Existing comment:
Monongahela River: River Route to the West:
The Monongahela River served as one of many "river highways" to the western territories. Since there were few overland roads west of here, most settlers rafted north (to your right) on the Monongahela River to Pittsburgh, then down the Ohio River to new opportunity.
As a land speculator, Albert Gallatin hoped to prosper from his river location and the town of New Geneva that he established nearby. But 19th-century canals and roads by-passed this area, dashing his dreams of riches. Today, this view west no longer looks upon the wilderness Gallatin knew, but upon the industry he envisioned.
" ... I should have been contented to live and die amongst the Monongahela hills... "
-- Albert Gallatin in a letter to John Badellet, February 7, 1833 |