Common surnames, be honest with yourself. Aren’t these the most fascinating trails to explore? Take, for instance, John Smith. If I had to pick the most popular name for the past 400 […]
Military Bounty Lands: Smith & Johnson Surnames 1607-1775
American Revenue Act 1764
Just as the colonies were coming out of the French and Indian War, illegal trade tactics thrived on the open market. By 1764, the smuggling grew significantly, and George Greenville, the new […]
Christmas In the Frontier
The traditional Christmas celebrations of today are unlike the ones from the colonial period. Today we have millions of presents mixed with countless parties and parades. The shopping season begins in the […]
Seeking Freedom In The Wilderness
For some, it wasn’t enough to migrate to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during the 1740 decade. Although the region beckoned with frontier wilderness, the ever-presence of higher authority meant stipulations and […]
The Southern Migration During The 18th Century
When you begin researching your ancestor’s migration within the American colonies, a few questions quickly come to mind. For example, Why did my ancestors move so far? Did they travel alone on […]
First Major Route of The Colonies-The King’s Highway
The colonies were settled in America beginning with Virginia during 1607. As the immigrants landed, new settlements would arise along the eastern seaboard and by 1732, a total of 13 colonies were […]
Genealogy Tips For 18th & 19th Century Ancestors
10 Things You Should Know About Your Ancestors
Early American Taverns
The definition of a tavern in today’s dictionary, means an establishment offering beer and liquor for sale while allowing consumption on the premises. During the colonial period, the tavern meant much more […]
Early Pioneers of Western North Carolina
Present Day Watauga County
Piedmont Trails 