Backcountry (historical region)

Generally, the Backcountry was thought to be undeveloped, and was usually under the de facto control of Native American tribes.

The Backcountry was heavily inhabited by various Native American tribes, though a few colonists also traded and settled there.

However, especially towards the late 18th century, more European settlers began to penetrate the Backcountry and settle among the natives.

[1] After the French and Indian War (1754-1763), Great Britain issued the Proclamation of 1763 that forced many English settlers out of the land west of the Appalachians in order to prevent future conflicts.

Upon the establishment of the Northwest Territory in the Great Lakes region and claims by states such as Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia to the southern frontier to the east of the Mississippi River, the region became referred to as the "West".