A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 32

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 32
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 32

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).

dently in the place where it grew. It is in the way of the navigation, and at very low tides, is uncovered. This is the more surprising, as pines do not (m other instances) grow in salt est. The whole surface of the Swamp marshes, but delight in a dry, sandy

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NORFOLK,

soil. Much labor has been spent, to for vessels at all seasons of the year. little purpose, in attempting to re- It is completely fortified from foreign enemies by the fortress on Craney Island, and by the works erected at the outlet of Hampton Roads, by the U. S. Government. It is within a move it. Pine stumps are also found in Albemarle sound, evidently in the same situation in which they grew, though now a number of feet under water, and below the surface of the few hour's sail of the Potomac, Rap- Ocean.

Another geological trait in this part of the state is worthy of notice. Wells dug in the sand to the depth of six, eight, or ten feet, afford good water; but if carried a few feet lower, the of a Navy Yard, Dry Dock, and Ma- stratum of sand is passed, and one of rine Hospital, on a scale, and in a offensive mud is encountered, which destroys the well.

There is - a traditionary anecdote connected with Deep creek, which deserves to be noticed. During the war of the Revolution, a French ves- sel was pursued into this creek by an English vessel; and some remains of the Frenchman still continue, to ob- struct navigation, and confirm the sto- ry; but the tradition adds further, that before the French crew abandoned and sunk their ship, they charged a gun with specie, and threw it over- board, to prevent its falling into the hands of the English, and much time has been spent in a vain search for that gun.

GREAT BRIDGE, P. O. situated on the southern road 12 miles S. S. E. of Norfolk, 126 S. E. by E. of R. and 229 from .W.

pahannock, York, and Jaines rivers. The advantages which it possesses have attracted the attention of the General Government, which has ex- pended immense sums in the erection

style, suited to the great naval depot of this Union. The close connection existing between Norfolk and North Carolina, by means of the Dismal Swamp Canal, causes large quantities of produce from that state to find their way through this channel to market. In addition to this, the Portsmouth Rail Road, (to be completed in 1835,) will open to its enterprising citizens an extensive back country, abounding in every production of our soil and climate. Previous to the late war, Norfolk monopolized almost all the trade with the British West Indies, which was a source of mnuch profit to her merchants. From that period, however, with the exception of the years 1816, '17 and ' 18, during which, the restriction was removed, her com- merce has been in a languishing con- dition; till the opening of the canal, and other causes, again brought it in- to healthy action. Large quantities

NORFOLK BOROUGH, Sea Port, and P. O. 114 ms. S. E. by E. of Richmond, and 217 S. S. E. of of corn, Cumber, and naval stores are Washington-in lat. 36º 52', and annually shipped from this port to long. 0º 44' E. of W. C .- situated 8 Europe, the West Indies, and South America. It is already an extensive cotton market, and destined to deal in that article to still greater extent. The city presents a handsome view from the water. The streets, in consequence of the numerous creeks running into the town from every direction, are laid out without any regard to order or regularity; many buildings, with stone fronts, and in improved style, have been erceted within a few years, miles above Hampton Roads, on the north bank of Elizabeth river, near the junction of its southern and eas- tern branches. It covers about 600 acres of ground. Norfolk harbor admits vessels of 18 feet draught, and renders the Borough the most com- mercial depot of Virginia. Its har- bor is perhaps surpassed by none in the world, being spacious, safe from all winds, and of easy access to the ocean,

0 000 1

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NORFOLK.

