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Bale Fire of Beacon Warning of Attack
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Bale Fire of Beacon Warning of Attack
The Bale Fire is a series of fires, used to pass on an alarm throughout a district : here, settlers in the American colonies warn others of an attack of Native Americans Date: 17th century
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Media ID 20141425
© Bubblepunk
Alarm Americans Attack Bale Beacon Beacons Colonies Fires Pass Settlers Signalling Warn
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the essence of communication and warning during a time of great peril in the American colonies of the 17th century. The Bale Fire, a series of carefully tended blazes, served as an intricate and effective method of passing on alarms throughout a district. In this scene, settlers gather around a beacon, stoking the flames higher to send a warning of an imminent attack by Native Americans. The beacon, a tall wooden structure topped with a blazing fire, was a familiar sight in the colonies and a crucial component of their early warning system. The Bale Fire was a communal effort, with each settlement responsible for maintaining their own beacon and passing on the alarm as soon as they received it. The system relied on clear and consistent communication, with each beacon representing a link in a chain that stretched across the colony. As settlers gathered around the beacon, they would also light smaller fires in the surrounding area to ensure the message reached as many people as possible. The Bale Fire was an essential tool for survival in the American colonies, where the threat of Native American attacks was a constant concern. The system allowed settlers to respond quickly and effectively to threats, increasing their chances of survival and protecting their communities. This powerful image serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the early settlers and their ability to adapt to the challenges of their new environment.
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