Western Hooves of Thunder
War of 1812
McArthurs Raid on the Grand River 1814
The book to be released Sept 2010
The DVD – release to be announced
The Stage Play – to be announced
Zig Misiak, author, and Scott Paterson, artist, combine their talents and historical re-enacting experiences giving the reader wonderful illustrations and an exciting story.
The is story based on historical fact and location. Two adolescents, a Six Nations boy and his neighbor Catherine find themselves in the middle of a war. Hearing stories of the American Revolution they understand how their families migrated north across the lakes and how devastating war was then and would be now. Joseph Brant, General Brock, Tecumseh, their grand parents and of course the 700 mounted soldiers of the American General McArthur all make up exciting scenes.
This book is intended to support history curriculum in schools but is a wonderful easy to read resource for all.
Two adolescents caught in the War of 1812. The American Revolution was lost to the British and their First Nations allies. Thousands move north of the Great Lakes and rivers to what was then known as Quebec. In 1784 the Six Nations settled along the Grand River with some of their close Butlers Rangers friends. In 1791 Quebec was divided into what was called Upper and Lower Canada. In 1800 a young Mohawk boy and a young non native girl are born. Their families lived along the Grand River. They knew Joseph Brant, Tecumseh, General Brock, John Norton and many elders who fought in the American Revolution. They listened to stories told by his grandparents. They lived in a beautiful river valley in harmony with other cultures. On June 18, 1812 war was declared by the United States against Britain and her allies. Once again Six Nations were drawn into a conflict not of their making. In 1814 hundreds of mounted American soldiers galloped towards the Grand River. To smash the Six Nations, to cross the river and attack the British in the Niagara region from behind, occupy as much land a possible during peace negotiations or to simply make the winter uncomfortable for its citizens by destroying crops, mills and homes?
In only two weeks over 700 American soldiers rumbled their way to the rivers edge burning everything in their way and the closer they got the “Western Hooves of Thunder became louder”.
Photo by Ryan Misiak
Zig Misiak, Author
An actual event took place along the Grand River in November 1814. His historical background as a researcher and re-enactor of the War of 1812 has given Zig good insight as to the events that took place on that particular November day before McArthur hit more resistance in Oakland. Zig writes the story based on historical fact mixed with a little interpretive privilege. Having studied the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations/Iroquois) he takes the reader away from stereotypical profiles in a sensible and accurate way.
Photo by: Walker Astle
Scott Paterson, Illustrator
Also a long time re-enactor and talented artist Scott applies his knowledge of 19th century clothing both Haudenosaunee and military. Many details familiar to other historians find themselves subtly in the renderings. Even though the book was written and illustrated for elementary schools we guarantee that adults will have much to learn from the visuals meticulously and accurately portrayed.