Spellbreakers Ep. 118: The Oregon Question and America’s Forgotten Frontiers

In this history-rich episode of Spellbreakers, Matt Trump dives deep into America’s overlooked battles for territorial control and national identity. Using the upcoming Badlands meetup in Halsey, Oregon as a springboard, Matt explores the fascinating origins of the Oregon Territory, the power struggle between American settlers and British corporate forces like the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the long-forgotten significance of places like Fort Vancouver and Oregon City. He draws connections between the Erie Canal, the War of 1812, and America’s enduring tension with British imperial influence. With tangents on Daniel Boone, the strategic importance of falls in river navigation, and a spontaneous ode to the American pioneer spirit, this episode blends historical analysis with heartfelt patriotism and community vibes. Stick around to learn why the Oregon Trail’s final miles were more treacherous than the Rockies, and why we may still be fighting off the British today.