American pioneers had a yearning to move west and discover new lands. Along the way, they had to overcome daunting natural barriers, including the Appalachian Mountains. Immigrants desiring the unclaimed lands to the west traveled from Pennsylvania through the Shenandoah Valley to western North Carolina.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, explores how the pioneers were able to find a gap traversable by wagon and make their way west, and why it still matters today. Read Tom’s blog to learn more.

Photo Credits:
Library of Congress
State Archives of North Carolina
National Park Service
National Portrait Gallery
Digital Library of Appalachia