A History of the Appalachian Mountains (1607 to 2015)

Produced for all middle school and high school US History students in collaboration with CHatGPT

Appalachian Sunset is a painting by Steph Moraca which was uploaded on January 26th, 2020.

The Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains have played a significant role in US history from the early colonial period in 1607 to modern times in 2015. Here are some of the ways that the Appalachian Mountains have impacted US history:

Appalachian Regional Commission’s Map of Appalachia

Early colonial period:

During the early colonial period, the Appalachian Mountains served as a significant obstacle to westward expansion for the English colonists. The Proclamation Act of 1763 was issued by the British government to establish a boundary line along the Appalachian Mountains beyond which colonists were not allowed to settle. The proclamation was designed to limit conflicts with Native American tribes and prevent costly military interventions.

The Proclamation Act had significant consequences for the English colonists, who saw the western territories as a land of opportunity. Many colonists disregarded the proclamation and continued to move westward, leading to tensions with the British government and conflicts with Native American tribes.

The French and Indian War, fought between 1754 and 1763, was a significant conflict that played out in the Appalachian Mountains. The French used the mountains as a defensive barrier against British expansion, while the British sought to control the Ohio Valley and establish a presence in the region. The conflict ultimately ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which saw the French cede their North American territories to the British.

Despite the Proclamation Act, many colonists continued to push westward, and it was not until the mid-1700s that they were able to cross the Appalachian Mountains and settle in the Ohio Valley. The development of new transportation routes, including the Cumberland Road, helped to open up the western territories and paved the way for further westward expansion.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains served as a natural barrier to westward expansion during the early colonial period. The Proclamation Act of 1763 was issued to limit conflicts with Native American tribes, but many colonists disregarded the proclamation and continued to move westward. The French and Indian War was fought in the region, and it was not until the mid-1700s that the colonists were able to cross the mountains and settle in the Ohio Valley.

The Proclamation Act of 1763

American Revolution:

The Appalachian Mountains played a significant role during the American Revolution, serving as a key area of conflict between British and American forces. Here are some ways that the mountains impacted the course of the war:

• Defensive barrier: The Appalachian Mountains served as a natural barrier between the colonies and British-controlled territories to the west. This made it difficult for British forces to launch an invasion of the colonies, as they would have to cross the rugged terrain of the mountains.
• Strategic location: The Appalachian Mountains were a strategic location for both the British and American forces. The British used the mountains as a defensive barrier, while the Americans used the mountains as a place to hide and launch surprise attacks.
• Guerrilla warfare: The mountains were an ideal location for guerrilla warfare, a tactic used by American forces to harass and disrupt British troops. American soldiers, including the famous Daniel Morgan, used their knowledge of the rugged terrain to launch surprise attacks on British troops.
• Battle of Kings Mountain: The Battle of Kings Mountain, fought in October 1780, was a significant American victory that took place in the Appalachian Mountains. American forces, led by men from the backcountry of Virginia and the Carolinas, defeated a British force that had been sent to crush the Patriot rebellion in the region. The victory at Kings Mountain was a turning point in the war in the South.
• British retreat: As the war progressed, the British found it increasingly difficult to maintain control over the Appalachian Mountains. In 1781, British General Cornwallis was forced to retreat through the mountains after his defeat at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as a defensive barrier, a strategic location for both British and American forces, and a site of guerrilla warfare. The mountains were the site of the important American victory at Kings Mountain, and they played a role in the British retreat from the colonies.

Early 1800s:

During the early 1800s, the Appalachian Mountains continued to play a significant role in the expansion and development of the United States. Here are some ways that the mountains impacted this period of US history:

