Part 3

Some of them were young men, descended from revolutionary patriots. Others were adverturous spirits to whom any change might be for the better.[145]

The emigration westward, even in 1788, was very great, the commandant at Fort Harmar reporting forty-five hundred persons having passed that post between February and June of that year.[146] Emigrants were constantly passing down the Ohio for Kentucky in 1789.[147] Prior to the year 1795, the east side of the river, for about ten or twenty miles below Wheeling was generally well settled. There were few settlements on the opposite shore until the Muskingum River was reached, and from here to Limestone, "except at the mouth of the Great Kanhaway," the country on both sides of the river was a wilderness.[148] "Till the years 1796-1797 the banks of the Ohio were so little populated that they scarcely consisted of thirty families in a space of four hundred miles."[149]

From the time of the Treaty of Greenville the inhabitants in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and the adjoining States, had gone on increasing with astonishing rapidity, and swarms were pressing forward from the new settlements even beyond the Mississippi.[150] The emigrants from the Eastern States, established themselves in general on the Ohio. The emigrants from Jersey and Maryland spread themselves on both sides of the river, as they descended the Ohio, but during the years, 1793-1796, it was observed that they settled rather on the right than the left, particularly on both the Miamis, the Muskingum, the Great and Little Sciotos, and the Wabash.[151] During this time the population of Kentucky did not increase much, owing to the dearness of land, and the uncertainty of tenures, which led the emigrants to prefer the Northwest Territory, where the land was equally good, and the titles indisputable.[152] Emigrants from Virginia and North Carolina went into Kentucky, and those from the Carolinas and Georgia settled in Tennessee.[153] Before the close of the year 1796, the white population of the Northwest had increased to about five thousand, chiefly distributed in the lower valleys of the Muskingum, Scioto, and Miami Rivers, and on their small tributaries, within fifty miles of the Ohio River.[154]

By an act of May 7, 1800, the Northwest Territory was divided into two parts and placed under separate territorial governments; the western division was called Indiana.[155] The population was divided into three settlements, which were widely separated. One of these was at the Falls of the Ohio opposite Louisville; another at Vincennes, and distant from the first more than one h hundred miles; and the other comprised the French population in the tract extending from Kaskaskia to Cahokia, on the Mississippi, two hundred miles from Vincennes[156], Illinois from 1800 to 1809, made a part of the Indiana Territory, and was, during that period, under the laws and jurisdiction of that Territory. February 3, 1809, the Territory of Illinois was established by an Act of Congress.[157] April 30, 1802, Congress passed the Enabling Act[158] for the formation of the State of Ohio, and on February 19, 1803, passed an "act to provide for the execution of the laws of the United States within the State of Ohio."[159]

Ohio is described by one traveler as being settled by "people from New England, the region of industry, economy, and steady habits."[160] As early as 1800 a New England emigrant was not common, the settlers coming principally from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, and some from Pennsylvania.

In 1800 there were about twelve hundred French Creoles and from eight hundred to one thousand Americans living in Illinois about nine-tenths of the State being occupied by the Indians.[161] The first colony of Europeans who formed a settlement in Illinois were Irish, and located on the Ohio River in 1804 or 1805.[162] From 1805-1809 the whole country on the margin of the Ohio, Wabash, and Mississippi Rivers, from where Alton now stands to Vincennes, commenced to improve.[163]

The population of the States increased during this period as follows:[164]

_1790_ _1800_ _1810_

West Virginia 90,000 11,000 132,000

Ohio 45,000 230,760

Indiana 24,520

Illinois 12,282

Kentucky 73,677 220,959 406,511

Missouri (1799) 6,005 20,845.[1]

[1] Hall, J., The West, 248.

In the early part of the great era of westward emigration the most important thoroughfare from the New England and Middle States to the Ohio Valley was the Pennsylvania Road, or "Pittsburg Pike" built in 1785-1787 by Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature. It extended 197 miles from Carlisle to Pittsburg. Even after the construction of the Cumberland 1806-1818, from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling, Virginia, (and subsequently as far west as Vandalia, Illinois), the majority of traders and travelers from Baltimore and Washington, as well as from more northern points, made use of this route, coming into it generally from McConnellstown, 130 miles from Pittsburg.[165] The few roads that crossed the mountains, were so wretchedly bad that wagons toiled over them with great difficulty, and a large portion of the merchandise was carried on the backs of horses.[166] The emigrants came out in wagons covered with tow cloth,[167] and drawn by oxen[168], or by two and four horse teams.[169] Upon reaching Pittsburg, the horses and wagons were sold at a great sacrifice,[170] or were carried down the Ohio River to the new home of the emigrant.[171]

