20 points which of the following best describes an initial barrier to settlement in the thirteen colonies? forests had to be cleared before farms could be established. colonists settled near bays because of fishing and seaports. colonists avoided the rugged, difficult cumberland gap. the colony of new france had blocked access to the west.

The correct answer and the initial barrier to settlement in the thirteen colonies was C. Colonists avoided the rugged, difficult Cumberland Gap.

These passage of Cumberland Gap in the same ridge within the Appalachian Mountains was a natural barrier that kept the settlers out of the Ohio river valley. It managed the passage through the lower central Appalachians. The Native Americans knew this passage and used it long before the settlers had arrived in America. It was not until 1750 that a physician named Tom Walker brought it to the attention of the settlers.

how is this a question? but yes, they were. if i recall correctly, it was very handy for native americans to use buffalo skin.