Branford Land Trust Lecture: “Sound Rising,” Richard Radune

Co-sponsored by the Branford Historical Society, “Sound Rising” challenges our perception of Long Island Sound in many surprising ways. The Sound was at the forefront of American trade with the West Indies and its location placed it in a position to influence the course of history during the critical years between 1750 and 1820. Its multitude of small ports, coves and navigable rivers provided a distinct advantage in thwarting British efforts to enforce trade restrictions and collect taxes. Merchants’ desire for free trade and the avoidance of customs duties set the stage for war. Long Island Sound played a crucial role in America’s Revolutionary War victory when its naval vessels, privateers and whaleboat raiders swarmed out of the ports to interdict British supplies and force major changes in the enemy’s strategic war plans. This ground-breaking, true story relates the Sound’s involvement in the capture of Fort Louisbourg, rampant smuggling, the Revolutionary War, the Undeclared War with France and the War of 1812.

Richard Radune is an author and independent historian. He wrote the award winning book, Pequot Plantation: The Story of an Early Colonial Settlement, which was published in 2005. He has given presentations to historical societies and other organizations on the Pequot Plantation and the maritime history of Long Island Sound. Richard is a past member of the board of directors of the Branford Land Trust.

For more information, see www.branfordlandtrust.org.