Cultural Geographer Hubert Wilhelm explores the built landscape
of early Ohio

    Explore the Ohio landscape with Dr. Hubert Wilhelm as he tells the fascinating story of how the landscape can give us important clues about who settled the land. This three part series examines the imprints left by three early immigrant groups; the Pennsylvanians, the Virginians, and the New Englanders.

Host/producer Dr. Hubert Wilhelm, Professor Emeritus of Geography at Ohio University, is an expert on Ohio settlement patterns and traditional houses and barns.

The Barn Builders

Explore the landscape with Hubert Wilhelm as he tells the fascinating story of the Pennsylvanians who settled in Ohio in the 19th century. Wilhelm's journey into the past takes him along the pioneer road, Zane's Trace, where he discovers the distinctive Pennsylvania barns, houses, towns, and cemeteries. (50 minutes)

From the late 18th century, thousands of settlers from Virginia crossed the mountains to settle in Ohio. Small farmers raised corn, tobacco, hogs, and cattle, and built simple houses or log cabins. Large landowners from plantation society became Ohio's new aristocracy, living in "castles" on estates. In addition, blacks became fugitives on the Underground Railroad, and freed slaves. (30 minutes)

Awards

Funded by grants from the Ohio Arts Council, the Ohio Joint Program in the Arts and Humanities, and Ohio University.