A History of the Seneca Trail

 

Andrew Price

From Indian Warpath to Scenic Highway

The Seneca Trail, a north-south highway spanning the eastern border of West Virginia, boasts a rich and layered history, encompassing centuries of change and development. The sources offer a fascinating glimpse into this history, revealing its evolution from an ancient Indian warpath to a vital transportation route and, ultimately, a celebrated scenic byway.

• The trail derives its name from the Seneca Indians, the most powerful of the Six Nations, who established a well-traveled path along West Virginia's eastern border.
• This path, which extended from the waters of the St. Lawrence to northern Georgia served as a vital artery for the Seneca, allowing them to maintain communication and monitor the activities of white settlers encroaching upon their territory west of the Allegheny Mountains.
• Following the Treaty of Albany in 1722, which formally designated the Allegheny Mountains as the boundary between Indian lands and white settlements, the Seneca Trail took on added significance as a means of observing and responding to any breaches of this agreement.

Remnants of the Seneca Trail's early days are still visible today, often running parallel to the modern highway or even sharing the same space. The sources highlight how the trail has been witness to centuries of human activity, from the earliest interactions between Native Americans and European settlers to the tumultuous years of the Civil War and beyond.

The Seneca Trail During the Civil War

The Seneca Trail, running through the strategically important valleys of the Cheat, Greenbrier, and Bluestone Rivers, played a critical role during the Civil War. The sources recount several key battles and events that occurred along the trail:

• The Battle of Droop Mountain (November 6, 1863): This battle, fought on a prominent peak near the trail, marked a decisive Union victory and a turning point in the war in West Virginia. The successful flanking maneuver by Union forces, their tenacity in attacking Confederate positions, and Confederate miscalculations about the strength of the Union army all contributed to the Confederate defeat. The sources describe Droop Mountain as a site worthy of commemoration, noting its stunning natural beauty and the historical significance of the battle.
• The Battle of White Sulphur Springs (August 26-27, 1863): This battle, also known as the Battle of Dry Creek or the Battle of Rocky Gap, saw Confederate forces successfully defend their position along the Midland Trail against repeated Union assaults. The Confederate victory was due in part to their strong fortifications, advantageous positioning on the hilltops, and familiarity with the terrain. The sources emphasize the ferocity of the fighting and the strategic significance of the Confederate victory.
• Battles of Marlins Bottom and Huntersville: The sources describe several engagements that took place at these locations along the Seneca Trail, highlighting the strategic importance of the trail and the bridge crossing the Greenbrier River at Marlinton. These battles demonstrate how control of the Seneca Trail was crucial for both Union and Confederate forces operating in the region.
• The Battle of the Top of the Allegheny (December 13, 1861): This battle, fought in the high-altitude terrain near the trail, pitted Union forces under General Milroy against Confederate forces under General Loring and Colonel Edward Johnson. The sources describe the challenging conditions faced by both armies, the strategic maneuvering that preceded the battle, and the ultimate Confederate withdrawal.

The sources emphasize the role the Seneca Trail played in facilitating troop movements, supplying armies, and providing access to key strategic locations. The challenging terrain along the trail, particularly in the Cheat Mountain region, also posed significant obstacles to military operations. The accounts of battles and skirmishes fought along the Seneca Trail provide valuable insights into the course of the Civil War in West Virginia and the impact of the conflict on the lives of the people who lived in the region.

Beyond the Battlefield: The Seneca Trail and the Stories of the People

The sources go beyond the grand narratives of war and exploration to reveal the Seneca Trail's connection to the lives of individuals who shaped its history.

• Stephen Sewell: This early pioneer, who settled in the Greenbrier Valley in the 1740s, left a lasting mark on the region, with numerous landmarks bearing his name. The sources recount the story of Sewell's cave dwelling near Mill Point, a testament to his rugged individualism and the challenges faced by early settlers. The author also explores the circumstances surrounding Sewell's death at the hands of Indians, highlighting the ever-present dangers of frontier life.
• Jacob Marlin: Another prominent pioneer, Marlin settled in the Greenbrier Valley alongside Sewell, and the town of Marlinton, situated along the Seneca Trail, bears his name. The sources detail Marlin's early explorations, his role in establishing settlements, and the impact of Indian raids on the fledgling community.
• Meshach Browning: While not specifically focused on the Seneca Trail, the sources mention Browning, a renowned hunter who traversed the region in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His tales of hunting exploits and encounters with Native Americans offer a glimpse into the untamed wilderness that characterized the area before the development of roads and settlements.
• The English Colony at Mingo: This intriguing episode in the Seneca Trail's history involves a group of English settlers who established a community near the trail in the late 19th century. The sources describe their unique way of life, their interactions with the local population, and their contributions to the region's development.

These personal accounts enrich the historical tapestry woven by the sources, illustrating the Seneca Trail's role as a backdrop for the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the people who called the region home.

A Trail Through Time: Connecting Past and Present

The sources offer a rich and multifaceted portrait of the Seneca Trail, illuminating its significance as:

• A vital corridor for Native American tribes: The trail served as a crucial communication and transportation route for the Seneca Indians, allowing them to navigate their vast territory and respond to threats from encroaching white settlers.
• A pathway for exploration and settlement: The trail, like many early paths and roads, facilitated the westward expansion of European settlers, opening up new lands for agriculture, trade, and community building.
• A battleground during the Civil War: The Seneca Trail witnessed numerous engagements and troop movements during the conflict, highlighting its strategic importance in the struggle between North and South.
• A testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people: From early pioneers carving out a living in the wilderness to soldiers fighting for their beliefs, the trail's history is inextricably linked to the stories of individuals who left their mark on the region.
• A scenic byway connecting communities and offering glimpses into the past: Today, the Seneca Trail, designated as Route 24, provides a scenic route through the mountains of West Virginia, offering travelers opportunities to experience the natural beauty and rich history that have shaped the region.

The sources encourage readers to explore the Seneca Trail and its surrounding areas, to appreciate the historical landmarks and natural wonders that dot its path. Whether one is seeking to understand the complexities of the Civil War, delve into the lives of early settlers, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the West Virginia mountains, the Seneca Trail offers a journey through time, connecting past and present in a meaningful and enduring way.