Early sites for settlements were chosen because of natural advantages such as good water supply, dry land, defence, shelter, farmland and building materials. What is a dry point settlement? In geography, a dry point is an area of firm or flood-free ground in an area of wetland, marsh or flood plains.
What is the land upon which settlement is built?
The piece of land upon which a settlement is built is the settlement site. There are many reasons why a site might be chosen for the development of a settlement and some factors will be more important than others. Wet point sites - these have a good water supply.
What makes a good site for a settlement?
There are many reasons why a site might be chosen for the development of a settlement and some factors will be more important than others. Some common site factors include: Wet point sites - these have a good water supply. Many settlements grew around wet point sites, eg villages in the South Downs.
What is the best way to discuss the history of settlement?
Discuss one ideal site location as a whole class. Explain that extensive settlement in the United States took place during the 1800s. How places were settled changed over time with new transportation technologies. Tell students they will be analyzing locations from 1800, 1830, 1860, 1890, and 1910.
How do students rank sites for a town settlement?
Have students work independently to write a paragraph about each site indicating factors that make it a good selection and factors that make it not a good selection. Then have the students rank sites A, B, C, and D from first choice to last choice for a town settlement. One additional rank is provided for students to include an unlabeled site.
How did the settlement of the United States depend on the location of the land?
Determining where to settle land has always depended on a variety of factors, including proximity and accessibility to needed resources. Locations of landforms such as rivers, mountains, and bays has influenced where towns and cities were built. Advances in transportation—including efficient river travel, railroads, and automobiles—influenced the settlement and growth of cities and towns across the United States.
How many states were there in the 19th century?
During the 19th century, the United States expanded to include all but five of its 50 states (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii all received statehood in the 20th century), and settlements were established throughout the country. Examining the landforms of a state and the changes in transportation help in understanding the “why of where” and that settlement of land is not random.
What to do after groups have reached their decisions?
After the groups have reached their decisions, have a spokesperson for each group present and defend the selections. Project each map from the provided gallery as it is discussed. As the groups defend their selections, make sure students realize they are making assumptions about the site and the settler s. Information not on the maps or in the notes may be just as important as information included. Ask: What is not included on these maps? Brainstorm a list of what is not included.
What are the National Geography Standards?
National Geography Standards. Standard 12 : The processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement. Standard 17 : How to apply geography to interpret the past. Standard 3 : How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface.
Why compromise may be needed?
Explain that compromise may be needed because students might have different ideas for the best sites. Explain that each group will need to defend its selection compared to those made by the other groups. After the groups have reached their decisions, have a spokesperson for each group present and defend the selections.
About the Early Lancaster Settlement
Though Lancaster, the oldest town in Worcester County, was officially incorporated in 1653, actual settlement began about a decade earlier.
Your Tour
We invite you to visit “Twenty-two Sites of Early Settlement” as identified in this brochure at your leisure and in any order you wish. Most sites can be viewed from the sidewalk or the street. We ask that you be respectful of private property and avoid trespassing.
Map References
Third Meeting House – This meeting house was built in 1706 and occupied until 1743.
Get Your Copy Of The Map
You can download the PDF of the 22 Sites of the Early Settlement Map Here.
How can we learn about settlements?
More can be learnt about a settlement by studying its size, placement in the landscape, and its situation in relation to surrounding features.
What is the situation of a settlement?
The situation of a settlement is its position in relation to the surrounding human and physical features, many of which will have an impact on the settlement's type, size and function.
Where are defensive sites found?
Defensive sites - often found on higher ground so that in the past, enemies could be seen from a distance, eg Corfe Castle, Dorset, or in the loop of a meander, eg Durham.
Why are wet point sites important?
Wet point sites - these have a good water supply. Many settlements grew around wet point sites, eg villages in the South Downs.
