Price's History of the Midland Trail

 

A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Midland Trail's Rich History

The Midland Trail, designated as Route 3, traverses West Virginia from east to west, offering a glimpse into the state's diverse landscapes and a captivating journey through its history. The sources paint a vivid picture of the trail's evolution, from its prehistoric origins as part of a vast peneplain to its significance as a military route, a pathway for westward expansion, and ultimately, a modern highway connecting communities and showcasing the state's natural beauty.

A Trail Through Deep Time: Geological and Prehistoric Significance

The sources emphasize the Midland Trail's connection to deep time, highlighting its location on one of the oldest landmasses in North America.

• The geologist tells us that the region traversed by the Midland Trail is "the oldest part of the nation since the continent rose from its last submergence."
• The trail cuts across this ancient peneplain, offering travelers a unique opportunity to witness the "evidences of the upbuilding of the earth as shown by historical geology."
• The sources highlight the New River Gorge, where the New River dramatically cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, as a particularly striking example of the region's geological history.

The sources suggest that the Midland Trail also holds traces of prehistoric human activity, possibly even remnants of the mythical lost city of Atlantis.

• The sources note that the fertile Mississippi Valley was formed, in part, by the washings from this ancient plateau.
• The author speculates that the Midland Trail offers a glimpse into this lost world, particularly along the New River canyon, where the valley's high, steep sides create a dramatic landscape that has been relatively untouched by human development.
• While the sources provide intriguing hints, they do not offer concrete evidence to support the claim of Atlantis existing in this region. The existence of Atlantis itself is a matter of ongoing debate and speculation among historians and archaeologists.

A Path of Conflict and Conquest: The Midland Trail's Role in Military History

The Midland Trail has served as a crucial route for military movements throughout history, playing a significant role in conflicts that shaped the destiny of the region and the nation.

• Early Colonial Conflicts and Dunmore's War: The sources describe the trail as following "the path of the minute men of the deadly flintlock gun," highlighting its use during early conflicts with Native Americans.
  • General Andrew Lewis led his army along this route during Dunmore's War (1774), a conflict that resulted in the defeat of Shawnee Chief Cornstalk and helped secure the Ohio Valley for colonial expansion.
  • The sources detail Lewis's 12-day march from Lewisburg to Charleston, noting the challenges of traversing the rugged terrain and the importance of establishing supply lines along the way.
• The Civil War: The Midland Trail became a contested battleground during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control of this vital artery.
  • The sources mention several significant engagements along the trail, including battles at White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, Sewell Mountain, Carnifax Ferry, Cotton Hill, Fayetteville, Charleston, Scary, Hurricane Bridge, Lincoln County, Winfield, Pore's Hill, and Guyandotte.
  • Notable Confederate generals such as Robert E. Lee, Henry A. Wise, and John B. Floyd, as well as Union General George Crook, all operated along the Midland Trail during the war.
  • The sources highlight the strategic importance of controlling the trail for troop movements, supply lines, and access to key resources.

A Pathway to the West: The Midland Trail and Westward Expansion

Following the American Revolution, the Midland Trail became an important route for pioneers seeking new opportunities in the burgeoning West.

• It was known as the "Northern Route" to Kentucky, offering a shorter and potentially quicker alternative to the more popular Wilderness Road.
• While the sources acknowledge that the Midland Trail may not have been physically shorter than the Wilderness Road, they highlight the advantage of reaching navigable rivers like the Kanawha and Ohio, allowing travelers to continue their westward journey by boat.
• The sources note that reaching the Ohio River at the mouth of the Great Kanawha River provided pioneers with a relatively safe and efficient passage to Kentucky, compared to the arduous overland journey along the Wilderness Road.
• The sources also acknowledge the significant risks associated with the Northern Route, particularly the constant threat of attacks from Native Americans who still held sway over much of the territory west of the Allegheny Mountains.

From Turnpike to Highway: The Midland Trail's Transformation

The Midland Trail has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, reflecting the evolving needs of transportation and the development of new technologies.

• Early Trails and Roads: The trail's origins likely lie in ancient Native American paths, later adapted and expanded by European settlers for trade and military purposes.
• The James River & Kanawha Turnpike: The construction of this turnpike in the early 19th century marked a significant improvement, making the route more accessible for stagecoaches and wagons.
• The Arrival of the Railroad: The completion of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in the late 19th century diminished the turnpike's importance as a major transportation route, though it continued to serve local communities.
• The Rise of the Automobile: The advent of the automobile in the early 20th century breathed new life into the old turnpike.
  • The sources describe the creation of a state commission empowered to build and name roads. This commission, recognizing the historic and scenic value of the old turnpike, designated it as the Midland Trail and oversaw its improvement and modernization.
  • The sources capture the excitement surrounding the reemergence of the Midland Trail as a major highway, noting its appeal to tourists seeking scenic beauty and a connection to the past.

Stories Along the Way: The Human Side of the Midland Trail

Beyond its role in transportation and conflict, the Midland Trail is a repository of human stories, reflecting the lives and experiences of the people who lived, worked, and traveled along its path.

• Early Settlers and Pioneers: The sources tell the stories of individuals like Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell, who braved the hardships of frontier life to establish homes and communities along the trail.
  • Their accounts highlight the challenges of carving out a living in the wilderness, the constant threat of Indian attacks, and the determination required to survive and thrive in such a demanding environment.
• Travelers and Tourists: The sources depict the Midland Trail as a bustling thoroughfare, attracting travelers from all walks of life.
  • The author recounts his own experiences driving the trail, noting the "pure delight that the presence of the woods, fields and streams bring to you."
  • He describes encountering other travelers, observing the changing landscape, and reflecting on the history embedded in the places he passes.
• The People of the Trail: The sources emphasize the importance of engaging with the people who live along the Midland Trail, learning their stories, and appreciating their connection to the land and its history.
  • The author expresses a desire to "loiter along" the trail, taking time to "make a complete and satisfactory study" of the people and places that make it unique.

The Midland Trail, as depicted in the sources, is more than just a road; it's a living testament to the history, culture, and spirit of West Virginia.