Historic Highways of America: Volume 1 - Portage Paths: The Keys of the Continent

The history of America is intertwined with the development of its transportation routes. From the early Native American trails to the modern interstate highway system, these routes have played a crucial role in the nation's growth and prosperity.

Historic Highways of America (Vol. 7) Portage Paths - The Keys of the Continent

by Archer Butler Hulbert

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Language	:	English
File size	:	259 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	96 pages
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Item Weight	:	1.03 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.1 x 0.71 x 9.25 inches
Paperback	:	312 pages

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One of the most important types of transportation routes in early America was the portage path. Portage paths were overland trails that connected navigable waterways. They allowed explorers, traders, and settlers to transport goods and supplies between different rivers and lakes.

Portage paths were essential to the development of the fur trade in North America. French and British fur traders used these paths to transport furs from the interior of the continent to trading posts on the coast. Portage paths also played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. Settlers and pioneers used these paths to transport their families and belongings to new lands in the West.

The Importance of Portage Paths

Portage paths were more than just simple trails. They were complex systems that required careful planning and maintenance. The best paths were those that followed natural routes, such as river valleys or mountain passes. However, even the best paths could be difficult to travel, especially during wet weather.

To overcome these challenges, Native Americans and early settlers often built improvements to portage paths. These improvements included corduroy roads, which were made of logs laid perpendicular to the path; bridges; and culverts.

The importance of portage paths cannot be overstated. They were essential to the development of the fur trade, the westward expansion of the United States, and the transportation of goods and supplies across the continent.

Famous Portage Paths

There were many important portage paths in North America, but some of the most famous include:

• The Niagara Portage: This portage path connected Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and was used by Native Americans, fur traders, and settlers for centuries.
• The portage path at Sault Ste. Marie: This portage path connected Lake Superior to Lake Huron and was used by Native Americans, French fur traders, and American soldiers.
• The Great Miami Portage: This portage path connected the Maumee River to the Great Miami River and was used by Native Americans, British fur traders, and American settlers.
• The Cumberland Road: This portage path connected the Potomac River to the Ohio River and was used by settlers, farmers, and stagecoaches.

The Legacy of Portage Paths

Portage paths played a vital role in the development of the United States. They were the highways of their day, connecting different regions of the country and facilitating the flow of goods and people.

The legacy of portage paths can still be seen today in the layout of many American cities and towns. Many roads and highways follow the same routes that were once used by portage paths. In addition, many parks and recreation areas have been established along the former routes of portage paths.

Portage paths are a reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the people who built them. They are a testament to the importance of transportation routes in the development of any nation.

The story of America's portage paths is a story of exploration, trade, and settlement. It is a story of the people who built these vital routes and the role they played in shaping the destiny of the nation.

Today, portage paths are a reminder of the past and a testament to the importance of transportation routes in the development of any nation.