Path Grant Deed facts for kids

The Path Grant Deed is a very old and important paper from 1775. It was a big step for people moving west across the Appalachian Mountains in America. This paper came from talks held at a place called Sycamore Shoals. The land bought with this deed helped Daniel Boone create the Wilderness Road. This road was safer for travelers because it was free from attacks or claims by the Cherokee people. The Path Grant was officially written down much later, on November 15, 1794, in a record book in Hawkins County, Tennessee.

What Was the Path Grant Deed?

The Path Grant Deed was a special agreement made in March 1775. It was about buying a piece of land from the Cherokee people. This land was important because it connected different areas. It helped people travel more easily and safely.

The deed was a key part of America's move westward. It allowed settlers to cross the Appalachian Mountains. These mountains were a natural barrier for many years.

The Path Grant lands are located in North East Tennessee and South West Virginia

Why Was This Deed Important?

This deed was super important for a few reasons. First, it opened up a path for settlers. They could now move into new lands in the west. This was a big deal for the growth of the young American colonies.

Second, it helped make travel safer. Before the deed, traveling through these areas could be dangerous. The Path Grant land helped protect travelers. It made the journey less risky for pioneers.

Third, it allowed for the creation of the Wilderness Road. This famous road became a main route for thousands of people. They used it to settle new territories.

Who Were the Key People Involved?

Several important groups and people were part of the Path Grant Deed. The main groups were the Cherokee Nation and a group of land buyers. These buyers were often called "speculators." They hoped to make money from the land.

The Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee were a powerful Native American tribe. They had lived on these lands for hundreds of years. They were the original owners of the land. The negotiations for the Path Grant involved leaders from the Cherokee Nation. They made the decision to sell this specific path of land.

Daniel Boone and the Wilderness Road

Daniel Boone was a famous American explorer and pioneer. He played a big role in making the Wilderness Road. This road was a trail that went through the Appalachian Mountains. The Path Grant Deed helped him develop this road. It meant he could build the road without worrying about land claims from the Cherokee. The Wilderness Road became a vital route for settlers moving into Kentucky and other western areas.

When Was the Deed Recorded?

Even though the agreement was made in 1775, the Path Grant was officially recorded much later. It was written down on November 15, 1794. This recording happened in a special book called a "Deed Book." It was kept by the registrar in Hawkins County, Tennessee. This official record made the land transfer legal and permanent.