and real estate has greatly increased tains 14 attorneys, and 16 physicians. in value within the same period. Its The following table partially exhi- bits the effects of the fluctuation in the trade of Norfolk, upon its population : health, too, has improved in a remark- able degree, owing doubtless to the paving of the streets, proper draining, It contained in 1810, and better water, by means of cisterns; Whites, 1820, 1830, which last are very common. The Free colored, 4,776 4,618 5,131 3,825 domestic government consists of a Slaves, 592 599 Mayor, Alderman, & Common Conn- 3,261 cil; the first and last being chosen Total, annually by the people. The public 9,193 9,478 buildings are, a custom house, court showing an increase of 1338, in the latter period. The relative increase of the whites and slaves being very nearly equal, at about 11 per cent. house, alinshouse, academy, and pri- mary school house, a maritime hospi- tal, Mason's lodge, 8 houses of pub- lic worship, (2 Episcopalian, 2 Mc- thodist, 1 Baptist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Catholic, and 1 for colored people.) There is 1 theatre, 1 free school, 18 private seminaries, 2 printing offi- JUDGE BAKER holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery on the 10th of June and 18th of No- vember. ces,-cach issuing news papers-a news room, and an extensive public library. A lyceum, and infant school house, of beautiful design, have been Expended in educating poor chil- dren in 1832, $342 50-in 1833, $340 55. erected by the liberality of private in- dividuals. There are 3 Banks,-U. States Bank, Virginia Bank, and Farmers' Bank of Virginia -- ten steamboats ply from Norfolk to Bal- timore, Richmond, and other places. 'There are 10 hote's, 3 steam mills, 3 tanyards, 2 rope walks, and every mechanical pursuit is carried on.

An Admiralty Court, a Superior Court of Law, and a Monthly Court, conduct the, administration of justice. There are also, a mechanic's society,

Artillery, 1 Rifle, and 1 Cavalry com- pany. A cemetery covering several acres of ground has been laid out by the corporation, and tastefully planted in evergreens, which adds much to the beauty of the place. Norfolk, except Williamsburg, is the oldest in- corporated town in Virginia, deriving its charter from the British Govern- ment. The market abounds in fish, oysters, vegetables, &c. of the choicest kinds. The chief imports are, coffee, rum, salt, sugar, and molasses. Popu- tion about 10,000 persons. It con- Charlestown, or Newtown, another

928

3,757

9,816

Corporation Courts are held on the Ath Mondays in every month ;- Quar- terly in March, June, August and November.

NORTH WEST RIVER BRIDGE, P. O. in the S. E. part of the county, on a small tributary of Currituck Sound, 24 miles S. E. of Norfolk, and about an equal distance N. of Eliza- beth City in N. Carolina, 138 miles from R. and 241 from .W.

PORTSMOUTH, P. T. and seat of justice, opposite to the Borough of Norfolk, on the left bank of Elizabeth river, and at the mouth of its southern a humane, and a marine society, 2 branch, 219 miles S. S. E. of W. and volunteer companies of Infantry, 1 of 116 from R. Portsmouth affords one

of the finest harbors in America :- ships of the largest class may Jay with safety at its wharves. The U. S. Navy Yard is directly on the south- ern extremity of Portsmonth, and within the boundaries of the town. The Government has made here a large and costly dry dock, of the best materials and workmanship, capable of admitting a seventy-four into its bosom. This portion of the town is called Gosport, and resembles the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia.

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NORTHAMPTON.

suburb, rapidly improving, stands on fin March, June, August and Nov'r. the opposite side to Gosport. Popu- lation in 1830, 2000.

JUDGE BAKER holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chance- County Courts are held on the 3d ry on the 1st of June and 10th of No- Monday in every month ;- Quarterly vember. 4 .

NORTHAMPTON.

THIS county was one of the original shires of 1634, under the name of Accomac shire, and was changed to its preseut name in 164322-It is bounded N. by Accomac,-W. and S. by Chesapeake bay, and E. by the Atlantic Ocean. Its length from S. to N. is 32 miles, its mean width, if the Atlan- tic Islands are included, 10, and its area 320 square miles. It extends in lat. from 37° 05' to 37° 33', and in long. from 1º to 1º 28' E. of W. C .- Paramore's, Hog's, Prout's, and Smith's islands cover the Atlantic coast of nearly the whole county.

