Fall Line Road

United States    Migration    Trails and Roads    Fall Line Road

At the southeastern edge of the Piedmont is the fall line, where rivers drop to the coastal plain. The fall line was an important early source of water power. Mills built to harness this resource encouraged the growth of several cities, including the capital, Columbia. The larger rivers are navigable up to the fall line, providing a trade route for mill towns.

As roads developed in America settlers were attracted to nearby communities because the roads provided access to markets. They could sell their products at distant markets, and buy products made far away. If an ancestor settled near a road, you may be able to trace back to a place of origin on a connecting highway.

Historical Background

a

Route

(Northeast to Southwest)

• Fredericksburg, Virginia

Settlers and Records

No lists of settlers who used the King's Highway are known to exist.