But that changed with the coming of the industrial era in the 19th century.
Before the industrial era, travel by water was often easier than over land.
The industrial era saw a major expansion of railroads into the area.
The end of the industrial era is opening countless doors.
By the end of the 19th century, France had joined the industrial era.
According to historical records, Earth herself ran into the problem, and not terribly long after the industrial era began.
The great industrial era was just around the corner, however, and the next 100 years would see further remarkable changes to the area.
Since the end of the industrial era, the trees have come back.
Information may be to the age of technology as oil was to the industrial era: the fuel running the world's economies.
The history of human development, especially in the industrial era, has left true environmental catastrophes behind.