Melissa, I dont think anyone is on Ardrew but you, Beth, and me re holidays! this is a good subject. you should repost after New Year holiday is over. Following is my off the top of head response. I think most folks had a wagon. I have heard of a few men who walked here or rode a horse, but not families. And most of them were in groups....but some alone. One family I know of, the woman actually rode in a carriage...but that was unusual. And remember some of the people came here in boats....down the MS and up the Black, REd, Ouachita and thenthe Saline. As far as crossing the river....there were ferries across the MS...Gaines Landing was a major crossing for our area. I have heard stories of the single men who caught a log on the MS and rode it across or who swam their horses across. Also if people arrived at the MS and no ferry there, they made a raft. Yes, some people drove their stock. They usually had a cow or two just to have the milk on the way. and of course they had the horses, mules, or oxen which pulled the wagon. They probably did not try to bring hogs....doubt the hogs would have followed as the one in "Lonesome Dove." ha. They knew they could round them up some hogs when they got to their destination. What they saw when they got here was primeval wilderness! What made them stop was the fertile soil and good water supply. Generally, if they came from hill country, they settled in hill country. If from flatland, they settled in flatland. Seems like Carolyn Haisty posted a pretty good thing on the route from Tishimingo County? I have been to that place. It is absolutely beautiful country. best....Rebecca > > I'd still be interested in learning more about the migration from > Tishomingo County, MS, to Drew County, AR, if anyone has any ideas. Did > folks travel mostly on foot or in wagons? Did they drive cattle to Drew > County? Did they cross the Mississippi River in big flat-bottomed boats? > Where did they cross the Mighty Mississipp? > > What did folks see when they first set foot in Drew County? What made > them stop and say "This is where I want to be!"? > > Any stories or theories are welcome! > > --Melissa