Support provided by:
The Case:
A History Detectives viewer in Mulvane, Kansas, owns a 200-year-old schoolbook with a startling secret.
The book belonged to a young woman from Kentucky in 1800. In frontier Kentucky, pioneers are settling what was then the northwestern edge of the United States. Most of these settlers are white, European and Protestant. Or are they?
In a fascinating twist, the book contains two translated passages of the Koran.
What are they doing there? And how could a young woman in frontier Kentucky have come into contact with Islam?
Taking on this tough challenge, the detectives reach some startling conclusions about U.S. contact with the Muslim world and the story of Islam in America.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 2
Preston Brook's Riding Crop
Was this riding crop a gift from Jefferson Davis as a reward for attacking a political opponent?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Society Circus Program
Why are some of New York's wealthiest planning a circus at the depth of the Great Depression?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Andrew Jackson's Mouth
How was this wood fragment connected to one of the most celebrated political protests of the 19th century?
-
Related Investigation
Universal Friends
What can this 200-year-old document reveal about the first American-born woman to lead a religious movement?
-
Also in this episode
Prison Plaque
Were convicted felons responsible for bringing peace to Western Europe during World War I?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Coca Cola Trade Card
Could this card be a unique piece of early Coca-Cola advertising?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from Expansion: 1801-1861? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentWhat is this glorifying the firearm (which is a semi-automatic by the way) of a criminal? (2 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookSome wisdom as the day draws to a close. Like my page for more conversations. Enjoy your evening. Peace, Tukufu. (9 hours ago)