Knowledge Bank

How did female journey experiences into Ohio differ from males between 1790 and 1820 and why were their experiences important? Women and men’s travel narratives of their journey into Ohio recorded different activities; due to differing opportunities for economic and social success within society. Accepted societal roles, educational, economic, and social opportunities differed between women and men; and as such, changed their travel constraints, common inn behavior, and evaluations of travel companions and passing communities. The foundation for Ohio life was built not only through male experiences; but through the interactions of women, men, and children of many cultures. Early women’s journeys to the land which became Ohio and their written accounts which describe their lives and expectations for future life have not been fully analyzed. Women’s experiences and expectations for travel from 1790 through 1820 into the Northwest Territory differed from males’ in significant ways.