This is the first volume of a series that examines the social history of the 'Old Killowen' population. I have used the term Old Killowen to denote the population of the area prior to the extensive social and environmental changes that took place before the 1970s.
The subject matter of this work includes geographical determinants, the first settlers, the O'Cahan family, their links to the Presidency of the U.S.A. and the political history of old Killowen.
The cover illustration is a view of Benevenagh (Binevenagh), County Londonderry. This area was the centre of the O'Cahan domain where the River Bann and Killowen formed the eastern boundary of that territory for over 1,000 years.
From the summit of Benevenagh on a clear day, it is possible to view the Western Isles of Scotland. That was the former home of the MacDonnell clan who settled in County Antrim and were close allies of the O'Cahans (O'Kanes).