Correcting Misconceptions about Roads
West Virginia and its People, Vol. 1, by Thomas Condit Miller, pages 58-68
Referencing the same book by Thomas Condit Miller that we have already seen this week, I want to point out some interesting misconceptions about roads that one often hears. In Volume 1, Miller says that it’s not exactly true that roads followed Indian trails and buffalo paths, and he explains why. He describes the difference between a “bridle path” and a “big road,” includes regulations for ferries, and describes construction of various types of bridges. It is interesting reading, in my view, because he writes about concepts that are new to me, carefully describing details that many writers would omit. Though dealing with the whole state, not just Southern West Virginia, this chapter should be helpful in understanding where, when, and how our ancestors got from place to place.
Illustrations are representative only and are believed to be in the public domain.