* Desire for land. The backcountry offered settlers the opportunity to acquire large tracts of land at relatively low prices. In the coastal areas, land was scarce and expensive, but in the backcountry, settlers could find plenty of land for farming, grazing, and other uses.
* Escape from debt. Many settlers who moved to the backcountry were in debt. They saw the backcountry as a place where they could start over and escape their debts.
* Religious freedom. Some settlers moved to the backcountry to escape religious persecution. In the backcountry, they could worship freely without fear of being harassed or punished.
* Adventure. Some settlers were simply looking for adventure. They were drawn to the backcountry by its wild and untamed beauty.
The backcountry was a land of opportunity for settlers. It offered them the chance to acquire land, escape debt, worship freely, and experience adventure. As a result, the backcountry became a popular destination for settlers during the 18th century.