Crossroads village
Encyclopedia
Crossroads village is a term that refers to a settlement, primarily in U.S. American history
, that was situated where two or more roads would intersect. (The term can also apply to any settlement in any part of the world which developed in a similar or parallel manner.) The owners of farmland along a frequently traveled trail
, path, or road
, often paralleling a water route, would plan a village where two or three roads crossed (known as a crossroads
). The village that developed at the crossing of the trails or roads was usually named after one of the area's first settlers. A general store
, tavern
, and a few other buildings would be erected. Near these villages, the social, commercial, educational, and religious aspects of the emerging society originated and were supported.
To a large extent, crossroads villages provided identity and vitality to the surrounding countryside and a sense of community in the early years of settlement
. Villages began to appear on the landscape when farmers had produced enough good harvests to erect satisfactory homes, barns, fences, and wanted goods and services beyond their capacity and that of their neighbors to produce.
Colonial America
The colonial history of the United States covers the history from the start of European settlement and especially the history of the thirteen colonies of Britain until they declared independence in 1776. In the late 16th century, England, France, Spain and the Netherlands launched major...
, that was situated where two or more roads would intersect. (The term can also apply to any settlement in any part of the world which developed in a similar or parallel manner.) The owners of farmland along a frequently traveled trail
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...
, path, or road
Road
A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places, which typically has been paved or otherwise improved to allow travel by some conveyance, including a horse, cart, or motor vehicle. Roads consist of one, or sometimes two, roadways each with one or more lanes and also any...
, often paralleling a water route, would plan a village where two or three roads crossed (known as a crossroads
Junction (road)
A road junction is a location where vehicular traffic going in different directions can proceed in a controlled manner designed to minimize accidents. In some cases, vehicles can change between different routes or directions of travel.-Origins:...
). The village that developed at the crossing of the trails or roads was usually named after one of the area's first settlers. A general store
General store
A general store, general merchandise store, or village shop is a rural or small town store that carries a general line of merchandise. It carries a broad selection of merchandise, sometimes in a small space, where people from the town and surrounding rural areas come to purchase all their general...
, tavern
Tavern
A tavern is a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and be served food, and in some cases, where travelers receive lodging....
, and a few other buildings would be erected. Near these villages, the social, commercial, educational, and religious aspects of the emerging society originated and were supported.
To a large extent, crossroads villages provided identity and vitality to the surrounding countryside and a sense of community in the early years of settlement
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
. Villages began to appear on the landscape when farmers had produced enough good harvests to erect satisfactory homes, barns, fences, and wanted goods and services beyond their capacity and that of their neighbors to produce.