Virginia Road Orders: An Overlooked Genealogical Resource

The establishment and maintenance of public roads in Virginia was one of the most important functions of the early colonial courts. Public convenience and welfare required as soon as the settlements left the riverbanks. Tidewater transportation was the mainstay of colonial transportation until about 1700. By this time settlement began away from the riverbanks and road needed to be created to connect the new settlements with the riverbanks. These records for Virginia are readily accessible yet overlooked by many Virginia researchers.