Land surveying in the context of historical land grants and the development of infrastructure

 

The sources discuss land surveying in the context of historical land grants and the development of infrastructure, particularly roads, in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

The sources highlight the following:

• Early Land Grants: Land grants issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries often relied on surveys to define boundaries. For example, a 1780 grant for 358 acres of land situated between "Mine Bank" and the eastern part of the "Settle of Greenbank" was noted as the first survey of land taken on the North Fork of Deer Creek. Similarly, a 1751 survey by General Andrew Lewis for 480 acres of land situated on both sides of the Greenbrier River marked an early written record of Ewing Creek.
• Establishment of Pocahontas County: The formation of Pocahontas County in 1821 from a portion of Bath County, Virginia, necessitated the survey and organization of roads within the newly established county. The records indicate the appointment of surveyors for different road precincts, tasked with maintaining and improving the existing road network.
• Road Development and Surveying: The construction of the Warm Springs and Huntersville Turnpike in 1838 marked a significant development in the county's road infrastructure. The project involved surveyors and commissioners who assessed the conditions and planned the route of the road, which spanned approximately 30 miles and included the construction of bridges over various streams. The surveyors were compensated for their labor, as indicated by court records from 1822.
• Detailed Road Construction Contracts: The contract for the Warm Springs and Huntersville Turnpike included detailed specifications for the road's dimensions and construction methods. The road was to be 16 feet wide with a cleared right-of-way of 12 feet on each side. Hillsides were to be excavated to prevent landslides, and the contract included the construction of six bridges. The meticulousness of the surveying and planning process highlights the importance placed on developing a robust transportation network in the early years of the county.
• The Role of the County Surveyor: The county surveyor held a critical role in overseeing road development and maintenance. The first county surveyor of Pocahontas County, Sampson L. Matthews, was appointed in February 1822. The surveyor's responsibilities likely included overseeing the work of precinct surveyors, ensuring adherence to road construction standards, and reporting on the condition of existing roads to the county court.

The sources illustrate how land surveying played a vital role in the early development of Pocahontas County. It was instrumental in defining property boundaries, establishing transportation routes, and supporting the growth of infrastructure. The meticulous records kept by surveyors and the county court provide valuable insights into the challenges and successes of shaping the landscape during this era.