A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 23

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 23
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 23

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Minerals .- The mineral wealth of Goochland is considerable. Bitumi- nous coal is found in great abundance in the lower or eastern part of the county, both on Tuckahoe creek and on James river. In the upper portion of the county, gold has been discovered in many places, from which some profit has been realised.

Churches .- There are from 15 to 20 houses of public worship in the county, the greater part of which belong to the Baptists, who constitute the prevailing sect. The other religious societies are the Methodists, Presby- terians, Episcopalians and Friends.

Streams .-- Tuckahoe creek, a stream of some size, forms in part the lower boundary of the county. In its vicinity, a few miles from James river, there is an extensive body of coal, of excellent quality. To facilitate the transportation of this mineral to market, the Tuckahoe canal was opened in 1828, to communicate with the James river improvement. The stock of this canal is probably the most valuable canal stock in Virginia, the divi- dend being 33 per cent. per annum. On Tuckahoe creek and its branches there are many grist and saw mills, the latter of which furnish a great quantity of lumber for the Richmond market. The stream is about 15 or 20 miles in length, pursuing generally a S. E. course to its junction with James river. The country which it waters is of medium quality-some of it very good.

Dover creek, about ten miles long, emptying into James river at Dover mills. Its general course is southerly, The soil on either side, after leav- ing the river for a mile or two, is of inferior quality, and not a little of it an entire waste.

Genito creek empties into James river at Jude's ferry. At about two miles from the river it is divided into the eastern and western branches, on the former of which there is a saw mill, and on the latter two grist mills. The land along this stream is mostly of excellent quality. General course south, and about eight miles in length.

Bearerdam creek, one of the principal streams in the county, empties in- to James river about five miles below the court house, after pursuing a very

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-GOOCHILAND.

devious course. The principal branches of this stream, are the eastern and western forks, and Horsepen creek. It drains a considerable portion of country, much of which is distinguished for its fertility, and the durable qualities of the soil. The flats along the creek are generally wide, and yield great crops of Indian corn. The higland is remarkably well adapted to the growth of wheat. Though the land is rolling throughout the whole length of Beaverdam creek, there is not much water power, and of course very few mills on the stream. On the Horsepen, there is an excellent grist mill, and a saw mill.

Little creek, a small stream entering into James river three miles above the court house. It is five or six miles long; general course to the south. Its passage is through a portion of beautiful country.

Lickinghole creek is a considerable stream which discharges itself into James river four miles above the court house. It was formerly navigable for batteaux for two or three miles to a manufacturing mill, but its bed has / now become so obstructed by hammocks, as to impede their progress, except for a short distance. It is divided into two branches, the larger and smaller, both of which pass through a country of tolerable fertility. There are but few mills on this stream. Length about 15 miles, pursuing a somewhat sontheasterly direction to its entrance into the river.

Byrd creek, the largest stream in the county, empties into James river about 7 miles below Columbia. It is divided into two branches, Big and Little Byrd, which unite near the mouth. 'The Big Byrd rises in Fluvanna, and flows a S. E. course, running through a hilly country, especially near itstermination. 'T'he lands on this stream as well as the Little Byrd are gene- rally thin, but abound in fine timber. There are several grist and saw mills. It is on the smaller branches of the Byrd that gold has been found.

Islands .- Sabot island contains 500 acres, and is situated opposite to Dover mills. The soil is in a high degree fertile.

Pleasant's islan Is, a short distance above Judes ferry, and three miles be- low Maiden's Adventure falls. The land is extremely fertile, and some of the original growth was Horse Chesnut, ( ÆEsculus flava,) a very uncom- mon forest tree in Eastern Virginia. The two islands contain nearly 200 acres.

Bolling's island, in Rock Castle neck, about ten miles above the court house, contains 500 acres, and possesses a soil of great fertility.

Elk island, a few miles above Cartersville, contains 1000 acres, and is much celebrated for the strength and fertility of its soil : half of this island sold a few years since for the enormous price of $75,000.

