The discovery and the first settlements of the territory of the United States opened a wide range of new possibilities for people across the country back in the 18th century. The nature, native inhabitants, plants, and weather conditions presented aspects for developing convenient life for settlers. People were trying to find a land they would take as a home, and Filson (1784) provided the full description of Kentucky, attracting more Americans to expand the territory. Describing the state’s features, he illustrated its environmental and social advantages as well as the native inhabitants of the land.
Various points may attract settlers to Kentucky. Filson (1784) divided them into two major groups: environmental and social features. The first group included the peculiarities of soil, weather conditions, water resources, plants, and animals. There is a wide range of water resources described by Filson (1784); he mentioned Ohio, Red, Green, Licking, and Kentucky rivers, suited for boat navigation, and various lakes and springs providing good watering for farmers with the option to dig a well. Rich resources contribute to the fertile soil, and comfortable weather conditions secure comfortable living for farmers, during 3-months winter and warm but nor summer due to the rivers. However, the author warned that the environment depends on the winds, which can bring storms or clear the sky. Among the natural world, there are various types of green common only in this part of the country, such as honey-locust, sugar-tree, coffee tree, and papa tree. Therefore, the environmental aspects offer comfortable and beneficial conditions for the new settlers.
The second group of attractive peculiarities consisted of trade, rights, laws, and inhabitants. There are numerous trade possibilities due to the many rivers in the region. However, trade problems are possible with the people down the Mississippi River. But, according to Filson, with the agreement, “Western trade will be nearly equal to any other on the continent of America” (1784, 71). Additionally, the author emphasizes the accessibility of the state for all Americans and their diverse cultures and religions connected in Kentucky to create a unique society. Though the state is under the administration of Virginia, it is temporary. Thus, the region provides good natural assets and a community for every individual looking for a new home.
Native Americans played a significant function in the record of settlements and the development of the American land. However, many people were unfamiliar with their beliefs, social rules, and habits. Hence, there were prejudice and assumptions about native Americans that Filson (1784) tried to clarify in his work. He describes the talents and traits of Indians as inventive, quick learning, and understanding people (Filson, 1784). The author showed that their society has equal rights for all men, without birth or rank division. Additionally, they express great sympathy for friends but will defend their people, fighting enemies to the death. Therefore, this chapter helps to understand the character and society of native Americans without stereotypes.
The article’s most intriguing part for me was the discovery of mammoth bones in the Ohio River. Filson (1784) described his first encounter with bones of such size and the interest they awoke in philosophers. The author mentioned Tartar’s word “maimon,” but this theory was rejected because there was no such creature in America (Filson, 1784). It is interesting to read how the people in the past met mysterious objects and concepts well-known in the present. The article made me question how the first settlers discovered the caves, salt springs, and rapids before it was inhabited as in the Filson’s time, especially how the territory looked before the first settlement.
Therefore, Kentucky’s further settlement, according to Filson, was an excellent opportunity for people across the country to find a new home and create a suitable cultural environment. The weather and natural conditions provided everything for cultivation. Water resources made the trade prospects affordable and promising in the nearer future for Filson and people of 18th century.
Reference
Filson, John (1784). The discovery, settlement and present state of Kentucke: An online electronic text edition. Electronic Texts in American Studies, 3.