Trans-Appalachia is an area in the United States bounded to the east by the Appalachian Mountains and extending west roughly to the Mississippi River.
[1] During this period, the region gained its own identity, defined by its isolation and separation from the rest of the United States to the east.
Beginning in the 18th century, as open land east of the Appalachian Mountains became increasingly scarce, the region started to receive significant numbers of migrants.
[1] Much of 18th century Trans-Appalachia, especially the Ohio River Valley, was defined by conflict over territory between the British, French, and Native Americans.
[6] Starting in the mid-18th century, Americans who wanted to find a better life in the wilderness traveled several main roads over the Appalachians.