The Interconnected Intricacies of History: James Swanson on the Historical Details of the Deerfield Massacre

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with historian and author James Swanson on his fascinating book of “The Deerfield Massacre: A Surprise Attack, a Forced March, and the Fight for Survival in Early America” as well as on his recent involvement with the Apple TV+ series “Manhunt” an adaptation based on his own best-selling book.

What happened on February 29, 1704, in the remote town of Deerfield, Massachusetts? James Swanson gives a chilling account of this chapter in early American history by examining the massacre perpetuated by 300 Indians and 50 French officers and the subsequent abduction of over a hundred residents and their experience of captivity.

Many Deerfield residents, including women and children were murdered on the spot, others were slaughtered on the long march to Canada through wintry conditions, and some of them, like Eunice Williams, daughter of Reverend John Williams, were forcefully adopted by Indians and then incorporated into their tribes. No matter how much the Reverend tried, he could not get his daughter to come home in addition to having lost two very young children and his wife to this brutal and unexpected attack.

We also look at the importance of preserving history in the form of relics like the “Old Indian Door,” the constant threat of attacks combined with fear and superstition of the times including witchcraft, and the belief in divine punishment. James also explains the reason for using horseshoes at the door, how native voices had been erased but have now been added to the historical accounts, and how today, there are many descendants of mixed blood in these areas, especially in Canada.

Finally, we look at how history can be complex and filled with irony, especially the relationship triangle between France, England, and America, and how French support had been instrumental in winning the revolutionary war and how the Statue of Liberty is a French gift and symbol that commemorates American independence.