Thanks to all who responded to my question about navigability of the Potomac.  I have already ordered a copy of "George Washington's America..." and will surely give special emphasis to the maps listed in the Smithsonian article.  Be assured that I will check out all the suggestions that you all gave me.

I have no family tradition about a boat trip up the Potomac.  My Richards family shows up in (probably) Fairfax Co. in 1740.  The other great question plaguing us is "Where did they come from?"

Several children are reputed to have been born in VA.  One actually stated during life that he was born in Fairfax Co. The last child born to this family was in 1784.  In 1792 the mother and sons appear on the tax lists in Mason Co., KY.  

I had corresponded with Paul Drake about the likely route west.  He responded that the Gt. Valley Road, Cumberland Gap and then north to Maysville (Limestone) would be most likely.  This last spring I drove that route, learning that Cumberland Gap during that period was a trail for pack mules -- wagons didn't pass through there until after my people would have.  That started me wondering about Braddock's Road and river passage on the Potomac, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers.

Obviously this is a question that may never be resolved.  Mine was a family of little consequence and virtually no records.  I had hoped that knowing the most likely route might put me in touch with people or counties whose records might give me a clue.  Still hoping.

Passing through Ft. Boonesborough gave me a whole new picture of my family.  I had never imagined them in buckskins before.  This brings me to another question:  Does anyone have suggestions where I can get information about the transition from "city" living in VA to life on the frontier.  Where did they learn how to prepare; what supplies to take; how to make the journey?  

Thank you all again.  This is an awesome list where a great deal of knowledge and experience are collected.  You are all wonderful.

Claude Richards
 
"Government is not reason. It is not eloquence. Government is force; like fire it is a dangerous servant -- and a fearful master.” 

—George Washington

 		 	   		  
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