New England spread

I recently discussed L. K. Mathews' The Expansion of New England. I mentioned maps, which are pretty tiny in the text and difficult to read. I decided to blow some up with a scanner for closer scrutiny. The accompanying map of 1830 Northwest Territory shows dark shaded areas settled by New Englanders who established their traditions and organization, amid areas settled by all others.

This map shows the development that happened in a space of less than 30 years during the amazing expansion. By 1800 only a few settlements on the fringe of Ohio existed, following the consolidation after the Revolution. The country was poor, but it had land and needed markets and produce and commerce. Land was cheap and Revolutionary War veterans were paid with bounty lands. Major purchases were made by investors and sold off early in Ohio and New York, but the Cincinnati  federal land office opened in 1800. Other settlements developed as Michigan was added.

The New Englanders brought their distinctive institutions and civic practices to their settlements, and spread much of it to surrounding territory. Civic organization, education and similar institutions were established with distinctive Congregationalist/Presbyterian foundations and values, which mostly infused through out their territory. Other settlers came from the south and central coast.

Scenemaker

6 Nov 2014