The establishment and maintenance of public roads were among the most important functions of the county court during the colonial period in Virginia. Each road was opened and maintained by an overseer (or surveyor) of the highways, who was appointed each year by the Gentlemen Justices. The overseer was usually assigned all the able-bodied men (the Labouring Male Tithables ) living on or near the road. These laborers then furnished their own tools, wagons, and teams and were required to work on the roads for six days each year.