Ferries .- Manican town ferry, a few miles above Powell's.

Jules ferry, at the mouth of Genito creek.

Michaux' ferry, one mile below the court house.

Population in 1820, 10,007-in 1830, 10,360. Goochland belongs to the 7th judicial circuit, and 4th district. Tax paid in 1832-3, 83358 09-in 1833-1, on land, $2228 36-3156 slaves, $789 00-2156 horses, $129 35-5 studs, $76 00-14 coaches, 8113 50-30 carryalls, $35 80-63 gigs, $35 85-Total, $3407 87. Expended in educating poor children in 1833, $186 42.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BEAVERDAM, P. O. 21 ms. W. offton, on the mail route leading to R. and 139 S. S. W. from Washing- | Charlottesville, and one mile north of

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-GOOCHILAND.

James river. There are here a tavern, a (but the soil is mostly of good quality, store, and a blacksmith's shop. It is and some of it exceedingly fertile. situated in a populous neighborhood, County Courts are held on the 3d not far from Beaverdam creek, whence Monday in every month :- Quarter- its name. It is surrounded mostly by ly in March, May, August and No- cember. a beautiful, undulating country, well adapted to the production of Indian corn, wheat, and clover. Tobacco was formerly one of the staples, but of late years its culture has been near- ly discontinued.

JUDGE CLOPTON holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chance- ry on the 17th of April and 1st of October.

JOHNSON'S SPRING, P. O. on the Three Chopped road, 28 miles from R. and 150 from W. The land in the vicinity is of inferior quality, much exhausted by injudicious culti- vation.

MITCHELL's, P. O. on the Three Chopped road, .50 ms. from R. and 153 S. S. W. of W. There is a store at this place. The land in the vicini- ty is of tolerable quality, well adapted to the growth of tobacco, of which a considerable quantity is prepared for market.

POWELL'S, P. O. 15 ms. W. of R., 137 from W. and 16 below the court house, on the Charlottesville mail road. At this well known place, a tavern has been kept a number of years by William Powell. 'The good order and excellent accommodations which distinguish his house, deserve a notice in any account which may be given of this place. It is situated in a thickly settled neighborhood, in about two miles of James river. The land in the vicinity is of medium quality, adapted to the culture of oats, of which a large quantity is consum- ed at the adjacent coal pits.

SAUNDERSON'S, P. O. 160 ms. S. S. W. of W. and 42 from R.

SHANNON HILL, P. O. on the Three Chopped road, 52 miles from R. and 147 S. S. W. of W. The adjoining land is of medium quality, well adapted to the production of to- bacco, in common with much of the upper part of the county, in which it is located. There are located here besides the post office, a new and com-

DOVER MILLS, P. O. on Dover creek, near the Charlottesville road, 21 miles west from Richmond, 135 * from W. and 10 miles below the C. H. A store is kept here, and recent- ly a tavern has been built. The mill possesses advantages greater perhaps than any other in the county. Be- ing situated at the bank of the James river canal, it has every command of water power, and facility for transpor- tation to market. A large quantity of wheat is yearly manufactured into flour, and it is in many respects a place of much activity in business. It is in the midst of one of the finest wheat growing portions of the coun- ty, and also affords a market for some of the produce of the contiguous parts of Louisa and Hanover.

FIFE'S P. O. 39 ms. W. of R. and 116 S. S. W. of W .- situated in the western part of the county, on the Charlottesville road, near its intersec- tion with the mail route from Frede- ricksburg to Cartersville on James river, and Salisbury, N. C. A store is kept here. 'The soil of the sur- rounding country is of variable quali- ty; some of it well adapted to the growth of tobacco.

