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22 it in the exploration and colonization of the west. The story of the efforts in the more northerly States in the settlement of the country north of the Ohio has been frequently told. Though the southern emigration to Kentucky and Tennessee has been less ably dealt with, it has even more of interest attaching to it, and is enlivened by incidents full of the spirit of romance. In Kentucky, at the close of the war, the foundation had been laid, the country had been thoroughly explored, and the need was mainly of settlers to occupy and possess the land. Virginia encouraged emigration in every way. Her soldiers received large grants, and many occupied them in person. The North Carolinians, who had been so prominent in early days, having given among other eminent names, those of Boone, her typical pioneer, and of Shelby, her first governor, continued to pour in. Maryland, too, sent a large number of settlers. Except from these three States there were very few emigrants to this country, those from the more northerly States being more prominent than numerous. The growth was surprisingly rapid; in 1790 there were already more than 73,000 inhabitants, which number had grown to 220,955 in 1800; a wonderful exhibit for a period of twenty-six years. In 1798 the number of inhabitants must have approximated 200,000. These were collected in several little groups, not scattered broadcast throughout the land. The most important centres were in Fayette County, about Lexington, in Lincoln County, about Danville, and in Jefferson County, about Louisville.