A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 41

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 41
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 41

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).

This room communicates, by a passage about 4 ft. sq. with the SENATE CHAMBER. A thin flat rock, stretches over nearly half of this apartment, which is only about 40 ft. in diameter, at the height of 8 or 10 ft. from the floor, forming a sort of Gallery, which doubtless caused the name already mentioned, to be given to the room.

The Senate Chamber communicates by a high, broad opening, with a still large? apartment, denominated CONGRESS HALL.

This name must have been given, on account of its proximity to the last mentioned room, and not from any thing particularly appropriate in the room itself. It is long, and like the Ball Room, runs nearly at right angles to the main path,-its course being nearly N. and S. and a wall, having several openings, runs through its whole length. The main path winds to the left as you enter the room, but we will diverge a little to the right, and explore the dark recess that presents itself to view.

The floor of Congress Hall is very uneven, and at the northern extremity. rises somewhat abruptly. Climbing this ascent if you pass through one of the openings in the wall mentioned above, you will be able to see through the whole extent of the other half of the room, but it is impossible to traverse it, on occount of two or three deep pits, that occupy the whole space between the wall and the side of the room ...

Turning around to the right of the opening through which you passed, your eye vainly attempts to penetrate the deep, dark abyss that presents itself, and you hesitate. to descend. Its name-THE INFERNAL REGIONS, does not offer many inducements to en- ter it, and for many years, it has been supposed to contain fixed air, so that visiters avoid it, and it has never until recently, been thoroughly explored.

Our course now lies to the S. W. up a perpendicular ascent of 17 ft., to what is - called the Lobby. From this place, an expert climber, well acquainted with the cave, may pass through secret passages, and bye rooms, to the end of the cave, with- out once entering the main path, but we will pursue the accustomed route. You have ascended to the Lobby, only to descend again on the other side, after taking a few steps horizontally. A perpendicular descent of 17 ft., brings you to the most magnificent apartment in the whole cavern.

. This is WASHINGTON's HALL, so called in token of respect for the memory of our Country's Father, and it is worthy of bearing the name. Its length is 257 ft., its breadth from 10 to 20 ft., and its height about 33 ft. being remarkably level and straight, through the whole length.

Not far from the centre of this room, is an immense deposite of calcarious matter rising to the height of 6 or 7 ft. which, very strikingly resembles a statue clothed in drapery. This is Washington's Statue, and few can look upon it-as seen by the dim light of two or three candles which rather stimulate than repress curiosity, with- out experiencing a sensation of awe and solemnity, as if they were actually in the presence of the mighty dead.

A few yards from the entrance, another room branches off' to the left, to reach which you must ascend a bank of 5 or 6 ft. in height. This is called the THEATRE, from the fact that different parts of the room correspond to the Gallery, Stage and : Pit.

I have said that the breadth of Washington's Hall was from 10 to 20 ft .; this must be understood only of the lower part of the room, for the arch stretches over a rock 90 ft. high, which forms the left wall, and embraces another room called LADY WASH- INGTON'S HALL .. The entrance to this apartment, is opposite to the Statue, and is on

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W. by W. of R. and 175 from W. Itthere is an extensive manufacturing is pleasantly situated in the southern flour mill, and a wollen manufactory. part of the county, 11 ms. S. S. W. of Two physicians reside in the vicini- Staunton, and within a mile and aty. The town contains about 50 half of the head of South River, which dwelling houses, 3 general stores, 2 runs through the town; and on which taverns, 1 academy, 2 tanyards, 2 sad-

the same level with the Hall. The wall that separates the two rooms, is several feet thick, and has received the strange name of The Rock of Gibralter.

You leave this splendid apartment, at the S. W. extremity, by a rough, narrow but high passage, running at the foot of the Pyramids of Egypt and Cleopatra's Needle ! At the end of this passage, in a recess at the right, is another Spring or reservoir, not as large as the one in the Lawyer's Office. A descent of 8 or 10 ft. brings you into the DIAMOND ROOM, which may be considered as forming a part of THE CHURCH, a long, irregular room, more lofty than any that we have yet entered. Its length is 152 feet, its breadth from 10 to 15, and its height 50!

