Nat Settings Qs

 

Pocahontas County, West Virginia: A Natural and Historical Examination

Short Answer Questions

Instructions: Please answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on the provided source materials.

1. What natural resource was historically significant in Pocahontas County, and what does the provided data suggest about its production over time?
2. What can be inferred about the climate of Pocahontas County based on the excerpts related to natural settings?
3. The source material mentions a "Big Track." What is this "Big Track," and what is its significance?
4. What challenges did early settlers in Pocahontas County face based on the provided excerpts?
5. How does the source material characterize the relationship between early settlers and Native Americans in the region?
6. What can be gleaned about the topography of Pocahontas County from the provided documents?
7. What evidence in the source material suggests the importance of agriculture in Pocahontas County?
8. What information about the local water sources can be gathered from the provided excerpts?
9. What can be inferred about the social life and customs of early settlers in Pocahontas County?
10. The source material mentions a "C&O Railroad." What does "C&O" stand for, and what role did the railroad play in the area?

Short Answer Key

1. Petroleum was historically significant in Pocahontas County. The data suggests that production initially increased rapidly, peaked in the late 1800s, and then began to decline in the early 1900s.
2. Pocahontas County appears to have cold, arid winters and potentially hot summers, with variations depending on elevation. The mention of "mountain brooks," "springs," and abundant vegetation suggests adequate rainfall.
3. The "Big Track" refers to a prominent landmark associated with Native American presence. The exact nature of the landmark is not explicitly defined but implies a significant natural feature.
4. Early settlers likely faced challenges related to the rugged terrain, interactions with Native Americans, and the need for self-sufficiency. The source material hints at conflicts and the necessity for forts.
5. The source material suggests a complex and potentially fraught relationship between settlers and Native Americans. While details are limited, mentions of forts and "brave men" imply a history of conflict.
6. Pocahontas County is characterized by mountains, ridges, valleys, and numerous creeks and springs. This suggests a varied and often challenging topography for early inhabitants.
7. The presence of orchards, mention of crops like tomatoes, and references to livestock point to the importance of agriculture in sustaining the early communities of Pocahontas County.
8. The source material describes abundant water sources in Pocahontas County, including numerous springs, creeks, and potential for wells. There is also data analyzing the mineral content of some springs.
9. While limited, the source material hints at social gatherings, potentially around the church and shared labor practices (e.g., road building). The construction of a "C&O hotel" suggests growing social infrastructure.
10. "C&O" stands for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The railroad likely facilitated transportation, economic activity, and tourism in Pocahontas County, as implied by the "C&O hotel."

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the provided excerpts related to natural settings. How did the geography, climate, and natural resources of Pocahontas County influence the lives and livelihoods of its early inhabitants?
2. Based on the fragmented historical narrative found in the source material, reconstruct a plausible timeline of significant events and developments in Pocahontas County.
3. Examine the references to Native Americans within the context of the historical narrative. What insights can be drawn about their presence and interactions with European settlers in Pocahontas County?
4. Analyze the excerpts related to agriculture, economic activities, and infrastructure development in Pocahontas County. How did these elements shape the county's early growth and identity?
5. Explore the various primary sources provided, including tables, photographs, and handwritten letters. How do these different types of sources contribute to a multifaceted understanding of Pocahontas County's history and character?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Calcic-sodic-sulphuretted: A term referring to the chemical composition of water, indicating the presence of calcium, sodium, and sulfur compounds.
• C&O Railroad: Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, a historical railroad company that played a significant role in the development of the eastern United States.
• Land Grant: A legal document granting ownership of land, typically by a government entity to an individual or organization.
• Patent: In this context, a legal document granting exclusive rights to an invention or discovery.
• Topography: The arrangement of natural and artificial physical features of an area, including elevation changes, landforms, and bodies of water.
• Altitudes: The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
• Arid: A climate characterized by a severe lack of available water, hindering the growth and development of plant and animal life.
• Landmark: A recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a notable feature of a landscape, or a historical place.
• Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, such as petroleum and natural gas.

Please note that this glossary only includes a selection of key terms. You may encounter other unfamiliar words or phrases while studying the source material. It is recommended to use a dictionary or online resources for further clarification.