Great Indian Warpath
Encyclopedia
The Great Indian Warpath (GIW) — also known as the Great Indian War and Trading Path, or the Seneca Trail — was that part of the network of trails in eastern North America
developed and used by Native American
s which ran through the Great Appalachian Valley
. The system of footpath
s (the Warpath branched off in several places onto alternate routes and over time shifted westward in some regions) extended from what is now upper New York
state to deep within Alabama
. Various Indians traded and made war along the trails, including the Catawba
, numerous Algonquian
tribes, the Cherokee
, and the Iroquois
Confederacy. The British traders' name for the route was derived from combining its name among the northeastern Algonquian tribes, "Mishimayagat" or "Great Trail", with that of the Shawnee
and Delaware, "Athawominee" or "Path where they go armed".
(1756–63). When King George III issued a proclamation in 1763 forbidding further settlement beyond the mountains and demanding the return of settlers who had already crossed the Alleghenies, a line was designated roughly following the Seneca Trail.
in the Mobile
area and proceeded north by northeast, bisecting another trail known as the Upper Creek Path and crossing the Tennessee River
near Guntersville
. It then followed roughly the same route as the Tennessee upriver until reaching the vicinity of the modern Bridgeport
. There it crossed the Tennessee once again at the Great Creek Crossing just below the foot of Long Island on the Tennessee, intersecting another path, the Cisca and St. Augustine Trail, which ran from the area of St. Augustine, Florida
to that of Nashville, Tennessee
.
(from Ani-Kusati) because it had once inhabited by the Koasati
.
After following the south bank of the Tennessee River, the Warpath proceeded through Running Water Valley to Lookout/Will's Valley, where it met the Cumberland Trail, which came up through the latter valley from its terminus at Gadsden, Alabama
on a point along the Upper Creek Path on its way to the Cumberland Gap
, the Ohio Valley, and the Great Lakes
region. Having met, both trails crossed the foot of Lookout Mountain
approximately along the same route as the later Old Wauhatchie Pike.
Once over the mountain, the Warpath crossed lower Chattanooga Valley to what archaeologists refer to as the Citico site, which was for several hundred years the pre-eminent town in the early period of the Mississippian culture
in East Tennessee
(until around 1200). Afterwards, it ran east along the route of the late Shallowford Road to Missionary Ridge
, where it divided, the main branch heading northeast toward the Shallow Ford (which can still be seen) across the Chickamauga River (South Chickamauga Creek) and the other branch directly east along the route of Bird's Mill/Brainerd Road to cross at another ford at the site of the later Brainerd Mission
and Bird's Mill.
Here, on the east bank, is where Dragging Canoe
and his Chickamauga Indian
faction established headquarters after leaving the Overhill Cherokee
towns on the Little Tennessee River
(see Chickamauga Wars (1776-1794)). From there, it proceeded north along the modern-day Chickamauga Road until reaching the main route again to follow roughly along the later Chattanooga-Cleveland Pike. From the area of Cleveland, Tennessee
, the Warpath following much the same line as Lee Highway
until reaching the Little Tennessee River
.
From Old Chickamauga Town, a third branch of the Warpath passed across Hickory Valley, where it intersected a path from the Cisca and St. Augustine Trail in North Georgia
to the Tennessee River, which intersected the main route of the Warpath before fording the stream at Harrison, Tennessee
to reach the Middle Mississippian town archaeologists call the Dallas site. After crossing that valley, the branch from Chickamauga passed east to Parker's Gap through Whiteoak Mountain and turned northeast, eventually itself reaching the main route again.
In the Overhill Cherokee country it ran from lands to the north to the town of Chota
on the Little Tennessee. Here, another important trail, the Warriors' Path, continued south to the town of Great Tellico
(present-day Tellico Plains
), following Ball Play Creek, modern Ball Play Road, and the Tellico River
. At Great Tellico, the Warrior's Path intersected the Trading Path
(later called the "Unicoi Turnpike"), which ran east over the mountains. From Great Tellico, the Warrior's Path followed Conasauga Creek
to its confluence with the Hiwassee River
, where the town of Great Hiwassee
stood. (Duncan 2003:242-243).
