A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 24

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 24
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 24

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WOODLAWN, P. O. in the N. W. part of the county, 30 ms. northward of R., and 105 ms. S. W. by W. of W. C., situated immediately on the main stage road, leading from R., to Louisa C. H., 23 ms. from the latter; and at the head of several small streams, on the N. side of the South Branch of the Pamunky river.

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-ITENRICO.

HENRICO.

HENRICO is bounded on the S. W. by James river, which separates it from Chesterfield; on the N. W. by Goochland ; on the N. E. by Hanover and New Kent; and on the S. E. by the county of Charles City. Its mean length is 27 ms .; mean breadth 102 ms., and area 291 square ms., extend- ing in lat. from 37° 57' to 37° 4', and long. 0° 20' to 0° 49' W. of W. C. Henrico was one of the primitive counties or shires into which the colony was divided in 1634. Its territory was of course, at that time, very exten- sive, but repeated partitions in order to form other counties, have reduced it to its present comparatively small size. With the exception of the lands on James river, which are very fertile, the soil is generally light and un- productive. There are also some good farms on the Chickahominy, a small stream which divides the county from New Kent and Hanover, and enters James river above Jamestown. The surface is moderately undulat- ing, terminating in abrupt precipices both on the Chickahominy and James river bottoms. Richmond, the metropolis of Virginia, is situated in the centre of the county in reference to its length from N. W. to S. E. (See Richmond City.) About a mile below town, the famous Indian King Powhatan had one of his principal lodges. The estate has been long in the possession of the Mayo family, and is known by the name of its former Indian proprietor. The population of Henrico, in 1800, exclusive of Rich- mond, was 9,149-and in 1830, according to the last census, 12,737-shew- ing an increase of 3,588, or nearly 40 per cent. in 30 years. Of its popu- lation last ascertained, there were free whites, 5,710-slaves, 5,932-free colored, 1,089. Total 12,737. Taxes paid in 1833, $13,470 16 -- and in 1834, on lots, $7,729 77-on Land, $3,170 73-on 7,580 slaves, 81,895- 3,290 horses, $197 88-4 studs, 8270 00-266 coaches, 8698 25-62 carryalls, 865 10-104 gigs, 879 95. Total $14,106 68. No report from school commissioners. The county is intersected by 3 good turnpike roads, having toll gates,-the Brook, Mechanicsville, and another leading to Petersburg on the north side of James river. There are few or no schools worthy of notice, except a Baptist Seminary, about 4 ms. from Richmond. The mass of the population are poor and uninformed, and are somewhat remarkable for a keen jealously of metropolitan influence.

County Courts are held on the 1st Monday in every month, and Quar- terly, March, June, August and November.

JUDGE CLOPTON, holds his Superior Court of Law and Chancery on the 8th of May, and 22d of October.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

RICHMOND CITY, the metrop-jpicture which has ever been drawn olis of Virginia, is situated in the of its natural beauties, is from the pen county of Henrico, on the north side of the eminent and lamented author of of James river, and immediately at the British Spy. "I have never met, the great falls, or head of tide water. Lat. 37° 32' N., long. 25° 54' W. of W. Its location is uncommonly de- lightful, and has often excited the ad- miration of strangers. Perhaps the

says that enchanting writer, "with such an assemblage of striking and in- teresting objects. The town dispersed over hills of various shapes; the river descending from west to cast, and ob- most glowing, and yet most faithful structed by a multitude of small is-

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lands, clumps of trees, and myriads of imposing effect. It was formed from rocks; among which it tumbles, foams a model of the Maison Carree at and roars; constituting what are called Nismes,-brought by Mr. Jefferson from France. Its interior construc- tion, however, is neither elegant nor convenient. In a large open saloon or hall, in the centre of the building, is a marble statue of Washington, ex- ccuted with great skill by Hodoun, a French artist. There is also a bust of Lafayette, occupying one of the niches in the wall. Besides the statue it is still in contemplation to erect a superb monument to the memory of Wash- ington on the capitol square. The fund which was dedicated to this ob-

