Question

southern colonies
the great wagon road
directions: read the passage and underline four details. then answer the questions.
a road network begins
the 800 - mile great wagon road was the primary route for colonists in the southern “backcountry”. in the 1700’s, the great wagon road was the most traveled road, connecting the middle and southern colonies. it started in the seaport of philadelphia, pa and ended in augusta, ga.
traffic on the road moved in both directions. new immigrants like germans, scots, and the irish followed the road south into the appalachian mountains, where they started small communities. likewise, farm products, cattle, and hogs moved north on the road to big cities like philadelphia and the seaports.
road conditions varied with the seasons. the road could be dry, dusty, or mud thick. regular, evenly spaced watering sources were also needed. travel inns were usually built near flowing springs, providing basic food and rest services. as more travelers used the road, more services were needed for people, animals, and wagons. wheelwrights were skilled craftsman who made wheels with wood spokes wrapped by an iron rim.
conestoga wagons were the largest transport vehicles of the time. they could be 18 ft. long, 11 ft. high, and carry six tons of cargo. they were pulled by teams of draft horses or oxen through all road conditions. the wagons did not have driver seats. the driver usually rode the left horse, with a whip in his right hand. by sitting on the left, the driver could watch and avoid collisions with oncoming wagons. this became the tradition over time and is the reason america drives on the right side of the road today. (later, this driving style was reinforced with henry ford’s left - side steering wheels.)
the great wagon road supported villages and small towns, much like modern interstates. today, many sections of the road are still visible as park trails or contemporary roads.

1. summarize the great wagon road in your own words. (2 - 3 sentences)
2. what were the cause and effects of having an 800 - mile road in the colonies? (2 - 3 sentences)
3. cite three details about conestoga wagons. (2 sentences)
4. according to the article, why do we drive on the right side of the road? (2 sentences, use “because”)

philadelphia to augusta
remnants of the road today.
draft horses
conestoga wagon

Explanation:

Question 1: Summarize the Great Wagon Road in your own words. (2 - 3 sentences)

The Great Wagon Road was an 800 - mile primary route in the 1700s southern colonies, connecting Philadelphia to Augusta. It facilitated two - way traffic for immigrants and goods, and its legacy includes modern roads and park trails.

The need for a transport route for colonists, immigrants, and goods caused the Great Wagon Road's creation. Effects included supporting settlements, enabling trade, and evolving into modern road - like structures.

Conestoga wagons were the largest transport vehicles then, 18 ft long, 11 ft high, carrying six tons, pulled by draft horses/oxen, and had no driver seats (drivers rode left horses to avoid collisions).

Answer:

The 800 - mile Great Wagon Road was a key 1700s route for southern colonists, linking Philadelphia and Augusta and enabling two - way movement of people and goods. Today, parts of it remain as park trails or modern roads.

Question 2: What were the cause and effects of having an 800 - mile road in the colonies? (2 - 3 sentences)