Pittsburg, the great gateway of the West, stood at the point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers joined to form the Ohio River, and was the usual point of embarkation for emigrants bound down the river. As early as the year 1784 Pittsburg was inhabited almost entirely by the Scotch and Irish who lived in paltry log houses. A good deal of trade was carried on, the goods being brought from Baltimore and Philadelphia at the expense of 45 shillings per hundred, and exchanged by the merchants in the shops, for money, wheat, flour and skins.[172] Merchandise was sent from Pittsburg in Keels and flatboats down the Ohio to Limestone and Louisville. In the spring of the year 1784 the town was laid out and surveyed by Col. George Woods, by order of Teucle Francis, attorney for John Penn, and J. Penn, Junior.[173] John Pope in 1790 gives most anything but a pleasing account of the town. He says, "The town at present, is inhabited with only some few exceptions, by mortals who act as if possessed of a charter of exclusive privilege to filch from, annoy, and harass her fellow creatures, particularly the incautious and necessitous; many who have emigrated from various parts of Kentucky can verify the charge. Goods of every description are dearer in Pittsburg than in Kentucky, which I attribute to a combination of pensioned scoundrels who infest the place."[174] The increase of the town was not rapid until the year 1793, in consequence of the inroads of the savage tribes which impeded the growth of the neighboring settlements. The Western insurrection more generally known as the "Whiskey War," once more made this the scene of commotion, and is said to have given pittsburg a new and revising impulse, by throwing a considerable sum of money into circulation.[175] From that time it increased rapidly, and on April 22, 1794 was incorporated as a borough.[176] In 1795 Pittsburg contained about two hundred houses, fifty brick and frame, and the remainder log[177].

The surplus produce of the country about Pittsburg, was, during this time, consumed by the numerous emigrants who were continually passing down the Ohio.[178] Goods from Philadelphia and Baltimore were sent to Pittsburg, stored there in warehouses,[179] and later sent down the Ohio to Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Northwest Territory.[180] The gain on these goods sent to Kentucky was about 33 per cent.[181] Little effort had been made to establish manufactures, even for articles of the first necessity, these being obtained from Philadelphia and Baltimore at exorbitant prices.[182] The carriage from Philadelphia to Pittsburg was from $8 to $10, and from Baltimore $7 ot $8, two wagons, nevertheless, coming from Philadelphia against one from Baltimore.[183]

Boat building was carried on in Pittsburg at this time, but Collot advised travelers to buy their boats on the Monongahela, where the greater number were built as they would in that way be able to save much time and about one-third of the expense.[184] By the year 1802 the ship building industry had assumed importance in Pittsburg, one of the principal ship yards being upon the Monongahela The lumber being near at hand rendered the expense of building less than that in the Atlantic States. The cordage was manufactured at Redstone and Lexington, and sent also to Marietta and Louisville where ships were built.[185] In 1802 a three mast vessel of 150 tons and bin of 90 were launched at Pittsburg, and during the spring of 1803, three ships from 160 to 275 tons were launched.[186] The merchants living in or near Pittsburg were either the partners, or else the factors, belonging to the houses of Philadelphia.[187] Trading boats were sent out from Pittsburg to supply the settlements along the River.[188]

Schultz, 1807, writes thus of Pittsburg, "There are probably between 60 and 70 stores, well stocked with every kind of goods. The price of wagon carriage from this distance, (Philadelphia and Baltimore), is $5 and $6 a hundred pounds weight. It contains between 400 and 500 houses. From the best information I could collect, it is supposed to contain at least 2500 inhabitants, the most of whom are German and Irish settlers from various parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. This town has likewise a number of public buildings, principally built of brick. Ship building is carried on here with considerable spirit; they have already launched about one dozen brigs and schooners. Boat building, boat buying, and boat selling seem to be part of the business of at least half of the town. Pittsburg has likewise a considerable number of factories established already, among which may be enumerated distilleries, breweries, printing presses, an air furnace, a glass house and cotton factory; likewise, smaller establishments for the manufacture of nails, brushes, ropes, copperware, tinware, and earthenware, with many others too tedious to mention, Pittsburg appears to be in the "full tide of successful experiment."[189]

