The Popham Colony : a discussion of its historical claims, with a bibliography of the subject

A lively collection of nineteenth‑century newspaper debates, speeches, and personal letters, this work brings the controversy over the 1607 English outpost on the Kennebec River to life. Readers will follow a spirited exchange among scholars, clergy, and local leaders as they argue the colony’s true significance, all while preserving the courteous tone that kept the discussion civil despite sharp disagreements.

The volume also records the annual commemorations that began in the 1860s, featuring memorable orations from prominent New England figures. A carefully assembled bibliography rounds out the text, guiding listeners toward further research on this early, oft‑overlooked chapter of American history.

Ideal for anyone curious about how historical narratives are contested and clarified, the book offers a window into the methods of Victorian‑era scholarship and the enduring fascination with the first English attempts to settle New England.