Before the Nation Drew Its First Breath: Part I - The Crossing
A small island. A dangerous crossing. And the hidden beginning of an idea that would help shape America.
Several years ago, I pushed a kayak into the Potomac River and aimed it toward St. Clement’s Island.
The island looked close.
It wasn’t.
What followed was a crossing I’ll never forget…and the beginning of a journey into a story that unfolded nearly four centuries before I ever touched the water.
On March 25, 1634, two ships arrived off the shore of that small island carrying more than settlers.
They carried faith.
They carried hope.
And they carried the fragile beginnings of an idea that would eventually help shape the nation itself.
Today, I’m releasing Part I of Before the Nation Drew Its First Breath, a new five-part words-and-pictures series exploring the overlooked Catholic origins of religious liberty in America.
This is also something of an experiment.
The story doesn’t live here on Substack. Instead, I’ve created an immersive, cinematic home for it. One designed to bring you into the wind, the water, the uncertainty, and the extraordinary events that began unfolding along the Potomac nearly four hundred years ago.
And it begins with a crossing.
Part II, The Shore Beyond the Island, arrives Monday, August 3.
Thanks for reading! This is a truly independent, reader-supported periodical. Your support is crucial. If you are able, please consider a paid subscription or making a ‘Patron of the Arts’ donation of any amount. By doing so, you are not just supporting this effort; you’re a vital part of this mission.
You have my heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support, and please keep me in your prayers, and know of mine for each of you. God Bless, Jeff
Simply brilliant!
Jeffrey, this was a joy to read. How brave those people were to cross the ocean! I love the format you used. The background, the pictures and history are sewn together to provide the reader with a true sense of history. Thank you.