Early Exploration

Abraham Wood, a trader and militia commander, commissioned Thomas Batte and Robert Hallom to explore the Appalachian Mountains in 1671. Their objective was to search the western slopes for tidal rivers, an indication that the Pacific Ocean was nearby. The expedition left the vicinity of present-day Petersburg on 1 Sept. and passed through this area on 3 Sept. Guided first by Penecute, an Appamattuck Indian, and later by Saponi and Totero Indians, Batte and Hallom became the first known Anglo-Virginians to cross the Appalachian Mountains. They reached a point about 260 miles west of Virginia's English settlements and believed they observed tidal waters before turning back.