The Migration to The Backcountry of Appalachia in Albion's Seed, a Book by David Hackett Fischer

This chapter of David Hackett Fischer’s book Albion’s Seed focuses on the migration of people from Northern England to the backcountry of Appalachia. This period of migration took place between 1717 and 1775. Although this migration happened over many years, about two thirds of those travelling from England arrived in the decade from 1765-1775 (605-608). But theses British settlers were not alone. Thousands of immigrants flooded American shores coming from Northern Ireland, and Scotland. A surprisingly large amount of these new arrivals were female, with a gender ratio of about 149 males to every 100 females coming out of Scotland in the 1770’s (610). Because these immigrants came from several European regions, there was a diverse mixing of ideas as they came together in America. Fischer analyzes the “folkways” (cultural customs and societal values) of these migrants and the integral effects they had on backwoods Appalachian culture and American society as a whole.

The folkways of these backcountry colonists were complicated and multilayered, yet Fischer summarizes them and draws connections between them in a way that paints a clear image of how this backcountry society functioned. From their ideas on family and marriage to their ideas on rank, power and religion their folkways created a unique societal environment that helped shape the future of American culture. Like many other societies, their religious ideas penetrated all other areas of their culture. These backwoods churches were less inclined to accept the heavily structured parishes with established clergy that many other British colonists used as a means of worship. But these country folk still they held tight to their religious beliefs that were an integral part of their culture (703).

Because these immigrants came from diverse backgrounds, there were many religious denominations represented during this time, and their religious ways were the basis for their society during this time in colonial history. Presbyterians especially made their mark on these Appalachian areas of America during this time. Although their beliefs were strongly biblically based, religion and superstition often became muddled together in these backwoods societies. People became obsessed with the idea of sorcery and witchcraft, much of which is still being practiced in these areas of America in modern times. Folklore about witches and goblins living in the mountains became as easily believable as Bible stories themselves (709). This mixture of religious faith and superstitious ideas that began with these early settlers is still alive and well today in many backcountry societies.

The flood of immigrants moving from Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland to backwoods America over the span of almost 60 years brought new culture and diversity to the American cultural landscape. With them they brought their folkways and traditions, which were heavily influenced by their religious ideas as is the case in most societies. Fischer’s analysis of this flood of new American arrivals gives clarity to a complicated mix of folkways coming from several regions in Great Britain. He explains how they came together and created a new society of their own as they tamed the wild mountain country of America. Their influences can still be seen in these Appalachian areas of America today, and their folkways forever changed the future of American society.