the falls; the same river at the lower end of the town, bending at right an- gles to the south, and winding re- Inctantly off for many miles in that direction; its polished surface caught here and there by the eye, but more generally covered from the view by the trees; among which the white sails of approaching and departing vessels exhibit a curious and interest- ing appearance: then again on the op- posite side, the little town of Man- chester built on a hill, which sloping gently to the river, opens the whole ject was originally raised by private subscription, and is now loaned out at interest by direction of the legisla- ture. Its present amount is about $18,000. When this monument is erected, it will add to the attractions of one of the finest promenades in the Union. The square which contains about 9 acres, is enclosed by a hand- some railing of cast iron, and is or- namented by gravelled walks, and a variety of forest and other trees. The Governor's House is a plain, neat building, adjoining the square, and on a part of the public domain. The City Hall, which is also contiguous to the State House, is a costly and elegant building of Doric architec- City Courts and Council, and other other public buildings, are the Peni- tentiary and Manufactory of Arms- both extensive establishments, and well adapted to their respective pur- poses. The Bank of Virginia and Farmer's Bank, are connected under one roof, and together constitute a handsome edifice on the principal

town to the view, interspersed as it is with vigorous and flourishing pop- lars; and surrounded to a great dis- tance by green plains and stately woods ;- all these objects falling at once under the eye, constitute by far the most finely varied and most ani- mated landscape that I have ever seen." The truth and beauty of the foregoing sketch may be realised from numberless positions or points of view, extending from the high hills to the west, which overlook the James river canal, as far as the Church Hill, the eastern barrier of the city. From the latter elevation, perhaps the landscape combines greater variety and gran- deur, than from any other point. ture. It is devoted to the use of the Shockæ hill, however, is the favorite residence of the citizens. This is officers of the Corporation, The divided from the other by the valley of Shocko creek, and is a high and spacious plain occupied by the princi- pal public buildings, and by nume- rous private edifices, some of which are of elegant and expensive con- struction. The Capitol, or State House, stands in the centre of a bean- tiful park or square, near the brow of street.

the hill, and from its size and elevated position is the most conspicuous ob- ject in the city. The exterior of the building is of admirable proportions, and its fine columns of Ionic architec- Richmond is not deficient in be- nevolent institutions. Besides a very spacious Poor House, which stands in the suburbs of the city, -- there is a Female Orphan Asylum, supported ture seen from a distance, have a very in part by funds of the corporation,

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and partly by private liberality. Its Board of Trustees have been filled, funds have been principally raised and there is some prospect of reviving the institution.

however for several years past, by an annual fair held at the City Mall. This institution is incorporated by the legislature, and is under the manage- ment of female directors. There is also a school for the education of poor children of both se.ces, upon the Lan- casterian system, founded in 1816, which with some fluctuations in its progress, is still in a prosperous con- dition. It is now under the superin- tendance of trustees appointed by the City Council, and is sustained by an annual contribution from the Literary fund of the state, together with an ap- propriation from the city treasury. A suitable building was erected for the accommodation of the school, soon after its first establishment, and hun- dreds have received from it the bene- fits of elementary instruction, who would probably have been otherwise the victims of ignorance and depravity.

The City has not been so fortunate in other institutions for the cultivation of the mind. A few good schools it is true have occasionally-existed, where a competent knowledge of the classics and some of the sciences might be ob- tained, but none of these sources of in- struction have been commensurate

Besides this marked deficiency in the means of educating youth, there are few or no associations of an intel- lectual character among persons of maturer years. Whilst the northern cities can boast of their, literary and scientific societies, the capital of the ancient dominion scarcely contains one which deserves the name. An honorable exception, it is true, may be mentioned in the " Virginia Histori- cal and Philosophical Society," which " was established in 1831, and has since been incorporated ;- but as its mem- bers are principally dispersed through the state, and few of the citizens of Richmond manifest any zeal in its welfare, it can scarcely be considered an association of the city, either in its origin or character. About 20 years since a Museum was erected princi- pally by individual enterprize ; which was designed as a repository of the fine arts, and of natural curiosities. This institution however, has for a long time languished for want of pa- tronage.