. It entered the present state a few miles west of Bluefield
and followed the Bluestone River
to the New
and Greenbrier Rivers
to the vicinity of White Sulphur Springs
. It then followed Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier River near the present Pocahontas
-Greenbrier County
line which it then ascended to the vicinity of Hillsboro
and Droop Mountain
. It then made its way through present Pocahontas County by way of Marlinton
, Indian Draft Run, and Edray
. Passing into present Randolph County
, it descended the Tygart Valley River
from its headwaters and passed through the vicinity of present-day Elkins
after which it proceeded north by ascending Leading Creek
. It exited Randolph County when it crossed Pheasant Mountain. Descending the Left Fork of Clover Run into present-day Tucker County
, it crossed Shavers Fork of Cheat River and exited that County by way of Horseshoe Run northeast of St. George
. Here it also exited the present state of West Virginia near Oakland, Maryland
.
, the Arundel Expressway. It continued south of Maryland Route 2
towards Annapolis near the once-planned extension of MD 10.
Path Belt. In 1775 the twelve united colonies entered into an agreement concerning the usage of the paths and the roads:
"Brothers: It is necessary, in order for the preservation of friendship between us and brothers of the Six Nations (Iroquois) and their allies, that a free and mutual intercourse be kept between us; therefore we, Brothers: The road is now open for our brethren of the Six Nations and their allies, and they may now pass as safely and freely as the people of the Twelve United Colonies themselves. And we are further determined, by the assistance of God, to keep open and free for the Six Nations and their allies, as long as the earth remains."
Afterwards, the GIW generally followed the Allegheny Mountains
into the Mid-Atlantic
region, New England
, and into Newfoundland, where it met its northern terminus.
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
developed and used by Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
s which ran through the Great Appalachian Valley
Great Appalachian Valley
The Great Valley, also called the Great Appalachian Valley or Great Valley Region, is one of the major landform features of eastern North America. It is a gigantic trough — a chain of valley lowlands — and the central feature of the Appalachian Mountain system...
. The system of footpath
Trail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
s (the Warpath branched off in several places onto alternate routes and over time shifted westward in some regions) extended from what is now upper New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
state to deep within Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Various Indians traded and made war along the trails, including the Catawba
Catawba (tribe)
The Catawba are a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans, known as the Catawba Indian Nation. They live in the Southeast United States, along the border between North and South Carolina near the city of Rock Hill...
, numerous Algonquian
Algonquian peoples
The Algonquian are one of the most populous and widespread North American native language groups, with tribes originally numbering in the hundreds. Today hundreds of thousands of individuals identify with various Algonquian peoples...
tribes, the Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
, and the Iroquois
Iroquois
The Iroquois , also known as the Haudenosaunee or the "People of the Longhouse", are an association of several tribes of indigenous people of North America...
Confederacy. The British traders' name for the route was derived from combining its name among the northeastern Algonquian tribes, "Mishimayagat" or "Great Trail", with that of the Shawnee
Shawnee
The Shawnee, Shaawanwaki, Shaawanooki and Shaawanowi lenaweeki, are an Algonquian-speaking people native to North America. Historically they inhabited the areas of Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Western Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, and Pennsylvania...
and Delaware, "Athawominee" or "Path where they go armed".
The trail and white settlers
In the north, the line of the Seneca Trail formed the boundary of "the frontier" by the time of the French and Indian WarFrench and Indian War
The French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
(1756–63). When King George III issued a proclamation in 1763 forbidding further settlement beyond the mountains and demanding the return of settlers who had already crossed the Alleghenies, a line was designated roughly following the Seneca Trail.
Alabama
In the south, the GIW began at the Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
in the Mobile
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
area and proceeded north by northeast, bisecting another trail known as the Upper Creek Path and crossing the Tennessee River
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 652 miles long and is located in the southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. The river was once popularly known as the Cherokee River, among other names...
near Guntersville
Guntersville, Alabama
Guntersville is a city in Marshall County, Alabama, United States and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. At the 2010 census, the population of the city was 8,197. The city is the county seat of Marshall County. Guntersville is located in a HUBZone as identified by the...
. It then followed roughly the same route as the Tennessee upriver until reaching the vicinity of the modern Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Alabama
Bridgeport is a small city in Jackson County, Alabama, United States. At the time of 2000 census the population was 2,728. Bridgeport is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area.-History:...
. There it crossed the Tennessee once again at the Great Creek Crossing just below the foot of Long Island on the Tennessee, intersecting another path, the Cisca and St. Augustine Trail, which ran from the area of St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a city in the northeast section of Florida and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental United...
to that of Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
.
