 In the early 20th century there was groundbreaking research into the early history of the state, and much work was published about the early struggles for empire in the colonial era.In 1929 historian Verner Crane published his monumental book, "The Southern Frontier", which comprehensively covered the period from 1670 to 1732.Other works, such as Herbert Bolton and Mary Ross's "The Debatable Land" helped shed light on the military struggles of the Southeast during the colonial period.