Societies however of a moral and religious cast, are numerous, active, and flourishing. Various associa- with the wants of the citizens. It is tions exist for promoting temperance, a remarkable circumstance, that the metropolis of the state, containing as it does considerable wealth aud popu- lation,-many distinguished and well informed men, and much boasted re- finement, should yet be destitute of a single academical institution. As far back as 1803, a charter was obtained from the state by some of the promi-

for colonizing the free people of color, for aiding missionaries, for the distri- bution of the Bible and religious tracts, and for various other objects of a similar character. The encourage- ment also which is given to Sabbath schools is extensive and beneficial. The means of religious instruction are very considerable, and probably nent citizens, for the establishment of in due proportion to the wants of the an academy by lottery and private city. The Episcopalians have 3 churches or houses of worship ;- the Presbyterians 2, the Baptists 3, the Methodists 3, the Roman Catholics 1, and this last congregation are now constructing a new and elegant build- subscription. A few thousand dollars were raised,-a site was injudiciously selected a mile beyond the limits of the city -- and the basement story of the building erected, but no further pro- gress was made. Within the present ing, which will probably rival any in year, however, the vacancies in the the city for the style of its artichec-

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ture. The Baptists Seceders or fol-[such, are authorized to raise and ap- lowers of Alexander Campbell, have propriate money, and to enact all such 1 place of worship,-the Unitarians ordinances as are necessary for the due and Quakers 1 each,-and the Jews a handsome Synagogue in a retired and handsome situation.

The Monumental Church, one of the three belonging to the Episcopa- lians, and of which the venerable Bishop of Eastern Virginia has long been the Rector,-has acquired a me- lancholy celebrity from the circum- stance that it occupies the site of the Richmond Theatre, which was de- stroyed by fire in December 1811; on which tragical occasion the Governor of the Commonwealth, and 70 or 80 respectable persons of both sexes pe- nished miserably in the flames. Long will that monrnful event be remem- bered by those who survived or wit- nessed its horrors !- Either from the deep impressions which it produced or from other causes,-the taste for theatrical exhibitions has not kept pace with the increase of wealth and population. The commodious Thea- tre which succeeded the old one,- which is placed in a far more cligible situation, and is of much safer con- struction, is only occasionally patro- nized when the appearance of some attractive star, or celebrated performer is announced.

Richmond was first established by act of Assembly, as early as 1742, and became the seat of Government of the state in 1779. Various legislative acts have passed from time to time enlarging its corporate powers and privileges. Nine persons are an- nually chosen from each of the three wards into which the city is divided, who when assembled elect ont of their own body a recorder, and 11 alder- men, who exercise judicial functions. The same persons also elect from their own body, or from the citizens at large, a Mayor, who is both a ju- dicial and executive officer. The re- maining 15 members constitute the legislative council of the city, and as

execution of the powers conferred by the charter. The valuation of real pro- perty within the city according to the assessment of 1833, was $6,614,550. 'The revenue raised for corporation purposes may be stated in round num- bers at $60,000, besides which, the city contributed as its quota of the state tax in the year 1833, nearly $9,000. This large amount of taxa- tion is principally derived from real and personal property, and from li- jeenses to merchants, ordinary keep- ers, &c. The number of wholesale merchants, paying license tax in 1833, as appears by the returns of the State Commissioner was 20 ;- retail ditto 326, auctioncers 7, lottery ticket ven- ders 7, ordinary keepers 43, and keep- ers of houses of private entertainment 9. According to the same returns there were 739 horses and mules, 157 ¡coaches, 9 carryalls, and 54 gigs.

The expenses of the city are con- siderable. The principal items of ap- propriation are $12,000 for a sinking fund, to pay the interest, and redeem gradually the corporation debt; $4,000 for the poor; $1,700 to the Lancaste- rian Free School and Orphan Asy- lum; $4000 for repairing the streets ; and $8,500 for the support of a night watch. The remaining expenses are on account of the public markets, fire companies, salaries of officers, paving of streets and various contingencies. The city debt at this time amounts to $136,150 ;- $95,000 of which, bear- ing an interest of 5 per centum only, was incurred on account of the water works. These works were commen- ced in September 1830, under the di- rection of Albert Stein, an accomplish- ed Engineer from Holland, and were completed as far as originally design- ed, at the end of the ensuing year. Since that time, a second pump and wheel, and a third reservoir have been added ; making the cost of the

