Why did people settle along river valleys?

Answer 1

They had access to fresh water for their every day needs and fertile land that supported agriculture thus providing all necessary means to maintain life like the Mesopotamian civilizations, he banks of river Nile who was deified for his presents to mankind.

Answer 2

Rivers provided:

clean clothes

Food

Water

Initial landings tended to use rivers as land marks so supply ships could return to the colony, and as sheltered landings for these ships.

Historic Jamestown in Virginia was on an island in the James river and was selected as a fortified position. It is the first English settlement in North America.

Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts was selected primarily for it's defensibility although the land had been cleared by Native Americans and then abandoned. The colonists used 2 hills, one for a fort, the other to position a canon, and the abandoned land for farming.

Later, as the original settlements expanded the colonists moved up rivers to get away from "overpopulated" settlements while still maintaining contact. Rivers provided a means of transportation.

Early mills could be powered by people or livestock. They didn't have time to construct water powered mills until much later. They were too busy surviving

Answer 3

River valleys tend to have very fertile floodplains, which aids farming yield. Additionally, rivers are sources of fresh water, important for keeping a population of people, and stock animals watered. In the same vein of thought, the water attracts animals, which aided early hunters in the area. Finally, water aided transportation of goods and people, assisting early trade.

Answer 4

Rivers often have predictable flood levels and occur at the same time each year. This creates a condition that it conducive to farming and settlement.

Answer 5

fertile lands, consistant food source