In 1809 most Americans lived on the side of the Appalachian mountains?

In 1809, the majority of Americans resided on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, primarily due to established settlements and agricultural opportunities in that region. This area included states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, which were among the original thirteen colonies. The western side, characterized by its rugged terrain and less developed infrastructure, was still largely unsettled and considered the frontier. As westward expansion gained momentum in the following decades, more Americans began to migrate across the mountains.