Commercialism and Frontier: Perspectives on the Early Shenandoah Valley

Abstract

Commercialism and Frontier deals with the historical development of a rural locale during its early settlement-the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in the eighteenth century. Mitchell proposes examine how the processes of commercialization influence land utilization and social evolution in newly settled areas over time and to evaluate the degree to which the emerging structures and patterns may have been modified by considerations of environmental variation, external political control, and different cultural heritages. Within the confines of this famous migration corridor, Mitchell embarks on his ambitious proposition first by re-creating the essential regional geography of the country between the Potomac and James rivers and then by examining the effects of land acquisition, speculation, and ethnicity on economic development. He gives particular attention to the transformation of the area after 1760 from an extension of the Pennsylvania frontier to a western accession of eastern Virginia. Demography, social stratification, rise of commercial agriculture and manufacturing, emergence of transportation and mercantile linkages, and urbanism are discussed. Mitchell concludes subsistence was at best a momentary expression of economic activity and that commercial tendencies were present from the beginnings of permanent settlement and were the most dynamic element in the emerging pioneer The greater part of the book is an elaboration of this central theme, an accounting of its many proofs, and an assessment of its impact on the landscape. Because the Shenandoah Valley is hallowed ground, one of those few places popularly judged critical to American history, Mitchell's efforts will be deservedly well received. The book's obvious strength lies in its detailed application of much new, sometimes thought-provoking information to the examination of this fabled district and its infant economy. At times the reader is overwhelmed by the mind-numbing avalanche of data drawn from almost every conceivable primary and secondary source. Of special value are the illustrations. More than forty maps and tables accompany the text, making visable for the first time many of the regional variations existed during the frontier period. Scholars spoiled by the richness of nineteenthand twentieth-century records will find a great deal to criticize in this book, for like most students of the colonial era, Mitchell is occasionally forced to unusually heroic feats of inference. Often his wit sustains his interpretations despite inadequate evidence, but sometimes the reader remains unconvinced. The very nature of the statistically dependent approach preferred by the author requires sound numerical analysis, yet the quantity and quality of useful data are admittedly deficient. I suspect some of the conclusions drawn from accountings of county records may be more precise than accurate. Such unavoidable lapses are made all the more apparent by the book's otherwise scholarly style. Another aspect of this work will excite both admiration and controversy is Mitchell's attempt to identify general principles governing the settlement process by testing hypotheses of economic development against the realities of frontier Virginia. His synthesis of socioeconomic theory with history and regional geography offers intriguing opportunities to study human behavior but will also elicit criticism from some who would argue the Shenandoah Valley is ill suited for this task by virtue of its role as a major western thoroughfare. Commercialism and Frontier is an ambitious book. All things considered, it is a successful one. Mitchell has produced a volume essential both to students of frontier and colonial history and to those who simply want to know more about western Virginia. A sometimes controversial work will be frequently cited in ensuing years, the book is worth reading and buying.-WILLIAM A. BOWEN conomic form, the town, and the process was similar in each of five separate plac s. hether the book will be succe sful in appealing to wide audience is more debatable.-EDIN DORAN JR.