The Mountains of the Blue Haze

Genealogy tips by Jeannette Holland Austin

The Blue Ridge Mountains is the home of European settlements in America. During the 1700s droves of the Engish, Scotch-Irish and Germany emigrated to the port city of Philadelphia and from there moved southwestward along the wagon trail and across the mountains with the blue haze. People held over in Berks County, Pennsylvania until they could make arrangements. Here is a link for Georgia Pioneers subscribers to Berks Co. PA Index to Wills

One consideration for the genealogist is the changing of the North Carolina State line along its western border. While researching this extensive border, one should also research adjoining counties and keep in mind that part of this area was once the State of Franklin. In 1784, those border counties were ultimately located in Eastern Tennessee and became the counties of Wayne, Washington, Sullivan, Spencer, Greene, Caswell, Sevier and Blount. To search these (Tennessee) counties click here on Georgia Pioneers website. The 1700s was a time of many settlements in the western United States. Because so many persons went back East to fight in the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War, this is where you might find your soldier.

If you have not joined the Georgia Pioneers website yet, now might be good time because records are hard to find these days what with the closure of all State Archives. The pleasure of personally visiting archives and libraries looks grim these days due to covid. Become a member of Georgia Pioneers website