The state of New York enjoyed a significant geographical advantage due to its access to the west through the Appalachian Mountains. This mountain range, while appearing as soft and rolling hills, actually posed a major obstacle for movement and trade. With very few usable passes along its extensive length of two thousand five hundred miles, the Appalachians made communication and transportation difficult.

This challenge led many to speculate that the pioneers who settled beyond the mountains might eventually establish their own independent nation, driven by the practical realities of their isolation. The belief that these mountains could hinder growth and connectivity highlights the pivotal role geography played in shaping early American expansion and societal development.