HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY
by Jeptha R. Simms - 1845
CHAPTER IV, concluded ...
A few moments may not be unprofitably spent, in reflecting on the great and important changes that have passed over New York since the peace of 1783 - changes not only visible on every water-course and thoroughfare, but on almost every acre of ground, from the then frontier settlements of Albany and Tryon counties to the shores of St. Lawrence and the great western lakes.
In the territory named, and at the period to which I have alluded, where were dense forests, unbroken for many miles, may now be seen waving fields of grain, and flocks and herds upon a thousand hills - may now be heard the complicated machinery of the mechanic arts - may now be felt the genial influence of unfettered science.
The revolution in mind and individual interest in eastern New York, under cultivation two generations removed from the present, is almost as apparent as that in matter, where then roamed the happy savage in quest of his game.
The difference in the mode of traveling, particulary in the Mohawk valley, in the last thirty years, is worthy especial notice.
Public conveyance was then either in stages or boats propelled on the river by manual labor; rail-road cars, moved by steam power have now not only driven post-coaches from the valley, but the commodious canal packet drawn by horses, now subserves the purpose of the slow moving Durham craft.
Indeed, the New England tourist, who might then have been seen mounted on horseback, with an enormous portmanteau fastened upon his saddle, journeying in the valley, is seen no longer: his economy is rendered unnecessary by the cheapness of the passenger line-boat.
Extensive manufactories - indeed large cities and villages have sprung up as if by enchantment, where but little more than half a century ago might have been heard the dismal howl of the wolf, the frightful scream of the panther; or the terrific yell of the savage.
In fact, little hamlets, in number almost countless, with the domes of their seminaries and church spires towering aloft, are scattered over the hunting grounds of the mocasined Indian; the site of whose little bark dwelling and intricate foot-path, has been usurped by an iron-bound road, or an artificial river.
Not only has enterprise peopled those portions of New York lying west of the frontier settlements at the close of the revolution, with a population of one and a half millions of freemen, with an estimated valuation of property exceeding $100,000,000, and a real one more than five times greater; but it has thickly populated several States west of New York; and the American Eagle, as if undetermined where to alight, is conducting the hardy sons of New England and New York toward the shores of the great Pacific.
Judging from the past and present, what may we reasonably expect will be the future condition and resources of the Empire State?
Resources which now more than equal those of the thirteen States, when under British tyranny.
End of Chapter IV