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whole work about $100,000. 'The cd correctly. It is believed to be at pumps are each calculated to raise least equal if not greater than the amount exported to foreign countries, and if such be the fact, the total value of produce shipped, may be estimated at nearly $6,000,000. The import trade, however, bears no proportion to the other. The value of merchan-

from the river, and propel into the re- sevoirs at a distance of 800 yards, and at a considerable elevation 400,000 gallons of water in 24 hours. These pumps are designed to operate alter- nately, either being competent to fill the reservoirs in sufficient time. The dize imported into the district of Rich- reservoirs will each of them contain mond from foreign countries for the year 1833, amounted to only $209,963, and the duties paid to the Govern- 1,000,000 gallons,-and double lines of pipes extend from them to the pump house on the margin of the river. ment of the United States to $75,120. The main pipe from the resevoirs to Of this latter sum, $7, 197 was paid on merchandize brought by foreign ves- sels. the intersection of H. and 1st streets is 2,058 yards in length; and the smallest pipes extend from this thro' the principal streets, lessening in di- ameter to the point of greatest depres. sion from the level of the resevoirs, a distance of about 3 ms. Fire plugs are placed at convenient distances along the line of pipes, and afford an ample supply of water for extinguish- ing fires. In the lower part of the city the pressure is sufficient to force the water to the tops of the houses through hose, without the aid of en- gines. Three hundred and forty houses and tenements are already furnished with water, and the rents which are daily increasing, amount at this time, April 1834, to $4,000. The annual expense of superintend- ance, &e. is $1,000. These works may justly be considered the pride of the city, The water which they sup- ply is not only purc and wholesome, but for a considerable part of the year is sufficiently clear to be used without filters.

The exports of domestic produce from Richmond to foreign countries are very considerable. In the year 1833, their value in American vessels, was 82,466,360 00 900 lbs. of manufactured tobacco. Among the ascending articles may be mentioned, nearly 31,000 sacks of salt, 297 tons of bar and pig iron, and upwards of 3,000 tons of plaster,

And in foreign vessels, 498,131 00

Making the ag'rt. of $2.964, 491 00

The value of domestic produce shipped coastwise to the principal lime, &c.

Northern Cities, cannot be ascertain-

In 1833, 5 schooners, 9 barks, 37 brigs, and 30 ships, in all 81 vessels, cleared from the port of Richmond for foreign countries, the tonnage whereof amounted to 22,331, or an average of 275 tons to cach vessel. In the same year 4 schooners, 6 brigs, 2 barks, and 3 ships entered from foreign countries,-making in the aggregate, 3,412 tons, or 227 to each vessel.

No inconsiderable part of the pro- duce shipped from the city is brought down the James River Canal. This important improvement commences at Maiden's Adventure, on James ri- ver about 30 miles distant, and termi- nates in a deep and commodious basin in the heart of the town. The tolls paid to the James River Company on produce descending in the year 1833, amounted to 843,949, and on various articles carried up the Canal to $10,139, making in the aggregate, $54,088. Among the items brought down, may be enumerated upwards of 15,000 hhds. of tobacco, 152,000 barrels of flour, 133,000 bushels of wheat, 677,664 bushels of coal, 1,374 tons of bar and pig iron; and 2,230-

The proximity of the coal mines to

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Richmond, constitutes that mineral a larged plan. The mill house which valuable article of commerce. Be- is nearly completed, is 6 stories high sides the quantity brought down the from the foundation and covered with canal, there were more than 2,000,000 tin. It is 94 feet long by 83} wide, of bushels (4 pecks to the bushel) transported on the Chesterfield Rail Road in 1833, the tolls on which amounted to 887,813 30. The Ches- terfield Rail Road, terminates on the Manchester side of the river, and de- serves to be honorably mentioned as the first successful enterprize of the kind in the state of Virginia. It was planned and executed under the di- rection of Moncure Robinson, a dis- tinguished Engineer, and it owes much in its original design and final

and is calculated for 20 pair of stones to be worked by 3 water wheels. Connected with it is another building 80 feet square, and 4 stories high, in which the wheat will be received and cleaned. The two together present a front on the basin of 1633 feet, and the whole appearance is very impos- ing. The old Gallego Mills ground upwards of 200,000 bushels of wheat in the 8 months preceding their de- struction. It is probable that the ope- rations of the new establishments will accomplishment, to the perseverance be much more extensive. The Gal- lego brand, and indeed that of the City Mills generally, ha's acquired much celebrity in the South American markets and elsewhere.

and patronage of Mr. Mills, one of the few proprietors of its stock, and an owner of one of the extensive coal mines at the upper termination of the road.

