Kentucky Neighbors

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The river played a vital role in the development of our country. Before trains, automobiles, and airplanes, the river was the only link to areas divided by water. Land grants given to men who served in the Revolutionary War and the opening of the Northwest Territory opened up new territory for settlement in Ohio and Kentucky. These early pioneers would frequently settle near the banks of a river. Often, families would make their new homes near the river opposite each other, the river being their only link for communication and supplies. As the settlements grew, and population increased these small communities became towns or cities. Many settlements took the name of the first pioneer along with the term “landing,” “place,” or “grove.” Today bridges connect our neighboring states of West Virginia and Kentucky. Terms used in the pioneer days such as landings, place and groves were renamed as the population increased and commerce turned them into a more urban setting.