[Originally published Sept. 9, 2021]
“Getting There is Half the Fun” didn’t apply to moving in 1806 — especially moving to the wilderness. Our immigrants brought chests of their most precious belongings with them on their voyage from Bristol to Philadelphia. They would have had to buy wagons (and teams of horses to pull them) in Philadelphia — and the goods and supplies they would need.
Some may have purchased some flocks and/or herds when they passed through Lancaster Co.’s rich farm lands.
A wagon train might only make 10 or 12 miles a day. Usually, the able-bodied walked beside their wagon so it was a tiring journey.
At the time, some city streets were paved with brick or cobblestones, but outside the cities, all roads were deeply rutted dirt roads. Bridges were scarce, so most streams were crossed by fording. If there was a heavy rain, you had to wait a few days for the waters to recede enough for a safe crossing. Inns were few and far between and only had a few rooms. Most of the rooms had several large beds, which travelers were expected to share — 4 or more to a bed — and also share with the lice.
Their most likely route (see modern map below — obviously the highways weren’t here then) is to go west from Philly through Norristown & Lancaster to Harrisburg (about 110 miles). Then follow the Susquehanna north to Sunbury (abt. 45 mi). Then follow the West Branch of the Susquehanna north to Williamsport & west to Jersey Shore, PA (abt 55 mi.) for a total of approximately 220 miles.
Some may have purchased some flocks and/or herds when they passed through Lancaster Co.’s rich farm lands.
At Jersey Shore they left the road and followed an Indian trail north along Pine Creek (located at the final ‘e’ in “Jersey Shore”) to what is now Waterville (about 12 mi.) That trail would have been almost as good as a road. Then they left the main trail and took a much less traveled one north-north-east up Little Pine Creek (not shown) through the virgin forest to a spot above the first ‘A’ in “Pennsylvania.”
— And got their first sight of their new land — 14,000 acres of steep hillsides covered with huge pines and hemlocks. Their journey was over, but their challenges were just beginning.
COMMENTS:
Sarah Larson — Truly enjoy your historical narrative.
Mel Florence — William, you do such a wonderful job describing in detail these historical times, and the paths of our ancestors. Just love it! Thank you!!