Tennessee
Several miles upriver from Long Island, the GIW passed through the Nickajack area, so-called by the CherokeeCherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
(from Ani-Kusati) because it had once inhabited by the Koasati
Coushatta
----The Coushatta are a historic Muskogean-speaking Native American people living primarily in the U.S. state of Louisiana. When first encountered by Europeans, they lived in the territory of present-day Georgia and Alabama...
.
After following the south bank of the Tennessee River, the Warpath proceeded through Running Water Valley to Lookout/Will's Valley, where it met the Cumberland Trail, which came up through the latter valley from its terminus at Gadsden, Alabama
Gadsden, Alabama
The city of Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County in the U.S. state of Alabama, and it is located about 65 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama. It is the primary city of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 103,459. Gadsden is closely associated with the...
on a point along the Upper Creek Path on its way to the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap is a pass through the Cumberland Mountains region of the Appalachian Mountains, also known as the Cumberland Water Gap, at the juncture of the U.S. states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia...
, the Ohio Valley, and the Great Lakes
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
region. Having met, both trails crossed the foot of Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain
thumb|right|See seven statesLookout Mountain is located at the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Georgia, the northeast corner of Alabama, and along the southern border of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Lookout Mountain, along with Sand Mountain to the northwest, makes up a large portion of the...
approximately along the same route as the later Old Wauhatchie Pike.
Once over the mountain, the Warpath crossed lower Chattanooga Valley to what archaeologists refer to as the Citico site, which was for several hundred years the pre-eminent town in the early period of the Mississippian culture
Mississippian culture
The Mississippian culture was a mound-building Native American culture that flourished in what is now the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United States from approximately 800 CE to 1500 CE, varying regionally....
in East Tennessee
East Tennessee
East Tennessee is a name given to approximately the eastern third of the U.S. state of Tennessee, one of the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee defined in state law. East Tennessee consists of 33 counties, 30 located within the Eastern Time Zone and three counties in the Central Time Zone, namely...
(until around 1200). Afterwards, it ran east along the route of the late Shallowford Road to Missionary Ridge
Missionary Ridge
Missionary Ridge is a geographic feature in Chattanooga, Tennessee, site of the Battle of Missionary Ridge, a battle in the American Civil War, fought on November 25, 1863. Union forces under Maj. Gens. Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and George H...
, where it divided, the main branch heading northeast toward the Shallow Ford (which can still be seen) across the Chickamauga River (South Chickamauga Creek) and the other branch directly east along the route of Bird's Mill/Brainerd Road to cross at another ford at the site of the later Brainerd Mission
Brainerd Mission
The Brainerd Mission was a Christian mission to the Cherokee in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was established by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in 1817 and named after David Brainerd. It ended with the Cherokee removal in 1838....
and Bird's Mill.
Here, on the east bank, is where Dragging Canoe
Dragging Canoe
Tsiyu Gansini , "He is dragging his canoe", known to whites as Dragging Canoe, was a Cherokee war chief who led a band of Cherokee against colonists and United States settlers...
and his Chickamauga Indian
Chickamauga Indian
The Chickamauga or Lower Cherokee, were a band of Cherokee who supported Great Britain at the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. They were followers of the Cherokee chief Dragging Canoe...
faction established headquarters after leaving the Overhill Cherokee
Overhill Cherokee
The term Overhill Cherokee refers to the former Cherokee settlements located in what is now Tennessee in the southeastern United States. The name was given by 18th century European traders and explorers who had to cross the Appalachian Mountains to reach these settlements when traveling from...
towns on the Little Tennessee River
Little Tennessee River
The Little Tennessee River is a tributary of the Tennessee River, approximately 135 miles long, in the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States.-Geography:...
(see Chickamauga Wars (1776-1794)). From there, it proceeded north along the modern-day Chickamauga Road until reaching the main route again to follow roughly along the later Chattanooga-Cleveland Pike. From the area of Cleveland, Tennessee
Cleveland, Tennessee
Cleveland is a city in Bradley County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 41,285 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Bradley County...
, the Warpath following much the same line as Lee Highway
Lee Highway
The Lee Highway was a National Auto Trail in the United States connecting New York City and San Francisco, California via the South and Southwest. It was named after Robert E...
until reaching the Little Tennessee River
Little Tennessee River
The Little Tennessee River is a tributary of the Tennessee River, approximately 135 miles long, in the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States.-Geography:...
.
