Portage Paths: The Keys of the Continent

Imagine a landscape where rivers and lakes are linked by narrow, over‑land trails that once carried traders, soldiers, and explorers across the continent. This work uncovers those forgotten “keys” of America, showing how a handful of portage routes shaped travel, commerce, and conflict from the Atlantic seaboard to the Mississippi valley. Richly illustrated with period maps, the narrative brings the physical and strategic character of each path to life for modern ears.

The book is divided into two clear sections. The first paints a vivid picture of the routes themselves—their geography, how they were used, and how they evolved over time. The second offers a scholarly catalogue, presenting excerpts from pioneering researchers and field studies that document specific ports, from the Oneida Portage in New York to the grander St. Lawrence‑Great Lakes connections. Listeners gain both a sweeping overview and detailed snapshots of the waterways that once formed the backbone of a young continent.