Fort Washington was established on the present site of Cincinnati in 1789,[190] and at that time, 1789, the settlement numbered 20 log cabins.[191] In 1792, fifty persons were added by emigration, and in 1802 the Territorial legislature incorporated the town of Cincinnati. The population of Cincinnati, 1792, consisted of about 250 inhabitants, living in 30 log cabins; within the next four years the population increased to 600, and the cabins to 100, besides which there were about 15 frame houses,[192] with stone chimneys. Collot in 1796 says, "The town of Cincinnati contains already 300 families. The spot offers no advantage for commerce; and it is probable that when the army shall have left this place, whatever industry it possesses will be carried to the little town of Newport."[193] Such was this traveler's opinion of the town which was later to become one of the greatest commercial centers of the Ohio country. By the year 1805 the population did not exceed 500;[194] in 1807 Cincinnati contained about 300 houses, had a bank, market-house, printing office, and a number of stores well stocked with every kind of merchandise in demand in the country.[195] About the year 1808 a disastrous period commenced which lasted until 1818, during which a short period of imprudent banking and wild speculation ensued, which proved disastrous to the city.[196] In 1810 Cincinnati contained 2320 inhabitants.[197]

Wheeling settled in 1770, contained in the year 1795 about 50 log and frame houses.[198] Harris in 1803 says that "Wheeling is increasing very rapidly in population and in prosperous trade; and is, next to Pittsburg, the most considerable place of embarkation to traders and emigrants, anywhere in the western waters. During the dry season, great quantities of merchandise are brought hither, designed to supply the inhabitants on the Ohio River, and the waters that flow into it, as boats can go from hence, when they cannot from higher up the river. Boat building is carried on at this place to a great extent, and several large keel boats and some vessels have been built."[199] At this point the great post roads from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Northern Virginia united, and crossed the river, on the route through the States of Ohio and Kentucky, to Tennessee, and New Orleans.[200] In 1807 Wheeling contained about 200 houses, amongst which there was a considerable number of stores, well supplied with every kind of merchandise. It still continued to draw trade away from Pittsburg, many of the lower country merchants preferring to send their goods overland to this place, rather than risk a detention of 3 or 4 weeks at Pittsburg.[201]

The settlement of the Ohio Company's purchase commenced in April 1788, when they planted the colony of Marietta at the junction of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.[202] By the end of the year about 300 persons had settled in Marietta, and aside from these there was not a single white family within the present bounds of Ohio.[203] In 1795 the town contained about 200 wooden houses, and was protected from theattacks of the Indians by soldiers stationed there. From 1790-1795 the Indians were very troublesome and stole a great number of horses from the settlers.[204] The population, at this time, was composed of five or six hundred families from New England and a few unfortunate French families, the victims of American land speculators, and of the ignorance of the chiefs of the Scioto Company.[205]

As early as the year 1798 or 1799 Commodore Preble built a brig of 120 tons at this place, which probably was the first sea vessel launched in the western waters.[206] "The inhabitants of Marietta were the first that had an idea of exporting directly to the Carribee Islands the produce of the country, in a vessel built in their own town, which they sent to Jamaica. The success which crowned this first attempt excited such emulation among the inhabitants of that part of the western country, that several new vessels were launched at Pittsburg and Louisville, and expedited to the Isles, or to New York and Philadelphia."[207] The ship yard at Marietta was on the Muskingum, and there in 1803 was built the brig "Mary Avery" of 130 tons.[208] The ship building industry increased; ships completely equipped for sea at $50 a ton, brigs, schooners,[209] and bun boats[210] were built at Marietta in 1807. Schultz says, "Ship building is carried on here with more spirit than any other town on the Ohio."[211] From 1801-1808 ship building was carried on with great spirit at Marietta, not less than 20 ships, brigs, and schooners, from 150 to 450 tons being built, besides some gun boats.[212] The embargo of 1808 overwhelmed several of these merchants with ruin, especially such as had ships on hand unsold. One man who had a ship in New Orleans at the time lost $10,000 on her and the cargo. No town in the United States suffered so much as this, according to its capital. Three extensive rope walks, working up large quantities of hemp raised in the country, and furnishing rigging for the ships, were put out of employ, and in a few years fell into ruins. The business of the town did not revive for many years.[213]

