ncpedia.org/german-settlers
we learn the frightful end of the Swiss colony at New Bern.
The largest influx of German people to North Carolina occurred in the eighteenth century, beginning with a joint effort between a Swiss land company and the British Crown to settle 100 families of German Palatines in the town of New Bern on the Neuse and Trent River in 1710. The colony flourished and prospered for 18 months, but in 1711 the colony was virtually destroyed after suffering an attack by Tusacarora Indians.
I was looking forward to reading this since your mention of your newest post last night. It is truly facinating that a colony was formed in NC in 1710. I can't imagine crossing the sea in the wooden boats of the time, without knowledge of possible storms. Then the "free" land given to them, apparently belonged to the native Indians, who were not so friendly in the end. That was very optomistic of them to describe the land is not inhabited by so many snakes, "crocodiles", and other creatures. I guess they were able to avoid them for a time. I think I'd be like a lot of the other German and Swiss women--I'd stay home!
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