• Cumberland Road: The Cumberland Road, also known as the National Road, was a major transportation route that connected the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The road was built in the early 1800s and crossed over the Appalachian Mountains, opening up the western territories for settlement and economic growth.
• Industrial Revolution: The Appalachian Mountains were a significant source of natural resources, including coal, timber, and iron ore, that were vital for the growth of the American economy during the Industrial Revolution. The development of the railroad system, including the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, also helped to spur economic growth in the region.
• Westward expansion: The Appalachian Mountains were a significant obstacle to westward expansion during the early colonial period, but the development of new transportation routes, including the Cumberland Road made it easier for settlers to cross the mountains and settle in the western territories.
• Battle of New Orleans: The Battle of New Orleans, fought in January 1815, was a significant American victory that took place during the War of 1812. American forces, led by General Andrew Jackson, defeated a British force that had been sent to capture the city. The victory helped to solidify American control over the western territories, including the areas beyond the Appalachian Mountains.
• Removal of Native American tribes: The early 1800s were also marked by the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. This included the Trail of Tears, which saw the forced relocation of the Cherokee people from their lands in Georgia to Indian Territory, located in what is now Oklahoma. The removal of Native American tribes from their lands helped to open up new territories for settlement and economic development, including areas beyond the Appalachian Mountains.
• The Erie Canal: The Erie Canal had several impacts on the Appalachian region, including: Economic growth: The canal helped to spur economic growth in the Appalachian region by opening up new markets for agricultural goods and other products. Farmers in the Midwest were able to ship their goods to the East Coast more easily, while manufacturers in the East Coast were able to transport their goods to the Midwest more quickly and cheaply. Urbanization: The Erie Canal played a significant role in the growth of cities like New York and Buffalo, which became major transportation hubs for goods and people moving between the East Coast and the Midwest. The canal also helped to spur the growth of smaller towns along its route. Westward expansion: The Erie Canal made it easier for settlers to move westward, as it provided a cheap and efficient means of transportation. The canal helped to open up the western territories beyond the Appalachian Mountains and paved the way for further westward expansion.
• The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The B&O was the first common carrier railroad in the United States, and it opened in 1830 and it had several impacts on the Appalachian region, including: Transportation: The B&O provided a fast and reliable means of transportation for people and goods between the East Coast and the Ohio River Valley. The railroad connected Baltimore to Wheeling, West Virginia, and eventually extended as far west as St. Louis, Missouri. The B&O was a critical link in the transportation network that helped to open up the western territories beyond the Appalachian Mountains. Economic growth: The B&O helped to spur economic growth in the Appalachian region by providing a faster and more efficient means of transportation for goods and people. The railroad made it possible to transport goods like coal and iron ore more easily, and it helped to connect markets and producers across the region. Industrial development: The B&O played a significant role in the industrial development of the Appalachian region, as it provided a reliable means of transporting raw materials like coal and iron ore to factories and mills throughout the region. The railroad also helped to facilitate the growth of new industries, such as steel production. Westward expansion: Like the Erie Canal, the B&O helped to facilitate westward expansion by providing a faster and more efficient means of transportation. The railroad helped to open up the western territories beyond the Appalachian Mountains and made it possible for settlers to move westward more easily.

In summary, the Erie Canal played a significant role in the early 1800s in terms of the development of the Appalachian region and the United States as a whole. The canal helped to spur economic growth, urbanization, and westward expansion, and paved the way for further economic and territorial growth in the years to come.

The National Road (aka the Cumberland Road)

The Erie Canal

The Trail of Tears

Industrial Revolution:

The Appalachian Mountains played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution in terms of the extraction of natural resources, including coal, timber, and iron ore. The industrialization of the United States during the 19th century created a high demand for raw materials and energy sources, and the Appalachian Mountains were an abundant source of these resources.

1. Coal mining: The Appalachian region is home to some of the largest coal reserves in the United States, and coal mining became a significant industry during the Industrial Revolution. Coal was used as a fuel for steam engines, which powered trains, ships, and factories. The coal mines of the Appalachian region helped to fuel the growth of the steel and manufacturing industries.
2. Timber industry: The Appalachian Mountains were also a source of timber, which was used in the construction of homes, furniture, and other products. The timber industry in the Appalachian region became a significant industry during the Industrial Revolution, and it helped to fuel economic growth in the region.
3. Iron ore mining: The Appalachian Mountains are also home to significant iron ore deposits, which were used in the production of steel. The iron ore mines of the Appalachian region played a critical role in the growth of the steel industry in the United States.
4. Transportation: The development of transportation infrastructure, including railroads and canals, helped to facilitate the extraction and transportation of natural resources from the Appalachian Mountains to other parts of the country. The Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad played significant roles in the transportation of raw materials and finished products from the Appalachian region to other parts of the country.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution in terms of the extraction of natural resources. The coal mines, timber industry, and iron ore mines of the Appalachian region were critical to the growth of the steel and manufacturing industries in the United States. The development of transportation infrastructure helped to facilitate the transportation of these resources to other parts of the country.

The Appalachian Coal Miner

The Appalachian Loggin Industry

Civil War:

The Appalachian Mountains played a significant role during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Here are some of the ways that the mountains impacted the course of the war:

1. Strategic location: The Appalachian Mountains were a strategic location for both the Union and Confederate forces. The mountains served as a natural barrier between the North and South, and both sides sought to control key mountain passes and valleys.
2. Control of resources: The Appalachian Mountains were a critical source of natural resources, including coal and iron ore. Both the Union and Confederacy sought to control these resources in order to support their war efforts.
3. Battle sites: Several significant battles of the Civil War were fought in the Appalachian Mountains. The Battle of Antietam, fought in 1862, was one of the bloodiest battles of the war and took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in the Appalachian Mountains. The Battle of Chickamauga, fought in 1863, was another significant battle that took place in the mountains of Georgia.
4. Guerrilla warfare: The rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains was ideal for guerrilla warfare, a tactic used by both Union and Confederate forces. Guerrilla fighters were able to use the mountains to launch surprise attacks on enemy troops and disrupt supply lines.
5. Military strategy: The Appalachian Mountains played a key role in the military strategies of both the Union and Confederacy. The Confederacy hoped to use the mountains as a defensive barrier, while the Union sought to control key mountain passes in order to gain access to the southern heartland.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains played a significant role in the American Civil War, serving as a strategic location, a source of resources, a site of significant battles, a location for guerrilla warfare, and a key element of military strategy for both the Union and Confederacy.