GOOCHLAND C. H. 127 miles from W. and 28 above R. on the Charlottesville or river road, and one mile north of James river. The place has a village-like appearance, and contains a tavern, store, tailor's shop, &c. The public buildings are built in a neat and durable manner. A portion of the adjacent country exhi- bits rather a hilly and broken suface, modious tavern, a mercantile store,

drox atiro +

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-GREENSVILLE.

blacksmith shop, and a boot and shoe Goochland C. H. near the head of factory. There are several Baptist Beaverdam creek, about half a mile from the northern boundary of the county, on the ridge which separates the waters of the James from South- anna river. The land in the neigh- houses of worship in the vicinity. Considerable quantities of gold have lately been discovered in the neigh- borhood, both on the surface and in mines. One mine has recently sold borhood is naturally very fine, well for $10,000.

adapied to the growth of wheat and WATKINSVILLE, P. O. situated on the Three Chopped road, leading from clover. It contains 8 dwelling houses, 1 mercantile store, a tavern, tailor's Richmond to Charlottesville, 36 miles and blacksmith's shops. Population from R. 158 from W. and 7 N. of 25.

GREENSVILLE.

GREENSVILLE was created by the Legislature in 1784, from a part of Brunswick. It is bounded north by Nottoway river, which separates it from the county of Dinwiddie and part of Essex,-E. by Sussex and South- ampton counties,-S. by Northampton county, of North Carolina,-and W. by Brunswick. Length 22 miles, mean breadth 14, and area 308 square miles. It extends in lat. from 36° 30' to 36° 48' N. and in long. from 0° 20' to 0° 46' W. of W. C .- Meherrin river enters it on the west from Brunswick, traverses it in a southeasterly direction, and cuts off about one- third of the county to the north; and being bounded on the north by Not- toway river, it has considerable commercial advantages. The county slopes to the S. E. Population in 1820; 6,858-in 1830, 7,117. Greensville be- longs to the first judicial circuit and first district. Taxes paid in 1832-3, 81983 73-in 1834, on lots, $21 51-land, 8922 00-2120 slaves, 8605 00-1425 horses, 835 50-1 studs, 8158 00-49 coaches, $133 75-8 carryalls, 88 10-84 gigs, 849 35-Total, 81987 27. No report from school commissioners.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

HICKSFORD, P. V. and seat of)of whom is a physician, and 30 justice, 63 miles S. of Richmond and blacks-total 65.

185 from W .- situated on the right or south bank of the Meherrin river, in lat. 31° 37' N. and long. 0° 35' W. of W. C. It contains 12 dwel- ling houses, including 3 taverns, and 3 general stores; court house, clerk's office, and jail. The Petersburg Railroad passes within one hundred yards of this village, on its east side. The railroad bridge, across the Me- R. and 197 from Washington.

County Courts are held on the 1st Monday in every month ;- Quarter- ly in March, May, August and Oct'r. JUDGE BAKER holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chance- ry on the 15th of April and 23d of October. -

SANDY MOUNT, P. O. in the south- ern part of the county, 75 miles from

herrin river, is one hundred yards POPLAR MOUNT, P. O. 56 miles S. of R. and 178 from W .- situated long, supported by two hundred stone piers, and two abutments of the same on the south side of Nottoway river, material. Population 35 whites, onelon the road leading from Hicksford

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-HALIFAX.

to Petersburg, 12 miles S. of the for-(well all the staple commodities of the mer, and 32 from the latter, and 8 state, tobacco, cotton, wheat, Indian miles east of the Petersburg rail corn, &c .- which is sold in the Pe- tersburg market. road. 'The surrounding country is wealthy, and the soil fertile, producing

HALIFAX.

