[Sacajaweau]

Go to an early map of almost any region. The development and roadways were along waterways. Doesn't take a lot of brain power to know why!!

Someone asked me why my grandfather built his house on the top of the hill. It was like....Duh...why do you think....

[MotorCityBuck]

Good observation.
I love history, and I find that the majority of Great Major cities, and towns to be built for the most part in defensible position near Oceans, rivers, and gulfs. Commerce, Communication, and the quick movement or supplies, and troops. At least for the true Empire Builders, Rome had it in spades.