Okay, I don't know a lot about the settlement in America, I know about Rownoak haha, but I do know the Victorian Era.
As for the town (you can name it) it is a port, it is growing rapidly as more people settle. The forest lies on the very edge and settlers are already encroaching on it. My vamp James, was a settler from London before he was turned, after being turned he found a small cave (only enough room to be on your hands and knees) and has been hiding out there.