HALIFAX was created by the Legislature in 1752, from a part of Lunen- burg county. It is bounded on the north by Staunton river, which sepa - rates it from Campbell,-N. E. by the same river, separating it from Char- lotte,-E. by Mecklenburg,-S. by Granville county, of Worth and W. by Pittsylvania. Its length is 33 miles, mean breadth 23, and area 759 square miles. It extends in lat. from 36° 30' to 37° 02' N. and in long. from 1° 38' to 2º 12' W. of W. C. Though the Roanoke curves semi- circularly round the northern and eastern border of this county the slope is almost directly eastward. Dan river enters at the S. W. angle of the coun- ty, and flowing N. E. by E. over the county, receives within it Banister river from the N. W. and Hycootce from the S. W. and thus augmented, joins the Roanoke at the extreme eastern angle of the county. It is well :- watered, and has an excellent soil. Much first rate tobacco is raised in the county. Population in 1820, 19,060-in 1833,-28,034. Halifax belongs to the ninth judicial circuit, and fifth district. Tax paid in 1832-3, 86216 14-in 1834, on lots, $23 66-on land, 83218 43-7727 slaves, $1931 75 -5769 horses, 8346 14-20 studs, $312 00-78 coaches, 8203 20-S1 carryalls, 882 15-102 gigs, 801 10-Total, $6178 43: Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $704 21-in 1833, 8690 76.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BARKSDALE, P. O. 246 ms. S. W. W. of Richmond, and 220 S. W. of of W. and 156 S. W. by W. of R. Washington; in lat. 36° 44' N. and situated between Dan and Banister long. 1º 58' W. of W. C. and about rivers, 14 miles north of Halifax C. 10 miles below the head of naviga- H. This village contains several tion. Besides the usual county build- dwelling houses, 1 Baptist house of ings, it contains 25 dwelling houses, public worship, 1 common school, a Sabbath school, a missionary and tem- perance society, an apothecary, wheel- wright, boot and shoe factory, and a blacksmith. The post office located at this place is perhaps the oldest es- tablishment in the county. The land of the surrounding country is light and sandy, remarkably free and pro- ductive, but easily exhausted. The staple commodity is tobacco. with a number of out houses, mecha- nic's shops, &c. 2 spacious houses of public worship, 1 Episcopalian and the other Methodist, a large and hand- some Masonic Hall, (which has late- ly been erected of brick, in an elevat- ed and advantageous situation, about the middle of the village,) several handsome and commodious taverns, 3 general stores, and 1 grocery. The mechanics are a saddler, coach maker,

BANISTER, P. V. and seat of 2 wheelwrights, 3 blacksmiths, 2 tai- justice, situated on the south side of lors, 1 cabinet maker, and 2 boot and Banister river, 130 miles S. W. by shoe manufacturers. There are in

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-HANOVER.

the vicinity 2 extensive flour manu- mercantile store; and in the vicinity, facturing mills, 2 saw mills, and 2 2 houses of public worship, 1 Baptist, cotton gins. The face of the country and the other Presbyterian. The country around is densely settled, and the land fertile, producing in abun- dance, tobacco, wheat, Indian corn, cotton, &c. on each side of the village is very much broken, which causes it to be very long and narrow, and the hous- es to be built in a scattering manner, except immediately around the court BROOKLYN, P. V. 148 ms. S. W. of R., and 238 from W. It contains 12 dwelling houses, 1 mercantile store, 1 druggist shop, 1 tanyard, 1 boot and shoe factory, 1 coach and wagon maker, 1 tailor, 2 blacksmith shops, and 1 house carpenter. The situation is high and healthy. Pop- ulation 60 persons; 1 of whom is a house, where all the stores and me- chanic's shops are located. The vil- lage is remarkable for its health, be- ing well elevated by a gradual ascent of three quarters of a mile from the river. It is situated on the main road from Fredericksburg to the south. Seven stages pass through weekly, and eleven mails are received at the physician, post office. There is a race course CENTRETON, P. O. 139 ms. S. W. by W. of R., and 229 from W. in the neighborhood, over which ra- ces are run once a year. Population 250 persons; of whom 3 are attorneys and 3 physicians.

County Courts, are held on the 4th Monday in every month :- Quar- terly in March, June, August and November.

JUDGE LEIGH holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery on the 1st of April and September.

BENNETT'S STORE, P. O. 146 ms. S. W. of R., and 236 from W.

BENTLEYSVILLE, P. O. 115 ms. sons; 1 of whom is a physician.

from R., and 230 from W.

