Geographic Advantages for Early Settlers in Pocahontas County

 

Geographic Advantages for Early Settlers in Pocahontas County

The sources consistently portray Pocahontas County as a region endowed with geographical features that attracted early settlers. These features, while presenting some challenges, ultimately provided strategic advantages for those seeking to establish a foothold in this mountainous terrain.

• Abundant Water Resources: The sources repeatedly emphasize the prevalence of rivers, creeks, and springs throughout Pocahontas County. These waterways were crucial for early settlers, providing a vital source of drinking water, supporting livestock, powering mills, and potentially facilitating transportation.

  • Greenbrier River: The sources identify the Greenbrier River as the dominant waterway, characterizing it as the "master stream" and the "birthplace of rivers." The Greenbrier's consistent flow and numerous tributaries created a network of water resources that were essential for sustaining life and driving economic activity.
  • Other Key Waterways: The sources also highlight other significant waterways, including Knapps Creek, Deer Creek, Anthony Creek, and Sitlington Creek, among others. These creeks, often originating from springs in the higher elevations, ensured a reliable and widespread distribution of water throughout the county.
  • Mills and Industry: The sources frequently mention the presence of various types of mills, including gristmills, sawmills, and flour mills, situated along these waterways. These mills harnessed the power of flowing water to process timber, grind grain, and produce flour, demonstrating the close connection between water resources and early industries.

• Fertile Valleys: While the sources emphasize the mountainous nature of Pocahontas County, they also highlight the existence of fertile valleys nestled within the rugged terrain. These valleys provided prime agricultural land for early settlers, offering a place to cultivate crops, raise livestock, and establish homesteads.

  • Marlin's Bottom: The sources specifically mention "Marlin's Bottom," the area where present-day Marlinton is located, as a fertile and strategically located valley. The abundance of level land and proximity to Marlin's Run and Knapps Creek made it an attractive location for early settlement and agriculture.
  • Other Valleys: While not named explicitly, the sources describe numerous other valleys, often characterized as "V-shaped" or "narrow," that would have offered similar opportunities for farming and settlement. The presence of these pockets of fertile land amidst the mountains made Pocahontas County a viable option for those seeking agricultural opportunities.

• Protective Mountain Barriers: While mountains posed challenges for transportation and communication, the sources suggest that they also offered a degree of protection for early settlers. The surrounding mountain ranges created a natural barrier, potentially shielding settlements from harsh weather conditions and providing a sense of security.

  • Allegheny Mountains: The sources identify the Allegheny Mountains as a dominant feature, forming the eastern boundary of Pocahontas County. These mountains, while rugged and steep, likely acted as a buffer against harsh winds and storms, creating more favorable microclimates within the valleys.
  • Defense and Isolation: The sources also describe the construction of forts, such as Fort Warwick, highlighting the concerns about security in the early settlement period. The mountains, while making travel difficult, may have also provided a tactical advantage in defending against attacks, offering natural fortifications and limited access points.

• Access to Timber Resources: The sources consistently mention the abundance of timber in Pocahontas County, particularly the valuable white pine trees. This readily available timber served as a vital resource for early settlers, providing materials for construction, fuel for heating and cooking, and the potential for a lumber industry.

  • Sawmills and Lumbering: The sources describe sawmills established throughout the county, indicating that timber harvesting and processing were important economic activities. The accessibility of timber resources likely influenced early settlement patterns, with communities developing near forested areas.
  • Impact on the Landscape: The sources also acknowledge the significant impact of timbering on the landscape of Pocahontas County, noting that much of the original forest had been cut over by the early 20th century. This extensive logging transformed the environment, but also underscores the initial abundance of timber that attracted early settlers and fueled economic development.

• Strategic Location for Westward Expansion: While the sources primarily focus on the internal geography of Pocahontas County, they also hint at its broader significance as a gateway for westward expansion. The county's location on the western slopes of the Allegheny Mountains positioned it as a crucial point of passage for settlers moving into the Ohio Valley and beyond.

  • Routes and Passages: While the sources don't provide specific details about early trails or roads, they mention that Pocahontas County became an "important gateway for settlers." The existence of natural gaps and passes through the mountains would have facilitated the movement of people and goods westward.
  • Connecting East and West: Pocahontas County's location on the Virginia-West Virginia border placed it at the intersection of eastern settlements and western frontiers. This strategic positioning likely attracted settlers seeking both the familiarity of established communities and the opportunities offered by new lands.

In summary, Pocahontas County offered a unique combination of geographical features that attracted early settlers. The abundant water resources, fertile valleys, protective mountain barriers, access to timber, and strategic location for westward expansion made it a place of both opportunity and challenge. While the rugged terrain and potential for conflict with Native Americans presented obstacles, the county's natural resources and its role as a gateway to the west ultimately proved to be powerful draws for those seeking a new life on the frontier.