Great Depression:

The Appalachian Mountains were heavily impacted by the Great Depression of the 1930s. The region was already facing economic challenges prior to the depression, including a decline in the coal and timber industries and a lack of infrastructure investment. The Great Depression worsened these economic challenges and had a lasting impact on the region. Here are some of the ways that the Appalachian Mountains were impacted by the Great Depression:

1. Economic hardship: The Great Depression led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship throughout the Appalachian region. Many families lost their farms and homes and were forced to migrate to other areas in search of work.
2. New Deal programs: The New Deal, a series of economic programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, had a significant impact on the Appalachian Mountains. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created jobs and provided infrastructure investment in the region. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and economic development in the region.
3. Agricultural adjustment: The Great Depression led to a decline in agricultural prices, which impacted farmers in the Appalachian region. The Agricultural Adjustment Act, part of the New Deal, provided subsidies to farmers and helped to stabilize agricultural prices.
4. Unionization: The Great Depression led to an increase in unionization efforts throughout the Appalachian region. Coal miners and other workers organized and demanded better working conditions and higher wages.
5. Environmental degradation: The economic challenges of the Great Depression led to increased logging and mining in the Appalachian Mountains, which had a lasting impact on the region’s environment. The loss of forests and topsoil contributed to erosion and degradation of the region’s natural resources.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains were heavily impacted by the Great Depression, leading to widespread economic hardship, infrastructure investment through New Deal programs, agricultural adjustment, unionization efforts, and environmental degradation. The effects of the Great Depression had a lasting impact on the region, shaping its economic and social landscape for years to come.

The TVA

Modern times:

In modern times, the Appalachian Mountains continue to play a significant role in the United States in various ways. Here are some of the ways that the mountains impact modern times:

1. Energy production: The Appalachian Mountains are still a significant source of energy production in the United States, particularly coal and natural gas. However, the decline of the coal industry has led to an economic downturn in some areas of the region.
2. Environmental issues: The Appalachian Mountains are home to important ecosystems, but also face environmental challenges such as mountaintop removal mining, which has led to the destruction of habitats and pollution of streams and rivers.
3. Outdoor recreation: The Appalachian Mountains are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. The Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile footpath that extends from Georgia to Maine, is a significant attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
4. Cultural heritage: The Appalachian region has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions of music, food, and crafts that have been passed down through generations. The region is also home to several cultural and historical sites, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
5. Economic development: The Appalachian region continues to face economic challenges, including high poverty rates and limited access to education and healthcare. Efforts are underway to promote economic development in the region, including investments in infrastructure, education, and job training programs.

In summary, the Appalachian Mountains continue to impact modern times in a variety of ways, including energy production, environmental issues, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and economic development. The region faces ongoing challenges, but efforts are underway to address these issues and promote sustainable growth and development.

Short Answer Questions

1. Briefly describe ONE significant difference between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains in terms of their historical development.
2. Briefly describe ONE factor that contributed to the forced relocation of Native American tribes along the Trail of Tears.
3. Briefly describe ONE significant similarity between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains in terms of their impact on westward expansion.
4. Briefly describe ONE historical situation that led to the Proclamation Act of 1763.
5. Briefly describe ONE reason why the French used the Appalachian Mountains as a defensive barrier against British expansion during the French and Indian War.
6. Briefly describe ONE historical development that led to the construction of the Erie Canal.
7. Briefly describe ONE outcome of the Battle of New Orleans in relation to the Appalachian Mountains and westward expansion.
8. Briefly describe ONE factor that contributed to the economic growth of the Appalachian Mountains during the Industrial Revolution.
9. Briefly describe ONE cause of the decline of the coal and timber industries in the Appalachian Mountains in modern times.
10. Briefly describe ONE reason why the Appalachian Mountains were a significant location for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.
11. Briefly describe ONE factor that led to the growth of the timber industry in the Appalachian Mountains during the Industrial Revolution.
12. Briefly describe ONE historical development that led to the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
13. Briefly describe ONE historical situation that led to the decline of the fur trade in the Appalachian Mountains.
14. Briefly describe ONE outcome of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s construction in relation to the Appalachian Mountains and westward expansion.
15. Briefly describe ONE factor that contributed to the growth of the steel industry in the Appalachian Mountains during the Industrial Revolution.

APUSH Key Concepts

The below consists of the APUSH CED Key Concepts that explicitly mention the Appalachian Mountains

KC-3.3.II.A The U.S. government forged diplomatic initiatives aimed at dealing with the continued British and Spanish presence in North America, as U.S. settlers migrated beyond the Appalachians and sought free navigation of the Mississippi River.

KC-4.2.III.A Large numbers of international migrants moved to industrializing Northern cities, while many Americans moved west of the Appalachians, developing thriving new communities along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

KC-4.3.II.A As over-cultivation depleted arable land in the Southeast, slaveholders began relocating their plantations to more fertile lands west of the Appalachians, where the institution of slavery continued to grow.