Layers of Liberty: Bushy Run, Pontiac’s War, and the Road to Revolution

Long before the shot heard 'round the world, another critical battle was shaping the course of American history—deep in the woods of Western Pennsylvania. In this episode, host Sydney Harris is joined by Matthew Adams, museum manager at Bushy Run Battlefield, to uncover the dramatic and often overlooked events of the Battle of Bushy Run. Fought in 1763 during Pontiac’s War, this fierce two-day conflict pitted British forces against a coalition of Native American nations and marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for control over the frontier. Together, they explore how the clash at Bushy Run echoed far beyond the battlefield, influencing the future of colonial expansion, British-Native relations, and even the coming Revolution. From Swiss mercenaries to frontier families, guerrilla warfare to community preservation—this is a story full of unexpected characters and rich historical insight. Tune in as we trace the lesser-known but no less vital roots of American independence and shine a light on the people keeping that legacy alive today.