The location and site play an important role in the origin and growth of a settlement. Location tells us where the settlemnet is situated while site is the actual ground on which the settlement is established.
1. Brainstorm factors that would influence the location of a settlement.
Have a whole class discussion about the settlement of students’ town. Write this question on the board: Why do you think our town is here? Students will have a variety of ideas related to industry, natural resources, access to transportation, food, water, and more. List their ideas below the question. Explain that they will be exploring the factors typically considered when creating a settlement in a particular location.
Brainstorm the needs people likely had when deciding to build a town 100-200 years ago, before air and car travel were commonplace. Write a second question on the board: What factors would have been considered in deciding a town’s location in the 1800s? Students’ ideas will vary, but may include access to transportation routes such as rivers, railroads, highways, availability of food and water, and safety. List students’ ideas on the board, and explain that students may use these ideas as they try to determine settlement locations. Have students compare the lists and mark with an asterisk any factors that are included in both lists.
2. Discuss one ideal site location as a whole class.
Explain that extensive settlement in the United States took place during the 1800s. How places were settled changed over time with new transportation technologies. Tell students they will be analyzing locations from 1800, 1830, 1860, 1890, and 1910. These represent different types of settlement and the changes in transportation that took place throughout the 19th century.
Distribute a copy of the worksheet Site Map: 1800 to each student. Have them read the notes, then circle the letter at the location where they think a settlement was most likely to develop. Ask students to write their reasons for their choices.
Engage the whole class in a discussion about their choices and their reasons, modeling the process they will use in small groups later. Explain that there are no wrong answers as long as students give good reasons for their choices.
3. Have students consider three ideal site locations on their own.
Distribute to each student three worksheets: Site Map: 1830, Site Map: 1860, and Site Map: 1890. Have them study the maps and circle the letter on each map that represents the site where they think a settlement is most likely to develop. You can give students the option of placing an X instead of circling a letter if they think another location is a better site selection.