The wagon road through Cumberland Gap was opened about 1780 allowing people to travel by wagon to Ky. Daniel Boone, working for Judge Henderson, hired axmen to chop a road part of the way in 1775 but when Henderson brought settlers from NC he had to leave the wagons in Powell Valley because it was impassable. Before the road through Cumberland Gap was completed settlers used pack horses and shafts of poles pulled by the horses. In most cases everyone who was able walked beside the wagons so they could haul more of their belongings. It was not an easy journey from Virginia to Kentucky..G.L.Hearl Judy Smith Wrote: >>>>Also, does anyone know of how the people traveled to Kentucky about 1790? I understand about the Prairie Schooners, or covered wagons, but wouldn't that have been impossible in that area? Is there anything written I may look up on traveling from 1780 to newly opened areas? Thank You for any help and/or answers. Judy Smith/Colorado <<<<<<< G. Lee Hearl Authentic Appalachian Storyteller Abingdon, Va.