Finally, after nearly five years of research, we present our first Great Wagon Road Map. Are you excited? We are thrilled!!. Our excitement extends down to our feet as we seem to dance on air today. We still have plenty of work to do, but sharing our map allows us the opportunity to give something back to the old road. The original route deserves our recognition for several reasons. First, the people that traveled this road during the 18th century are special in so many different ways. They chose this rugged road to reach a new chapter. Some were successful, some were not. They experienced hardships, triumphs and losses. Because they made the decision to travel the GWR, they changed the future for the next generations. Secondly, the twists and turns in the road speak to us, revealing their secrets. What did our ancestors witness while they traveled? What landmarks pointed their way? For us, these are the ultimate treasures.

If we could point out one single thing we’ve learned from this whole experience, it would be, Follow the Facts. Research objectively and seek the truth. The Great Wagon Road has led us down many rabbit holes, and that’s ok. The detours allowed us to learn intensively and to be more appreciative of what the GWR really meant to the migrating families. We learned what it also means to us here at the project. To say that this was just a road, doesn’t do it justice. The GWR was a life changing event, a new chapter, a new beginning, and without it, our lives today would have been very different. Think about that for a moment. We, at the project, can say, we’ve stood on the original roadbed, walked its splendor, felt its presence. At times, it felt like we were transformed back to 1750 and at other times, the road disappeared completely into the ground. Finding the artifacts is a feeling that’s hard to describe. One piece of a wheel, remnants of yesterday retrieved from someone who lived over 270 years ago. It’s overwhelming. By standing firm to our goal, we continue to aim forward. We still have more long nights, rainy days, hurting feet, brutal winds, frosty weather, aching hearts, disappointments, and more to go through. But we will keep going. Is it worth it? You bet it is!!!!!!!!

Over the course of several months, we’ve shared information about our historic findings. We’ve included one of our changing history moments with the map. We had to add a specific landmark to demonstrate this in North Carolina, and as promised, we’ve included city names. We’re sure you have questions, and we’re prepared to answer them on our next Live Stream. Join us on January 28th, 2024, @ 7:30 pm Eastern on the Piedmont Trails YouTube channel. To all of you who have followed along with the project, sharing your encouraging words of support, We Thank You! Enjoy the map, my friends. Talk about the GWR to your friends and family. Relish in the past over the holidays and think about the historic significance the GWR has brought us. Vision in your minds how the road has affected your family history and think about the consequences if the road had not existed so long ago. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Until then, Enjoy Your Journey to the Past!