BLACK WALNUT, P. O. 141 ms. S. W. of R., and 230 from W.

BLOOMSBURGH, P. O. in the south- ern part of the county, 13 ms. S. of SCOTTSBURG, P. V. 135 ms. S. S. W. of R., and 235 from W. It con- tains several dwelling houses, 1 tavern, 1 mercantile store, and 1 smith's shop. Population 40. Bannister, 233 ms. S. S. W. of W., and 143 S. W. by W. of R., situated 2 ms. S. of Dan river, and 8 ms. from the North Carolina line, on the main S. W. stage road leading from Wash- WARREN'S STORE, P. O. 115 ms. ington City to Salisbury, N. C. and S. W. by W. of R., and 205 from W. Milledgeville, Georgia. There are situated in the western part of the located here a dwelling house, and a county.

HANOVER.

HANOVER was created by the legislature in 1720, from a part of New Kent County. It is bounded N. by the Pamunkey which separates it from

MEADSVILLE, 139 ms. S. W. of W. and 229 from R., situated at the head of navigation on Banister river, 20 ms. from its junction with Dan river, and 10 from the C. H. It contains 12 dwelling houses, 2 general stores, 1 tobacco warehouse, 1 iron foundry and plough manufactory, 1 cabinet 'maker, 1 tanyard, 1 tailor, 1 black- smith, 2 extensive flour manufactur- ing mills, a wool carding machine, and a cotton gin. Population 70 per-

MOUNT LAUREL, P. O. 115 ms. S. W. of R., and 206 from W.

REPUBLICAN GROVE, 149 ms. S. W. of R., and 239 from W.

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-HANOVER.

Spottsylvania, Caroline, and King William counties, E. by New Kent, S. by the Chickahominy to its source, separating it from Henrico, and by Goochland, and W. by Louisa. Its length is 45 ms., main width 14, and area 630 square ms .; and it extends in lat. from 37° 29', to 38° 05' N. and in long. from 0° 15,' to 0° 57' W. of W. C. The North Anna river bounds the county from its N. W. angle to its N. E. angle,-the South Anna enters the county near its S. W. extremity, and unites with the form- er, about the middle of the northern county line, and near the south eastern extremity of Caroline; the two then take the name of Pamunkey, and uniting with the Mattopony at the south eastern extremity of King William County, form York river. The Chickahominy rises at the point at which Hanover, Goochland, and Henrico mect, and forming the county line of Hanover, it afterwards separates New Kent from Charles City, and turn- ing S. enters James river between the latter county and James City. The surface of Hanover is hilly, and the soil of every extreme, from best river alluvion, to barren sand. Population in 1820, 15,267-1830, 16,253. It belongs to the 7th judicial circuit, and 4th district. Taxes paid in 1832-3, 84,488 37-in 1833-4, on lots, $5 11-on land, $2,617 04-4,655 slaves, $1,163 75-3,160 horses, $189 60-12 studs, $320 00-116 coaches, 8263 00-1 stage, $2 00 -- 28 carryalls, $28 00-178 gigs, $100 00. To- tal $4,689 40. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $165 20 -- in 1833, 8255 12.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

COLD HARBOUR, Election Pre- bourhood. The marle in many in- cinct, near the S. E. angle of the . county.

stances is found several miles from the river, in very large and extensive DENTONSVILLE, P. O. 22 ms. N. of R., and 144 from W. beds, and very rich. This place con- tains a C. If., Clerk's office, and 2 GREEN BAY, P. O. 94 ms. S. S. jails, a very large and commodious W. of W., and 52 ms. from R.