Limestone, Kentucky, in 1790 was a little town and the point where emigrants from Virginia disembarked.[214] It later, 1796, became the depot for whatever goods passedfrom Baltimore and Philadelphia to Kentucky.[215] The grow th of the town was slow, and in 1807 they were only 80 houses. Schultz says, "from the great number of boats of every description lying along the shore, it must have a very considerable share of business. Ship building, I was informed, is likewise carried on with much spirit, but I saw nothing of the kind going on while I was there."[216]

Louisville was, in 1796, a small settlement containing from 80 to 100 houses.[217] This was one of the earliest settlements on the Ohio and was rendered the more important at that time, by its position at the Falls of the Ohio. All the boats which touched at Louisville to take pilots were obliged to ascend the river more than two miles above the town to gain the current on the opposite side, which led to considerable expense and loss of time. This disadvantage in the situation of the town probably prevented it from increasing.[218] The Falls were occasioned by a bed of rocks extending from one side of the river to the other. There was a fall of 22½ feet in two miles.[219] In the year 1807 the legislature of Kentucky had incorporated a Company for the purpose of opening a canal around the Falls.[220] At this time Louisville contained 120 houses. Ship and boat building was carried on with considerable spirit.[221] Pilots were appointed to conduct boats over the falls, at the price of $2 per boat.[222]

Steubenville, Ohio, laid out in 1798, and incorporated as a town in 1805,[223] contained, in 1807, about 130 houses, a number of brick buildings, and several stores well stocked with every kind of merchandise.[224] Chillicothe, was laid out on the Scioto by Nathaniel Massie in 1796. Galliopolis, settled in 1791, by a French colony,[225] is a good example of the bad faith of the Scioto Company.[226] This town rapidly declined.[227]

Fort Vincents and Jeffersonville, Indiana, were in 1796, small villages, one of 50 houses,[228] and the other 40 houses.[229]

In 1796 a large number of merchants had already established themselves at Frankfort on the Kentucky River, which was navigable for the largest boats ten months in the year.[230] Henderson, Kentucky, carried on a considerable export trade 1807-1809.[231]

Shawneetown, Illinois, made its first appearance in 1805 and 1806, and increased considerably for some time. Great fleets of Keel boats concentrated at this point, engaged in the salt, and other traffic, and diffused life and energy to the new colonies.[232] Cuming says, 1807-1809, "there were several trading boats, and more appearance of business than I had seen on this side of Pittsburg."[233]

Brownsville, on the Monongahela, and McKeesport on the Youghiogheny carried on an extensive boat-building business, in 1803, furnishing craft for the emigrants.[234]

Such was the beginning of the early rivers towns of the West, many of which were destined, as agriculture, manufactures, and trade developed, to become great commercial centres.

FOOTNOTES:

[125] Peck, J. M., Annals, 320.

[126] American State Papers, V., Indian Affairs, I., 51.

[127] Ibid.

[128] Peck, J. M., Annals, 340.

[129] St. Clair, A., Papers, (Smith's Edition), II., 135, 144.

[130] Burnet, J., Notes, 94.

[131] St. Clair, A., Papers, (Smith's Ed.), II., 184.

[132] Pope, J., Tour, 22.

[133] Burnet, J., Notes, 96.

[134] Ibid. 90.

[135] Flint, T., History and Geography, I., 166.

Latrobe, C. J., Rambler in N. America, I., 103.

[136] American State Papers, V., Indian Affairs, I., 562.

[137] American State Papers, I., Foreign Relations, I., 40 or 30.

[138] Journals of Congress, XII., 58.

[139] Ibid., XII., 62.

[140] Journals of Congress, XII., 62.

[141] Hinsdale, B. A., The Old Northwest, 266.

Journals of Congress, XII., 140, 142, contains some reference to the grant.

[142] Hall, J., Notes, 163.

Winsor, J., Narrative and Critical History, VII., 534-535.

[143] Hildreth, S. P., Memoirs,238.

[144] Hinsdale, B, A., The Old Northwest, 278. American State Papers, XVI., Public Lands, I., 25. Contains some reference to the boundaries of these two grants of land.

Winsor, J., Narrative and Critical History, VII., 535.

[145] Burnet, J., Notes, 42.

[146] Peck, J. M., Annals, 324.

[147] Hildreth, S. P., Memoirs, 104.

[148] Imlay, G., Description of N. America, 28.

[149] Michaux, F. A., Travels, Early W. Travels, III., 189.

[150] Latrobe, C. J., Rambler in N. America, I., 103.

[151] Collot, V., Journey, I., 108-109.

[152] Ibid., I., 107.

[153] Ibid., I., 109.

