The Seneca Trail

 

The Seneca Trail is a historic route that crossed West Virginia, and it is important to note that it was not simply a road, but rather a "passage" or a "creek". The trail followed a route that is now largely covered by modern roads.

Here are some details about the Seneca Trail from the sources:

• The Seneca Trail in West Virginia includes parts of Routes 56, 58, and 24.
• It follows approximately the old Indian warpath of the same name.
• The Seneca Trail has been attached to the continuous highway formed by road 24, a part of 56, and a part of 58.
• It extends from Brookside on the Maryland line to Glenlyn on the line of southwest Virginia.
• The Seneca Trail passes through the county seats of Union, Lewisburg, Marlinton, Elkins, and Parsons, and runs by way of Mingo.
• The name Seneca Trail was adopted by the town of Marlinton to that part of the road that lies within the limits of this town.
• The Seneca Trail is also known as the Warriors Road or War Path.
• The trail stretched from Seneca Lakes in New York to North Georgia.
• The Seneca Trail was an important route in the early days of West Virginia, and it is still followed by modern roads.
• The trail is visible on the hillside north of Price Run and many other places.
• The Seneca Trail was part of a network of trails that stretched from New York to Georgia.
• The route of the old Seneca Trail is followed by Route 219.
• The Seneca Trail is marked in places to show the old route.
• Markers include: Droop Mountain (16 miles from Marlinton), Buckeye (4 miles from Marlinton), Marlinton, and Elk (Mary's Chapel) 12 miles north of Marlinton.

The Seneca Trail's route is closely linked to the Warrior's Road, and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two. The Warrior's Road was built on the west side of the mountains and extended from the St. Lawrence River to the present state of Georgia, passing from north to south through the eastern portion of West Virginia. The road is said to have been used by the Indians to reach their settlements. The trail was used by various groups including the Seneca, Shawnee, and Cherokee.

The Seneca Trail is associated with early settlements and conflict with Native Americans.

• The treaty of Albany in 1722 established the Seneca Trail as the dividing line between settlers and Indian land.
• There were several skirmishes and battles along the Seneca Trail.
• Many early forts were built along or near the Seneca Trail.

The sources also note that General Robert E. Lee's army camped near the Seneca Trail at Elkwater in 1861. Additionally, a Civil War soldier mentioned in his diary that he had camped in the area, near the "Joshua-way clearin'".

The modern Seneca Trail is now a popular tourist route.

• The route goes through the mountains and valleys of West Virginia.
• It is also a part of the National Highway System.
• The Seneca Trail is promoted for both local and long-distance travel.

The Seneca Trail's historical significance is also recognized in the naming of various local features and sites. For example, Seneca Rocks are located along the trail, and there is a Seneca Forest between Dunmore and Huntersville.

The sources suggest the Seneca Trail is an important part of West Virginia history and remains a significant landmark today.