What do you think?
Rate this book
How the French Came to New England: A collection of stories
Uncover the Forgotten Legacy of the French in New England
For centuries, the history of New England has been viewed through an English lens, while the legacy of the French has remained largely hidden. “How the French Came to New England” is a long-overdue tribute to the enduring spirit of the forgotten pioneers who shaped the culture, politics and economy of the region.
This book is a collection of stories that begins with the bold explorer Samuel de Champlain and ends with Jacques Pépin and Charles Shay. One way or another, they each left an indelible mark on New England. This book brings to life the resilience, resistance and enduring spirit of the French whose vibrant communities blossomed in mill towns, farming regions and lumber camps. You’ll discover stories of struggle, survival and achievement—stories that history may have forgotten but you won’t.
Inside you’ll Riveting tales of French explorers and the Québécois migration to New EnglandThe fierce conflicts of the French and Indian Wars—and what was really at stakeHow French Huguenots became targets in the Salem witch trialsThe rise and fall of Acadia (now Maine) and the tragic exile of its peopleFrance’s surprising role in winning American independencePersonal accounts of Franco-American textile workers and life in “Little Canadas”Fascinating portraits of icons like Paul Revere, Eva Tanguay, Jack Kerouac and Nap LajoieIf you think you know New England’s past—think again.
This compelling history will change the way you see the region—and the French legacy that still echoes through it.
Order your copy today and discover the history of the French in New England.
For centuries, the history of New England has been viewed through an English lens, while the legacy of the French has remained largely hidden. “How the French Came to New England” is a long-overdue tribute to the enduring spirit of the forgotten pioneers who shaped the culture, politics and economy of the region.
This book is a collection of stories that begins with the bold explorer Samuel de Champlain and ends with Jacques Pépin and Charles Shay. One way or another, they each left an indelible mark on New England. This book brings to life the resilience, resistance and enduring spirit of the French whose vibrant communities blossomed in mill towns, farming regions and lumber camps. You’ll discover stories of struggle, survival and achievement—stories that history may have forgotten but you won’t.
Inside you’ll Riveting tales of French explorers and the Québécois migration to New EnglandThe fierce conflicts of the French and Indian Wars—and what was really at stakeHow French Huguenots became targets in the Salem witch trialsThe rise and fall of Acadia (now Maine) and the tragic exile of its peopleFrance’s surprising role in winning American independencePersonal accounts of Franco-American textile workers and life in “Little Canadas”Fascinating portraits of icons like Paul Revere, Eva Tanguay, Jack Kerouac and Nap LajoieIf you think you know New England’s past—think again.
This compelling history will change the way you see the region—and the French legacy that still echoes through it.
Order your copy today and discover the history of the French in New England.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2025
14 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 1, 2026
Interesting quick read covering a wide array of French influence in New England. As someone with distant French Canadian lineage to Maine, it was super interesting to understand the historical setting of my ancestors moving to America.
Displaying 1 of 1 review