From Old Chickamauga Town, a third branch of the Warpath passed across Hickory Valley, where it intersected a path from the Cisca and St. Augustine Trail in North Georgia
North Georgia
North Georgia is the hilly to mountainous northern region of the U.S. state of Georgia. At the time of the arrival of settlers from Europe, it was inhabited largely by the Cherokee. The counties of North Georgia were often scenes of important events in the history of Georgia...
to the Tennessee River, which intersected the main route of the Warpath before fording the stream at Harrison, Tennessee
Harrison, Tennessee
Harrison is a census-designated place in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 7,769 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Chattanooga, TN–GA Metropolitan Statistical Area...
to reach the Middle Mississippian town archaeologists call the Dallas site. After crossing that valley, the branch from Chickamauga passed east to Parker's Gap through Whiteoak Mountain and turned northeast, eventually itself reaching the main route again.
In the Overhill Cherokee country it ran from lands to the north to the town of Chota
Chota (Cherokee town)
Chota is a historic Overhill Cherokee site in Monroe County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. For much of its history, Chota was the most important of the Overhill towns, serving as the de facto capital of the Cherokee people from the late 1740s until 1788...
on the Little Tennessee. Here, another important trail, the Warriors' Path, continued south to the town of Great Tellico
Great Tellico
Great Tellico was a Cherokee town at the site of present-day Tellico Plains, Tennessee, where the Tellico River emerges from the Appalachian Mountains. Great Tellico was one of the largest Cherokee towns in the region, and had a sister town nearby named Chatuga. Its name in Cherokee is more...
(present-day Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Tellico Plains is a town in Monroe County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 859 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Tellico Plains is located at ....
), following Ball Play Creek, modern Ball Play Road, and the Tellico River
Tellico River
The Tellico River rises in the westernmost mountains of North Carolina, but it flows mainly through Monroe County, Tennessee. It is a major tributary of the Little Tennessee River and the namesake of Tellico Reservoir, a reservoir created by Tellico Dam, which impounds the lower reaches of the...
. At Great Tellico, the Warrior's Path intersected the Trading Path
Trading Path
The Trading Path is not simply one wide path, as many named historic roads were or are...
(later called the "Unicoi Turnpike"), which ran east over the mountains. From Great Tellico, the Warrior's Path followed Conasauga Creek
Conasauga Creek
Conasauga Creek is a tributary stream of the Hiwassee River, located in southeast Tennessee, in the United States. It is not to be confused with the nearby Conasauga River.-Course:...
to its confluence with the Hiwassee River
Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River has its headwaters on the north slope of Rocky Mountain in Towns County in northern Georgia and flows northward into North Carolina before turning westward into Tennessee, flowing into the Tennessee River a few miles west of State Route 58 in Meigs County, Tennessee...
, where the town of Great Hiwassee
Great Hiwassee
Great Hiwassee was an important Overhill Cherokee town from the late 17th through the early 19th centuries. It was located on the Hiwassee River in present-day Polk County, Tennessee, on the north bank of the river where modern U.S. Route 411 crosses the river...
stood. (Duncan 2003:242-243).
Virginia
The GIW, meanwhile, continued about the same route as Lee Highway.West Virginia
In present-day West Virginia, the Seneca Trail generally followed the future path of U.S. Route 219U.S. Route 219
U.S. Route 219 is a spur of U.S. Route 19. It runs for from West Seneca, New York at an interchange with Interstate 90, to Rich Creek, Virginia, intersecting at U.S. Route 460. U.S. 219 is found in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia...
. It entered the present state a few miles west of Bluefield
Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
and followed the Bluestone River
Bluestone River
The Bluestone River is a tributary of the New River, 77 mi long, in southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia in the United States. Via the New, Kanawha and Ohio Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River...
to the New
New River
- Waterways :In the United States* New River , a tributary of the Trinity River in northern California* New River , a channel which drains the Everglades through Fort Lauderdale in southern Florida...
and Greenbrier Rivers
Greenbrier River
The Greenbrier River is a tributary of the New River, long, in southeastern West Virginia, USA. Via the New, Kanawha and Ohio Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of...
to the vicinity of White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
White Sulphur Springs is a city in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,444 at the 2010 census.-Geography:White Sulphur Springs is located at ....
. It then followed Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier River near the present Pocahontas
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,131 people, 835 households, and 527 families residing in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile . There were 7,594 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile...