[154] Peck, J. M., Annals, 501.

[155] Hurd, H. B., Illinois Revised Statutes, 23.

[156] Reynolds, J., My Own Times, 105.

[157] Hurd, H. B., Illinois Revised Statutes, 25.

[158] Poore, B. P., Charters and Constitutions, II., 1453. Hinsdale, B. A., The Old Northwest. 308.

[159] Poore, B. P., Charters and Constitutions, II., 1464.

Hinsdale, B. A., The Old Northwest, 314.

[160] Harris, T. M., Tour, Early W. Travels, III., 353.

[161] Reynolds, J., My Own Times, 32,41.

[162] Ibid., 286.

[163] Ibid., 97.

[164] Peck, J. M., Emigrant's Guide, 12.

[165] Fordham, E. P., Travels, 59 (foot note.)

[166] Hall, J., The West, 118.

[167] Forman, S. S., Journey, 120.

[168] Hildreth, S. P., Memoirs, 436.

[169] Forman, S. S., Journey, 20.

[170] Ibid., 23.

[171] Michaux, F. A., Travels, Early W. Travels, III., 166.

[172] Peck, J. M., Annals, 283. (from Arthur Lee's Journal, 1784)

[173] Hall, J., Sketches, I., 189-190.

Peck, J. M., Annals, 282.

[174] Pope, J., Tour, 17.

[175] Hall, J., Sketches, I., 189-190.

[176] Peck, J. M., Annals, 653.

[177] (Cont.) Chapman, T., Journey, 359.

Collot, V., Journey, I., 137-138. Says there were about 150 houses.

[178] Imlay, G., Description of N. America, 24-25.

[179] Collot, V., Journey, II., 198-199.

[180] Ibid., II., 197.

[181] Ibid., II., 198.

[182] Ibid., I., 39.

[183] Ibid.

[184] Ibid., 23-24; 33-34.

[185] Michaux, F. A., Travels, Early W. Travels, III., 160.

[186] Harris, T. M., Tour, Early W. Travels, III., 344.

[187] Michaux, P. A., Travels, Early W. Travels, III., 159.

[188] Harris, T. M., Tour, Early W, Travels, III., 344.

[189] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 124-126.

[190] Flint, T., History and Geography, I., 105-106.

Howe, H., Historical Collections of Ohio, 206.

Burnet, J., Notes, 46-47.

Peck, J. M., Annals, 330.

[191] Flint, T., History and Geography, I., 106.

[192] Peck, J. M., Annals, 500.

Chapman, T., Journey, 360. (Says there were 260 houses in 1795)

[193] Collot, V., Journey, I., 132-133.

[194] Hall, Basil, Travels, III., 389.

Niles, Weekly Register, XIX., 422.

[195] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 181.

[196] Hall, J., The West, 306-307.

[197] Fordham, E. P., Travels, 190-191.

Hall, J., The West, 266.

[198] Collot, V., Journey, I., 132-133.

[199] Harris, T. M., Tour, Early W. Travels, III., 349.

[200] Cuming, F., Tour, Early W. Travels, IV., 112.

[201] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 136-137.

[202] Burnet, J., Notes, 56.

Peck, J. M., Annals, 322.

[203] Hildreth, S. P., Memoirs, 104.

[204] Chapman, T., Journey, 359-360.

[205] Collot, V., Journey, 71.

[206] Hall, J., Letters, 79.

[207] Michaux, F. A., Travels, Early W. Travels, III., 177.

[208] Harris, T. M., Tour, Early W. Travels, III., 353.

[209] Cuming, F., Tour, Early W. Travels, IV., 123.

[210] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 182.

[211] Ibid., I., 142.

[212] Hildreth, S. P., Memoirs, 161.

[213] Ibid., 309.

Ogden, G. W., Early W. Travels, XIX., 34.

[214] Pope, J., Tour, 18.

Imlay, G., Description of North America, 27.

[215] Collot, V., Journey, 97.

[216] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 179-180.

[217] Collot, V., Journey, I., 150.

Volney, C. F., View of the Climate, etc., 367-368.

[218] Collot, V., Journey, I., 150.

[219] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 190-192.

[220] Ibid., I., 192.

[221] Ibid., I., 190.

[222] Ibid.

[223] Flint, T., History and Geography, I., 413.

Howe, H., Historical Collections of Ohio, 271.

[224] Schultz, C., Travels, I., 134.

[225] Howe, H., Historical Collections of Ohio, 177.