"The county of Northampton is the southern extremity of the long, low peninsula which forms the eastern side of the Chesapeake, and which com- prehends eight counties in Maryland and two in Virginia. Separated as these counties are from the rest of the state, by the spacious bay, which the eye can scarcely see across, and being among the first settled parts of the colony, they are a more unmixed people than is often to be found in our country, and retain more of the usages, and even language of former times, than perhaps any part of the state. The ancient hospitality of Virginia is here found unimpaired; and the inhabitants have a high relish for good liv- ing, which they are also enabled to indulge by a soil and climate extremely favorable to gardening, and by an abundance of excellent fish, oysters, and crabs. They preserve great neatness in their houses and persons, which is a characteristic of persons living in a saudy country. 'The whole county is as level a's a bowling-green, and the roads are good at all seasons of the year. This circumstance has probably increased the social character and habits of the people, as it certainly has their pleasure carriages. The num- ber of gigs in the county, is near three hundred, which is considerably greater than that of the free holders. It is computed that the county pays about $10,000 a year for its carriages.

"The soil of this county is thin, light, and always more or less mixed with sand; but as it commonly rests on a stiff clay, and the land is too level to be carried off by the rains, or to "to wash," to use a term of the upper country, the inhabitants are very much encouraged to pursue an improving course of husbandry; yet in truth they are but indifferent farmers. They cultivate the same land incessantly, one year in Indian corn, and the next in oats, (their two principal crops, ) and their lands improve under this severe process, provided they are not also pastured. Whenever a field is not in cultivation, it puts up every where a rich luxuriant crop of a sort of wild vetch, called the magotty-bay bean, which shades the land while it is grow- ing, and returns to it a rich coat of vegetable manure. It is by means of this fertilizing plant, and the aliment which is plentifully furnished by the vapors from the sea, that the product of these lands is so much greater than a stranger would be led to expect from the appearance of the soil. The land is so easily cultivated, that there are few parts of the state in which

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NORTHAMPTON.

more is produced to the man, or the horse, though more may be produced to the acre. On the best farms, an hundred barrels to the hand are often obtained. The fig and the pomegranate flourish without protection during the winter. The former attains the size of a stout tree, some times twenty feet high, and its delicious fruit is in greater abundance than the inhabitants can consume. They have not yet learned the art of curing it, or perhaps the species they have, is not suited to that operation.

" Wind mills are in use here, but tide mills, at the mouth of small inlets, are preferred when attainable. These inlets deeply indent the shore, both on the 'bay and sea side,' and while they are convenient for fishing, shoot- ing wild fowls, and as harbors for their boats and small craft, they give a pleasing variety to the landscapes, which are indeed as pretty as is compati- ble with so unvarying a surface. Upon the whole, we know of no part of the state in which the comforts of life are enjoyed in greater number, or higher perfection. They have too, the sea and land breezes of the West Indies; which temper the sultry heats of summer; and their only annoy- ances seem to be a few musquetoes, a good many gnats, and now and then a bilious or intermittent fever. There is here an article of culture which is not much met with in other parts of the state-it is the palma christi, called castor bean. It now constitutes a part of almost every farmer's crop, to the extent of eight to ten acres or more. The quantity of the nut or bean produced, is the same as the land would produce in corn. Each bushel yields about two gallons and a half of oil, and sells, at the press, for $1 25 a bushel. This plant is now cultivated in many of the counties on the Western Shore, and the oil it affords has become a considerable article of export, being preferred to that of the West Indies.

" Among the curiosities of this county, are the ancient records of the county from 1640, and a marble tomb, or sarcophagus, about five feet high, and as many long, from which we transcribe the following singular inscrip- tion:

Under this marble tomb lies the body of the Honorable John Custis, Esq. of the City of Williamsburg, and Parish of Burton. Formerly of Hungar's parish, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and county of Northampton, Aged 71 years, & yet lived but seven years, which was the space of time he kept A Bachelor's home at Arlington on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

On the opposite side one reads

- -

This inscription put on this tomb was by his own positive orders.