tavern with various other houses, 1

HANOVER C. H. P. V. 20 ms. mercantile store, 1 blacksmith, and 1 from R., and 102 from W., situated boot and shoe maker. Population on the north side of Machunp's creek, about 50 persons of whom 1 is an at- immediately on the main stage road torney. leading from Richmond to Frede- "Hanover C. H. is famed for being the arena on which the famous Pa- trick Henry figured in early life. It was here that those speeches were de- ricksburg, 46 ms. from the latter place, on the top of the first range of hills inclining down to the creek, and about 1 mile above the junction of the creek livered by him that fired the bosoms with the Pamunky river. It is sit- of his countrymen; and fixed and con- firmed them in the manly spirit that so soon displayed itself in the expedi- tion that was undertaken against Go- vernor Dunmore, commonly called the gunpowder expedition. It was here that the first company of armed men were formed and organized in opposition to British tyranny, in Vir- ginia; and in the walls of the present C. H. that the splendid and manly el- uated in a pleasant and wealthy neigh- bourhood, the river running almost entirely round it, making very exten- sive and fertile flats, highly produc- tive in all kinds of grain usually cul- tivated in Virginia. The flat lands were naturally rich, and are now un- dergoing considerable improvement from the use of marle, which abounds on almost every estate in the neigh-

اء العيد

HIL

187

EASTERN VIRGINIA-IIANOVER.

oquence of the illustrious Henry was |Superior Court of Law and Chancery first heard, felt and fully acknowledged on the 26th of April, and 15th of Sep- tember.

by his countrymen. It was here that his vivid fancy taking wing rose to some of the most sublime heights that human genius is capable of attaining, It was here that on one occasion he received in common with his coun- trymen intelligence of the premeditat- ed aggressions against his country, by England, and inspired with the indig- nation which such a communication was calculated to produce on the mind of so intelligent, high minded and pa- triotic a spirit, he could not contain himself for a moment, and not seeking the customary rostrum he took ad- vantage of the first convenient eleva- tion which presented itself, and spoke in a strain, such as they had never be- fore heard from man. The effect was as he desired, he awakened and aroused them to a just estimate of the lawless rule premeditated by the British min- istry. The after events of his history are too well known to need commen- tary.

l'o Hanover, also, the world is in- debted for one of the first orators and politicians now figuring in the arena of American politics-Henry Clay- Clay was born and reared within 3 sas. of Hanover C. H. and the vene- ration in which this spot is held may be judged from the fact, that passen- gers in almost every stage which pas- ses from time to time, are in the habit of getting out and visiting the C. H., and lingering away the passing hours in reminiscences of the master spirits that have rendered them illustrious.

These same venerated walls have also in more modern date, been made. to resound with the argumentative genius, and sonorous voice of the de- parted MORRIS, who was also a na- tive of this old and venerable county."

County and Corporation Courts are held on the 4th Tuesday in every month: - Quarterly in Feb. April, July, and October.

JUDGE CLOPTON holds his Circuit

HANOVERTON, P. O. 31 ms. N. E. of R., and 94 S. S. W. of W., situated on the right bank of the Pamunky river.

MONTPELIER, P. O. 24 ms. N. of R., and 112 ms. from W., situated on the main stage road, leading from Richmond to Louisa C. H. 60 mns. from the latter.

NEGRO FOOT, Election Precinct, in the western extremity of the coun- ty, nearly equal distance from the northern and southern boundary.

NEWFOUND MILLS, P. O. 36 ms. N. of R., and 102 ms. S. S. W. of W.

TAYLORSVILLE, P. O., 28 ms. N of R., and 106 from W.

THOMPSON'S STORE, P. O. 46 ms. N. of R., and 92 from W., situated in the northern part of the county.

OLD CHURCH, P. O. 15 ms. N. of R., and 122 from W.

VERDON, P. V. 30 ms. N. of R., and 105 from W. between the North Anna, and Little river, immediately on the latter; and at the intersection of the roads leading from Hanover C. H. to Louisa C. H., and from the Bowling Green, in Caroline, to Rich- mond-12 ms. from the first-20 from the second, and 35 ms. both from Louisa C. H. and Goochland C. H. In the vicinity are several dwelling houses, 1 mercantile store, 1 cotton manufactory, 2 wheelwrights, 2 black- smiths, and various other mechanics. Population 50.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 23

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry Publication date: 1835 Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278