frontier, 1744-1794

by Daniel P. Barr

The early settlement of the region around Pittsburgh was characterized by a messy collision of personal, provincial, national, and imperial interests. Driven by the efforts of Europeans, Pennsylvanians, Virginians, and Indians, almost everyone attempted to manipulate the clouded political jurisdiction of the region. A Colony Sprung from Hell traces this complex struggle. The events and episodes that make up the story highlight the difficulties of creating and consolidating authority along the frontier, where the local population’s acceptance or denial of authority determined the extent to which any government could impose its will. Ultimately, what was at stake was the nature of authority itself. Author Daniel P. Barr demonstrates that deep divisions marked efforts to exercise power over the western Pennsylvania frontier and limited the effectiveness of such attempts. They developed roughly along provincial lines, owing to a fierce competition between Pennsylvania and Virginia to incorporate the region into their colonies. This jurisdictional dispute permeated many social and political levels, impacting all those who sought power and influence along the western Pennsylvania frontier. Individuals, businesses, provincial governments, and British policymakers competed for jurisdiction in the political and legal arenas, while migrants, settlers, and Indians opposed one another on the ground in a contest that was far more confrontational and violent. Although the participants and the nature of the conflict changed over time, the fundamental question―who was going to make the important decisions regarding the region―remained unsettled and unanswered, resulting in a consistent pattern of discord and contention. A Colony Sprung from Hell is an important contribution to the understanding of power and authority along the late colonial frontier.

Genres: History, Native American History, Nonfiction

344 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2014

Reviews

[Christopher Lutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s subtitle forms a clear through line in this work as the area around modern Pittsburgh begins to take shape in the mid to late 18th century. Barr convincingly argues how the struggles between the colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania over the forks of the Ohio in many ways defined early frontier history, forming ideas of rugged individualism and freedom, and also creating an environment of self interest and hatred of the Indian peoples. It was an interesting lens through which to view this period.

[Cheryl Petuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a note from a resident of the “colony”.

Very enjoyable and readable history of an intense transitional phase of south west PA. Recommended for history buffs and locals alike from an immigrant and 50 year resident of Pittsburgh. Lessons were learned from this time period by locals as well as government entities.

[Christine B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great. So much information about western PA history!