Win. Cosley Man, in Fenchurch street, fecit, London.

The writer was so intent on perpetuating his troubles, that he has not mentioned the time of his birth, nor did those who came after him supply the omission, or state the time of his death ; but it probably occurred early in the Last Century."

It is certainly a strong caution against the married state.

Population in 1820, 7,705 -- in 1830, 8,644. Northampton belongs to the third judicial circuit, and second district. Taxes paid in 1832-3, 81967 49-in 1833-4, on land, $99 18-1970 slaves, $492 50-1506 horses, 870 36-8 studs, $140 00-13 coaches, $28 00-17 carryalls, 817 00- 250 gigs, $224 70-Total, $99 2 74. Expended in educating poor chil- dren in 1832, $297 65-in 1833, $234 33.

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NORTHUMBERLAND.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

CAPEVILLE, P. O. situated 12 ms.[ The mechanical pursuits are, 1 coach south of Eastville, the county seat, 6 N. of Cape Charles, and 176 from Richmond. It is a small village, con- taining 12 houses, 2 mercantile stores, I boot and shoe factory, and several other mechanics. It is a place of great resort, for the neighbors of se- veral miles around, to obtain carly possession of the news, from vessels . arriving on the coast. Population 25.

manufactory, which completes about $6000 worth of work annually, 1 coach and harness maker, 1 cabinet maker, 2 blacksmiths, 2 boot and shoe manufactories, 3 tailors, 1 house and sign painter, and 1 hatter. There are in this village, 3 castor oil manufacto- ries, and 2 others in the country, the whole making and exporting about 20,000 gallons of oil annually. Its Philadelphia, and New York. Pro- perty has increased rapidly in value whithin the last three years, having in Eastville more than doubled. The

EASTVILLE, P. V. and seat of principal commerce is with Baltimore, justice, 244 ms. S. S. E. of W. C. and 174 E. of Richmond, in lat. 37° 30' and long. 1º 15' E. of W. C .- situated about the middle of the coun- ty, between the Chesapeake bay and inhabitants are not to be surpassed for the Atlantic Ocean, 2 ms. from the their morality, and hospitality to stran- gers. Eastville is healthy. Popula- tion 217 persons; of whom 2 are at- torneys and 3 regular physicians. water on either side, equi-distant from the northern and southern extremity of the county, and 18 ms. north of Cape Charles. Eastville is divided County Courts are held on the 22 Monday in every month ;- Quarterly by a small valley, which runs through the centre of the town, and has two in March, June, September and No- principal streets, running at right an- vember. gles. It contains, besides the usual

Circuit Superior Courts of Law county buildings, 21 dwelling houses, and Chancery are held on the 15th 4 mercantile stores, 2 taverns, 1 new of May and 21st of October by JUDGE and handsome brick Episcopal church, UPSHUR. 1 common school, and 1 bible society.)

NORTHUMBERLAND.

NORTHUMBERLAND, was created by the legislature in 1648; we do not know from what county it was taken. It is bounded on the N. by the Po- tomac river, N. E. and E. by Chesapeake bay, S. by Lancaster, S. W. by Richmond, and W. by Westmoreland. Its length is 30 ins .; mean width 12], and area 246 sq. ms. It extends in lat. from 38º 40', to 38° 05' N. and in long. from 0° 2', to 0° 45' E. of Washington City. The southern portion inclines southeastward to the Chesapeake, and the northern portion, north- eastward towards the Potomac. Population in 1810, 8,308-1820, 8,016- 1830, 7,953. It belongs to the 5th judicial circuit, and 3d district. Tax paid in 1832-3, $1,233 34-in 1833-4-on lots, $22 00-on land, 8586 77-1,571 slaves, 8392 75-826 horses, 849 56-6 studs, 846 00- 25 coaches, 854 50-6 carryalls, 86 00-158 gigs, 884 50. Total, 81,212 80. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, 8242 80-in 1833, 8320 97.

