Meaning: This quote is attributed to Christopher Gist, a colonial American explorer who played a significant role in the exploration and mapping of the Ohio and Kentucky regions in the mid-18th century. The quote provides a glimpse into the perilous and uncertain conditions faced by early European settlers and explorers in the American frontier during that time.

In the quote, Gist recounts a harrowing experience of arriving at a location only to find that his family had fled due to the threat of Native American attacks. He mentions that five people had been killed by Indians in the winter near that place, prompting his wife and family to move closer to Roanoke, which was about 35 miles away and among other settlers.

This quote sheds light on the complex and often dangerous interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes during the colonial period. It also reflects the impact of such conflicts on the lives and decisions of individual families and explorers.

Christopher Gist was an important figure in the early exploration and mapping of the Ohio and Kentucky regions. He was employed by the Ohio Company, a land speculation company, to explore the Ohio Valley with the goal of identifying and surveying land for potential settlement and development. Gist's explorations took place in the 1750s, a time of increasing tensions and conflicts between European settlers, Native American tribes, and competing colonial powers.

Gist's experiences, as described in the quote, provide a firsthand account of the challenges and dangers faced by those who ventured into the frontier. The threat of Native American attacks was a constant concern for settlers and explorers, and it often led to the displacement and relocation of families and communities.

The mention of Roanoke in the quote likely refers to Roanoke, Virginia, which was a prominent settlement in the colonial era. The decision of Gist's family to move closer to Roanoke reflects a common strategy among settlers to seek safety and support by clustering together in more established and fortified communities.

The quote also highlights the critical role of information and communication in shaping the decisions and movements of individuals in the frontier. Gist mentions being informed by an old man he met near the place about his family's relocation to Roanoke. This underscores the significance of local knowledge and networks in navigating the challenges of frontier life.

Overall, the quote attributed to Christopher Gist provides valuable insights into the experiences of early American explorers and settlers in the face of danger, conflict, and the constant struggle to establish a foothold in the untamed wilderness of the colonial frontier. It serves as a reminder of the hardships and risks endured by those who sought to expand and colonize the American continent during this formative period of history.