America Discovered by the Welsh in 1170 A. D by Benjamin Franklin Bowen, first published in 1876, is a rare manuscript, the original residing in one of the great libraries of the world. This book is a reproduction of that original, which has been scanned and cleaned by state-of-the-art publishing tools for better readability and enhanced appreciation. Restoration Editors' mission is to bring long out of print manuscripts back to life. Some smudges, annotations or unclear text may still exist, due to permanent damage to the original work. We believe the literary significance of the text justifies offering this reproduction, allowing a new generation to appreciate it.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.

The following pages are the result of an earnest desire to settle the question of, and, if possible, to fix the belief in, the voyages of Prince Madoc and his followers in 1170 A.D., and to assign them their rightful place in American history. Although this recognition has been very tardily given, by the almost utter silence of our historians, and the apparent unconcern of those linked with the Prince by blood, language, and country, the honor will be none the less real if bestowed now. Indeed, in this age of claims, and when every scrap of our general and local history is eagerly sought and read, it cannot be otherwise than that what is set forth in his favor will receive some share of attention from an intelligent public. Besides, so much earnest study has been given by those in other countries to the subject of the early discoveries on the American Continent, that it is hoped this contribution to its literature will serve to foster still further the spirit of inquiry, and be at the same time an acknowledgment of our debt to those countries for what they have furnished us in brain, heart, muscle, and life. At intervals extending through several years, when released from the pressure of my public work, I have been engaged in the collection of the materials, both at home and abroad, from old manuscripts, books, pamphlets, magazines, and papers. The subject was not common, neither were the materials. What are the facts? That is the question. Facts of history, experience, observation. Speculative verbiage is avoided, for want of time and space. Others are made to take my place, for the sake of presenting what they knew. Such a method is more convincing than the expression of empty opinions. -B. F. B. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Migrations of the Welsh CHAPTER II. By whom was America first peopled? CHAPTER III. The Voyages of Prince Madoc CHAPTER IV. Supported by Welsh and other Historians CHAPTER V. The Narrative of Rev. Morgan Jones CHAPTER VI. The Narrative of Rev. Charles Beatty CHAPTER VII. The Welsh Indians moving West CHAPTER VIII. The Dispersion of the Welsh Indians CHAPTER IX. Maurice Griffith's and his Companions' Experience CHAPTER X. Captain Isaac Stuart, Governors Sevier and Dinwiddie, General Morgan Lewis--their Knowledge of the Welsh Indians CHAPTER XI. The Mandan Indians: Who are They? CHAPTER XII. Welsh Blood in the Aztecs CHAPTER XIII. The Moquis, Mohaves, and Modocs CHAPTER XIV. Signs of Freemasonry among Indians CHAPTER XV. The Welsh Language among American Indians CHAPTER XVI. The Welsh of the American Revolution CHAPTER XVII. Address of Rev. David Jones at Ticonderoga

"[...]married the sister of King Henry the Second, whereby he succeeded in breaking for a time the independent spirit of the Welsh. He gave aid to his brother-in-law in money and men, and attended the Parliament at Oxford. Such a treacherous course excited the disgust and hatred of his brothers, as well as of his subjects generally, so that his realm continued in a state of wild revolt and dissension. Davydd, suspicious and alarmed lest he might lose his throne through some unforeseen intrigues, seized and imprisoned Rhodri, slew Iorweth, and drove his other brethren into exile.[...]".

The Legend of the Welsh Caves at Desoto Falls is very interesting and entertaining. It is a story about a Welsh Prince who is believed by many to have discovered America in 1170, which is over 300 years prior to Christopher Columbus. It is not common knowledge to the average American. You will definitely enjoy this story, and find yourself looking for more information about Welsh Prince Madoc.