James river from Richmond to the ocean, presents a tedious and some- what obstructed navigation. This with the circumstance that she is sur- rounded by rival towns, cach having its peculiar advantages of location,- will probably prevent the metropolis from ever attaining a high degree of commercial importance. There is no doubt, however, of its final destination as a manufacturing city,-as there is probably no spot in the Union en- dowed by nature with finer facilities Mayo's Mill in Manchester oppo- for that kind of industry. From the site to Richmond, works 6 pair of stones by 3 water wheels, and grinds annually. commencement of the rapids a few miles above, the fall is upwards of also about 90,000 bushels of wheat 100 feet to the level of tide water, and in all this space there is scarcely a In the city and its vicinity, there are 5 corn or grist mills, 2 manufac- tories for cut nails, and rolling and slitting iron, 2 saw mills, and I ircn foundery, whose operations are exten. sive. limit to the extent of water power which exists. In the city and its vi- cinity, there are already several flour- ishing establishments which deserve to be mentioned. The Gallego Flour Mills having been destroyed by fire The Richmond Cotton Manufacto. ry is a large and important establish. ment. It was established ly Cun. ningham & Anderson, in the year 1820, and sold by them with all its in the spring of 1833, their present proprietor, Mr. Chevallie, is rebuild- ing them at a more convenient site on the bank of the James river basin, and upon a much more improved and en. appendages, to the Richmond Manu 25

Haxall's Mills, have also a high reputation: they are 5 stories high and of nearly equal dimensions with Chevallie's. They work 14 pair of stones, with 4 water wheels, and grind about 200,000 bushels wheat annual. ly. "This year that quantity will pro- bably be exceeded, as it is contemplat- ed to add 4 additional pair of stones.

Rutherford's Mill works 8 pair of. stones by 2 water wheels, and grinds about 90,000 bushels of wheat an- nually.

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facturing Company, incorporated by( which there are issued daily, political an act of the Virginia legislature in and commercial papers,-from 1, a the winter of 1831. The building is of stone and brick, 4 stories high, 146 feet long, and 44 feet wide, situated upon the north bank of the James, a few hundred yards west of the Armo-

semi-weekly political,-from 3, week- ly Religious,-and from 1, a monthly journal devoted to literature, &c. The others are either Book or Job Offices. The number of professional men is ry, receiving its water power from the also considerable, and it is the more remarkable that so many members of the medical faculty should find em- ployment in a city proverbial for the salubrity of its climate. Situated at the point of demarcation between the upper and lower districts, it is fortu- nately exempt from many of the mal- gions. It is neither visited by the enervating autumnal diseases of cas- tern Virginia, nor by the more violent and inflammatory attacks which be-

James river canal, immediately below the Penitentiary. The water is also conveyed from the canal in iron pipes of 6 inches bore to the building, thence up the stair-way to within 5 feet of the caves, from which in case of acci- dent by fire, every floor except the upper one, can be flooded in a few se- adies which are peculiar to both re- conds, by simply turning a cock and using a hose. In this factory are em- ployed from 60 to 70 white operatives and 130 blacks, from the age of 14 and upwards :- a large proportion of long to the upper country. The yel- both descriptions are females. It low fever that scourge of cities more populous and commercial, has never prevailed. runs 3,776 spindles, and 80 looms, together with all the necessary pre- paratory machinery for spinning and The population of Richmond has nearly trebled in 30 years. By the census of 1800, the free whites num- bered, 2,837 weaving, of the most approved kinds, and consumes about 1,500 pounds of raw cotton per day.

The fabrics are heavy,-negro shirtings 29 inches wide, 4-4 sheet- ings and & shirtings of No. 16 yarn, and cotton yarns from No. 5 to 20- all of which are celebrated for their superior quality. The capital em- ployed is $120,000.

The Gallego Manufacturing Com- pany was incorporated in January 1834, and the capital subscribed is $150,000. The buildings which it is supposed, will be commenced the pre- sent year, will be located near the Gallego Mills. The Franklin Com- pany for the manufacture of paper, has also been recently incorporated, and the capital nearly subscribed.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 24

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