The Great
Migration
The European settlers acquired attractive land from the Native Americans and from King’s grants. Proprietors were often assigned large tracts of land to divide up for willing settlers. These settlements accommodated the enormous waves of immigrants arriving in what has been called the “great migration”. First, trading posts then garrisons and corn and saw mills were erected, and soon villages began to form. To become incorporated, villages were required to erect a church, which served as the town meeting house. Also required was a training field or Common for mustering of troops to protect against Native American raids.
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