The School of the Longhunter: Reliving the 1700's

Join Peter on his immersive journey to Pricket's Fort in West Virginia for the School of the Longhunter. This episode captures the essence of the 18th-century frontiersman experience, showcasing the vibrant camp life, enlightening classes, and soulful evenings filled with traditional music. Follow along as Peter tags with expert historian Larry Spisak for an engaging tour of the fort, where Larry delves into captivating historical details and stories. Whether you're a history buff or simply love adventure, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the past, bringing history to life in an engaging and educational way.

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📺 Featuring: Peter Kelly
🎥 Cinematography, Production & Editing: Catherine Wolfe
🎵 Music Courtesy Of: Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
Thumbnail and description: Shane Kelly

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#forts #blacksmith #HistoricalDIY #AmericanHistory #ColonialHistory #EarlySettlers #SelfSufficiency #Homesteading #LivingHistory #canadianhistory

[CliftonHicksbanjo]

The bodhran, mandolin, and tenor banjo were not played in America until the _late_ 1800s. Fiddles and gourd banjos likely provided the only stringed music heard in the 18th century backcountry.

[wadeschwartz]

Soul stirring tunes and stories, ,,but somewhat sad as Americans have lost, ,
for the most part, ,that frontier courage .

[SveninColorado]

Listening to the Canadian Geese honking at the beginning immediately had me hooked. Memories of sitting in makeshift hunt blinds along the St. Vrain River; watching and listening for the rising flocks on cold Autumn mornings, we hoped for a flight to come our way.... This was back in the late 1970's and early 1980's before most all of these lands have turned into modern suburbs.

Ceran and Marcellin St. Vrain were French traders. They worked with William Bent, who built an adobe fort on the eastern plains of what is now the State of Colorado. The St. Vrain brothers were connected to the the 1804-1806 Louis and Clark Expedition. I like to think that hunting along these waters, we were following in the footsteps of those early trappers and traders.

Peter, thanks for all that you do to keep our early settlement history alive!

[douglasgatian]

Always love the history. My father's family is from Morgantown Wva. Need to visit that area to visit the fort and find my grandfathers grave who died in a coal mine at 23 when Dad was just 5. Hope to see a strong gathering at the Kelly's fort in the future!

[heatherschneider]

Thank you for featuring the School of the Longhunter in your video, Peter! For anyone interested, The School of the Longhunter will be held April 10-13, 2025 at Pricketts Fort in Fairmont, WV. Fairmont is located about 15 minutes south of Morgantown.

[marieleopold]

JEEPERS! The like of your 'time' Peter, are beginning to swell in numbers. People who appreciate the 'fact' that yesteryear was work, but also the purest of joys in a life that had true 'meaning'. This was very enjoyable and I thank the fine hands of Empress Catherine for artfully capturing this journey. Your summer moccasins look very dapper. I wonder how many pair can be made from one hide? The ignorant take walks in nature (such as myself) and then...the 'homesteader-types' look at everything around them for 'potential use'. I think it might be a bit harder for 'your kind' to simply 'chill' in nature. LOL! "Sometimes neither a friend nor a psychologist can enter the depths of your soul, but only the flames of a candle or a fireplace." (Mehmet Murat ildan). Health and blessings, dear ones! :)

[Blrtech]

Peter, Once again another amazing video. I love history and just plain old learning things. Pricket's Fort is now on my bucket list once I'm retired and the honey dew list isn't to long! Thanks and Be Safe.

[danielfox]

Thank you Peter for making the video of The School Of The Longhunters at Prickett's Fort. I already prepaid, and looking forward to seeing and hearing you speak this year !!!

[mattshoaff]

It was great to meet and talk to you there. Can't Wait to see you again next year. It was one of the best camps.I've ever been to.

[martinmeltzer]

Hey Peter! WOW! Simply WOW! What a time to live & how brave were the folks who lived on the frontier! WOW! I'm looking forward to Part 2!

[donaldrauscher]

It was good to meet you Peter. We didn't get a chance to talk it was a very busy weekend. We had a great time as always. I hope to see you their next year.

[ryanstottlemyer]

Looks like you had a wonderful time!!! The wife and I went to the market fair at Fort Frederick and Big pool Maryland, beautiful old French and Indian stone Fort. They had excellent artisans and craftsman. We are going to colonial Williamsburg tomorrow morning and we are very excited. Been there many times but never gets old.

[gregorypennell]

Outstanding presentation, Peter! Your videography makes me want to go change into my frontier attire and clean one of my flintlocks while re-watching this episode! Bravo!

[daveyjoweaver]

What wonderful and historical and interesting Fun! History in the books is interesting but the personal stories are even better, right from the horses mouth. Those letters and diaries from our ancestors are the very best. Those many many lives that make up the amazing stories of the joys and hardships and the reason for our lives of today. Thanks be to all those people of the past, the Indigenous as well as the Pioneers! Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate the shoutout, Peter! It was so good to see you again. This is a great video as always!

[hayward]

Creating a high-quality video such as this requires a combination of creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail.

[wiseguysoutdoors]

Forgot to tell you that it was my 4th great uncle, Col (at that time Captain of a Company of Riflemen, along with Meriwether Lewis) Richard "Shawtunte" Sparks who taught Captain Sam Brady and Bradys Rangers how to fight "bush style" as the Shawnee he learned from did. He had them remove anything that would make any kind of noise, and they had to load and fire twice, on the run, over 100 yds! Meriwether Lewis said he was the best bushfighter in the entire Army, and I have a War department letter, between General Anthony Wayne and Secretary of War Henry Knox and he said that, October 1792, we were at the Beaver Blockhouse and a hostile appeared at some 400 yds distant. Captain Sparks raised his rifle and fired, the results were not good for the Savage!!

[stevenshanofski]

Looks like a great time. Beautiful countryside. Thanks for taking us along!

[JamesSmith-isco]

I do love West Virginia!! Just spent a fortnight out camping her hills and rivers! Glad ye made it to visit and hope you do so again!

[Eyepealer]

Wow Peter, what a grand experience. History in real time!