Fan

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-NOTTOWAY.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BURGESS' STORE, P. O. in the |of Coan river, which is navigable, southern part of Northumberland Co. and empties into the Potomac. It is 101 ms. N. E. of R., and 160 ms from W.

NORTHUMBERLAND C. II. or Heathsville, P. V. 151 ms. S. S. E. of W. and 92 N. E. of R. This little village contains besides the or- dinary county buildings, 60 dwelling houses, 4 mercantile stores, 1 large and handsome Methodist meeting house, 1 Sunday school, 1 Academy, 1 manufacturing flour mill, 1 tanyard, 1 gig maker, 1 hatter, 1 saddler, 2 tailors, 2 boot and shoe factories and 1 confectionary.

perhaps the handsomest village in the Northern Neck.

County Courts are held on the 2d Monday in every month :- Quarter- ly in March, May, August and No- vember.

JUDGE LOMAX holds his Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chance- ry on the 3d of April, and 17th of October.

'T'AN YARD, P. O. 101 ms. from R. and 162 ms. S. S. E. of W.

WICOMICO CHURCH, and P. O. about 6 ms. W. of Smith's Point, and 9 ms. E. of Bridgetown, 160 ms. S.

'T'his village is pleasantly situated, about a mile and a half from the head E. of W. and 98 ms. from R.

NOTTOWAY.

NOTTOWAY, was created by the legislature in 1788, and formed from a part of Amelia Co. It is bounded on the N. by Amelia, E. by Dinwiddie, S. by Nottoway river, which separates it from Lunenburg and Brunswick, and W. by Prince Edward. Its length is from S. E. to N. W. 193 ms. ; mean breadth 15, and area 297 sq. ms. It extends in lat. from 36° 54', to 37º 14', and in long. from 1º 3', to 1º 26', W. of W. C. The northern part of this county is drained by creeks which flow through Amelia into the Appomattox river, and the southern part by the Nottoway and its tri- butaries. Population in 1810, 9,770-1820, 9,658-1830, 10,141. Notto- way belongs to the second judicial circuit, and 5th district. Tax paid in 1832-3, 82,492 51-in 1833-4, on land, 81,270 54-3,566 slaves, 8891 50 -1,698 horses, 8101 88 -- 5 studs, 890 00-60 coaches, 8151 50-20 carryalls $20 00-84 gigs, 855 45. Total, 82,580 87. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $247 70-in 1833, 8163 33.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BLACKS AND WHITES, P. O. 60|part of the county. It contains a C. ms. S. W. of R., and 182 ins. from W. H., clerk's office, and a criminal and JEFFRIES' STORE, P. O. 197 ms. debtors jail, besides . 15 dwelling from W. and 75 ms. from R.

houses, 1 mercantile store, 1 hotel, MORGANVILLE, P. O. 56 ms. S. IV. of R., and 178 from W. 1 saddler, 1 tailor and 1 blacksmith's shop. In the vicinity on Nottoway NOTTOWAY C: H. P. V. 67 river there is a manufacturing flour ms. W. of R. and 189 ms. from W. mill. A daily stage passes this place situated on Nottoway river, 1 mile N. on its route from Petersburg to N. C. of Hendersonville, in the business Population 70 persons; of whom 1 is

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-ORANGE.

an attorney and 1 a regular physician.] JUDGE MAY holds his Circuit Supe- County Courts are held on the 1st rior Court of Law and Chancery on Thursday in every month :- Quarter- the 10th of April and September. ly in March, May, August and No- rember.

ORANGE.

