The 1671 expedition led by Thomas Batte and Robert Hallom was one of the first attempts to explore the interior of what is now Appalachia. Early historians thought they traveled down the New River, passing through present-day Fayette County, to reach Kanawha Falls. This route would have taken them through some of the most rugged and remote areas of the Appalachians. However, a newer theory suggests they turned southwest toward East River Mountain, followed the East River, Guyandotte River, and Tug Fork to what is now Matewan in Mingo County. More recent research suggests the explorers reached present Logan before turning back.

This expedition played a key role in England's claim to the entire Ohio Valley.