In those first rigorous years, survival itself demanded the full energy of the colonists in the wilderness. Barely more than a hundred in number, their first concerns were disease, hunger, shelter, and protection from the often hostile Indians who had lived on the land for generations. The Virginia settlers, who arrived at Jamestown Island aboard three small ships on May 13, 1607, had little need for a road system. Because they were higher, they were called "high wayes." This is a story of their development in Virginia. The companion word "highway" is believed to have come from the practice, hundreds of years ago in England, of building main roads higher than the adjacent land by throwing earth from side ditches toward the center, as the ancient Romans had done. The word "road" probably was derived from the Middle English "rode," which meant a mounted journey. Learn about these roads and the stories they tell. Many of these miles of byways pre-date America, carved out by early settlers. SAVING LOUDOUN'S ROADS Loudoun County is home to Virginia’s largest network of rural roads.
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