Describe the early exploration of West Virginia?

Answer 1

Early English West Virginia exploration was made possible only after Virginia was able to secure the boarders of the west following the Indian wars of 1642-1644 by 1646 Forts had been built at the edge of the west at that time. They were at the Falls of the James , the Pamunkey, the Chickahominy and Appomattox rivers Land grants were given to anyone who would build a fort and staff it with 10 armed men to protect the wilderness these men were called Undertaker. These forts led to the expansion of trade into the region beyond. In 1650 an expedition headed by Abraham wood launched an expedition into the west that led to the discovery of the head of the Roanoke at confluence of the Santon and Dan Rivers. Fur was a driving force and through military and political wrangling from 1652 till 1660 Europe vied for control of the trade by 1660 England pushed the Dutch and Netherland contenders out of the new world and beginning a push for westward expansion in search of fur. Exploration of the west went on in spite of the Kings objections and in 1670 John Lederer was the first European to set foot into present West Virginia. The 1671 Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam was the most important who discovered the New River note worthy as a river that flowed west rather than east. They named the River Wood River after Adam Wood but it didn't stick. They went as far as Peter falls at the present boarder of VA/WV. In 1673 another expedition led to the discovery of the Kanawha Valley. In 1675 war broke out in the west shutting down the fur trade. French explorer La Salle explored Branches of the Ohio as early as 1669. Time line of settlement 1642-44 Indian war held back exploration 1646 Early forts allowed for exploration 1670 John Lederer first to set foot in WV 1671 Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam Expedition discovered the New river and Peters Falls at VA/WV border 1673 Batts/ Fallam discovered the Kanawha Valley 1716 Spotswood expedition into the Shenandoah Valley through Swift Run Gap 1717 there may have been a settlement at Potomoke that may have been near present day Shepherdstown. Presbyterian Church records show a request from Potomoke for ministry to be established there 1726 Morgan Morgan is said to be the first WV settler