ORANGE was created by act of Assembly in 1734, and formed out of a part of Spottsylvania Co. It is situated at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge; bounded by Spottsylvania, E. and S. E. ; Louisa, S. Albemarle, S. W. Blue Ridge, separating it from Rockingham, W. by Conway river, separating it from Madison, N. W. and by Rapid Ann river, separating it from Culpeper N. Its length diagonally from E. to W. is 56 ms. ; mean width 10 ms .; and area 560 sq. ms .-- Extending in lat. from 38° 07', to 38º 25' N. and in long. from 0° 42', to 1º 45' W. of Washington City. The northern part in its entire length, is bounded by, and drained into Rapid Ann, or S. W. branchof Rappahannock; its declivity is eastward. The S. E. angle gives source to the North Anna, and the S. W. to the extreme northern sources of the Rivanna river.

'The surface is hilly and the country is nearly equally divided by the S. W. mountain. No country can excel it in the salubrity of its atmosphere, or the purity of its water, which in some instances is highly chalybeate, from the large masses of iron ore found imbedded in its soil. The quality of its soil is in general very fertile. In the upper or mountainous division, it is of a deep orange color, (whence its name) very productive and well adapted to the use of plaister and clover, the fertilizing effects of which, are visible upon many of the farms in this section. In the lower or S. E. di- vision, the soil, which is of a white, sandy character, is much less fertile and not so easily improved as the red mountain land. There is a vein of limestone passing through this county, in a line nearly parallel with the mountains, which has in some places been opened and worked to advan- tage. Its mineral wealth is very great, a vein of copper ore, has been dis- covered in the Blue Ridge, not far rom Swift Run Gap, which is supposed to be valuable. Iron abounds in the vicinity of the mountains, and in the lower section of the county, not far from the Spottsylvania line, gold has been obtained, in considerable quantities. There are at present several mines in successful operations; the principal of which, are Grymes', the Greenwood, Coalter's and Grasty's, at which latter place, the Virginia Mining Company, has been at considerable expense in erecting machinery for grinding the rock.

There is an Indian Mound in this county, on the lands of Mr. Jacob Walters, on the Rapid Ann river, near the boundary between Orange and. Madison. This mound has been discovered, for nearly 120 years: but no description of it has hitherto been published. The bodies lie with their heads towards the N. The mound is probable between 12 and 15 ft. high- er than its base, and of very considerable length. The bodies lie in tiers, one above another, and about 2 ft. apart. It is supposed, that some Indian battle was fought here at some remote period; and there is every appear- ance of some of the bodies having been burned before interment, as there

Wo aro inedil

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EASTERN VIRGINIA-ORANGE.

are frequently found among the skeletons burned bones, and pieces of coal. 'The sight is truly awful to one who is not in the habit of seeing the bones of human beings. The mound is about 30 ft. sq. and appears to contain between 3 and 400 of these skeletons. Pieces of scalping knives and toma- hawks, are frequently found near this spot of Indian interment. The staple productions of this county are wheat, rye, oats, corn, hemp, flax and tobacco. The wheat is mostly ground into flour at the mills within the county, of which there are 8.

Houses were erected in 1833 for the reception of the poor, where they are supplied with all the comforts of life at the annual expense to the county of about $2,000. There is an institution in this county, which was incor- porated some years since, under the name of the Orange Humane Society, for the education of indigent youths :- it has a capital of upwards of $20,000, which is loaned out to individuals upon good, real and personal security, the interest arising from which, is applied to the education of such youths of promise as are destitute. Orange is entitled to send 1 member, under the new constitution to the assembly. Population in 1820, 12,913-1830, 14,637. Taxes paid in 1833, $3,796 15-in 1834, on lots, $16 98-on land, $2,419 94-3,768 slaves, $942 00-3,138 horses, 8188 28-11 studs, $150 00-44 coaches, $91 45-24 carryalls, 824 00 -- 35 gigs, 819 85. Total, $3,852 50. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $333 78 -in 1833, no commisioner's report.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 32

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