-Greenbrier County
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 34,453 people, 14,571 households, and 9,922 families residing in the county. The population density was 34 people per square mile . There were 17,644 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile...
line which it then ascended to the vicinity of Hillsboro
Hillsboro, West Virginia
Hillsboro is a town in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 243 at the 2000 census.- History :Hillsboro was named for pioneer John Hill, from North Carolina, who built a log cabin near what is now Lobelia...
and Droop Mountain
Droop Mountain
Droop Mountain is a small mountain in the Allegheny Mountains on the border of Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties in southeastern West Virginia. It was the scene of one of West Virginia's most important battles during the American Civil War—the Battle of Droop Mountain.Droop Mountain, rising...
. It then made its way through present Pocahontas County by way of Marlinton
Marlinton, West Virginia
Marlinton is a town in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 1,204 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Pocahontas County.-History:...
, Indian Draft Run, and Edray
Edray, West Virginia
Edray is an unincorporated community in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. Edray is located near U.S. Route 219 and West Virginia Route 55 north of Marlinton....
. Passing into present Randolph County
Randolph County, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 28,262 people, 11,072 households, and 7,661 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 people per square mile . There were 13,478 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile...
, it descended the Tygart Valley River
Tygart Valley River
The Tygart Valley River — also known as the Tygart River — is a principal tributary of the Monongahela River, approximately long, in east-central West Virginia, USA...
from its headwaters and passed through the vicinity of present-day Elkins
Elkins, West Virginia
Elkins is a city in Randolph County, West Virginia, United States. The community was incorporated in 1890 and named in honor of Stephen Benton Elkins , a U.S. Senator from West Virginia. The population was 7,032 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Randolph County...
after which it proceeded north by ascending Leading Creek
Leading Creek (Tygart Valley River)
Leading Creek is a tributary of the Tygart Valley River, long, in eastern West Virginia in the United States. Via the Tygart Valley, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of in the Allegheny Mountains...
. It exited Randolph County when it crossed Pheasant Mountain. Descending the Left Fork of Clover Run into present-day Tucker County
Tucker County, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,321 people, 3,052 households, and 2,121 families residing in the county. The population density was 18 people per square mile . There were 4,634 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile...
, it crossed Shavers Fork of Cheat River and exited that County by way of Horseshoe Run northeast of St. George
St. George, West Virginia
St. George is the unincorporated original county seat of Tucker County, West Virginia.It is located on Cheat River where it is joined by Minear Run.-History:Originally known as Fort Minear and then as Westernford, St...
. Here it also exited the present state of West Virginia near Oakland, Maryland
Oakland, Maryland
Oakland is a town in the west-central part of Garrett County, Maryland, United States. With a population of 1,925 according to United States Census 2010 figures, it is the most populated community in Garrett County...
.
Maryland
The Seneca Trail continued north through western Maryland and western Pennsylvania generally by way of the Youghiogheny and Allegheny Rivers. From Baltimore, the Warpath closely followed Maryland Route 10Maryland Route 10
Maryland Route 10, also known as the Arundel Expressway, is a state highway and freeway in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States.-Route description:...
, the Arundel Expressway. It continued south of Maryland Route 2
Maryland Route 2
Maryland Route 2 is the longest state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The route runs from Solomons Island in Calvert County north to an intersection with U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 40 Truck in Baltimore...
towards Annapolis near the once-planned extension of MD 10.
New York
The Seneca Trail started/ended in western New York near Niagara Falls.Path Belt. In 1775 the twelve united colonies entered into an agreement concerning the usage of the paths and the roads:
"Brothers: It is necessary, in order for the preservation of friendship between us and brothers of the Six Nations (Iroquois) and their allies, that a free and mutual intercourse be kept between us; therefore we, Brothers: The road is now open for our brethren of the Six Nations and their allies, and they may now pass as safely and freely as the people of the Twelve United Colonies themselves. And we are further determined, by the assistance of God, to keep open and free for the Six Nations and their allies, as long as the earth remains."
Afterwards, the GIW generally followed the Allegheny Mountains
Allegheny Mountains
The Allegheny Mountain Range , also spelled Alleghany, Allegany and, informally, the Alleghenies, is part of the vast Appalachian Mountain Range of the eastern United States and Canada...
into the Mid-Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic States
The Mid-Atlantic states, also called middle Atlantic states or simply the mid Atlantic, form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South...
region, New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, and into Newfoundland, where it met its northern terminus.