At the farthest extremity, a beautiful white spire shoots up to a considerable height, which is appropriately styled The Steeple, and has, no doubt, suggested the name of the room. Nearly opposite to the centre of the Church, is a recess, raised several ft. of considerable extent.

This forms a very good Gallery to the Church. Immediately in the rear of the Gallery, and in full view from below, is a great number of pendant stalactites, of several ft. in length, and of various sizes ranged like the pipes of an organ, and bear- a striking resemblance to them.

If these stalactite; are struck by any hard substance, they send forth sounds of va'- rious pitches, according to their size, and a stick run rapidly along several of them at once, produces, a very pleasing variety of sounds. With great propriety this is called The Organ.

Passing under the Stecple, which rests on an arch elevated not more than 10 feet, you enter the DINING ROOM. This room is named from a long natural table, that stands on the left side, and is not quite as large as the Church, though its height is 60 ft. Was it not for the kind of wall which the Steeple makes, it might be considered as a continuation of the Church, and its length is therefore included in that of the Church. A little to the left of the table is a small uninviting opening. Proceeding only a few paces through the opening, you suddenly find yourself in an immense Chamber, stretching from the Gallery of the Church with which it communicates, parallel to the Dining Room, to its utinost extremity, and proportionably wide. This is called JACKSON'S ROOM, and the floor is very irregular.

This room is rather uninteresting, but it leads to one that deserves a passing notice. Directly opposite the little passage which conducted you hither, is a large opening ; passing this, the rocks contract until only a narrow pass is left, a few feet in length. This conduets you, if not to the most magnificent, at least to the most beautiful and interesting portion of the whole cavern. There is but one apartment and that is small, but THE GARDEN OF EDEN, for so it is called, derives its beauty from the singu lar arrangement of the immense stalactites, hanging from the roof, and meeting the stalagmites, which have ascended from the floor to meet them; or in few words, it seems as if at some former period a sheet of water had poured down from the roof and by some wonderful operation of Nature, had become suddenly petrified. This sheet is not continuous, but strongly resembles the folds of heaty drapery, and you may pass among the windings as through the mazes of a labyrinth, and the light of a candle shines distinctly through any part of it.

A portion of the floor of this room, is composed of a beautiful, fine yellow sand, whereas most of the cave is a stiff clay, with very few indications of sand,

Returning to the Dining Room, the next room, or perhaps it should be called pas- sage, is denominated THE WILDERNESS, from the roughness of the path-way, and is only 10 ft. wide, but it rises to the immense height of 90 or 100 feet! As we come along the Causeway, and look down upon our right, we shall see our company 40 to 50 ft. below us, while our eyes can scarcely penetrate through the darkness, to the ceiling above their heads. Upon the very verge of the rock upon which we are stand- ing, are several beautiful white stalagmites, grouped together, among which, one stands pre-eminent. This is Bonaparte with his Body Guard, crossing the Alps. The effect is peculiarly fine, when viewed from below.

Proceeding only a few paces from the Emperor, you find yourself upon an arch,

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dlers, 2 tailors, 1 blacksmith shop, 1 (S. W. by W. of W. and , 12 from cabinet maker, 1 wheelwright, 1 sad- dle tree maker, 3 house carpenters, 1 hatter, and 4 bout and shoe makers. Population about 250 persons. *

Staunton. There are located here several houses, among which are a tavern and mercantile house of long- standing.

MIDDLEBROOK, P. V. situated in .

JENNING'S GAP, P. O. a gap in North Mountain, in the northero part the southern part of the county, 10 of the county, 133 ms. from R. 162 ms. S. S. W. of Staunton, 174 S. W.

under which your company are rassing, which is very appropriately called THE NATURAL BRIDGE.

You are now upon the lowest level of the cave, and at the entrance of the farthest room, This is JEFPERSON's HALL, an extensive, but not very elevated apartment," quite level. Before I describe this room, we must diverge a little, and visit one or two rooms, that branch off from the main path. Directly to your right, as you emerge from the Wilderness, there rises an immense mass, apparently of solid stalagmite, 36 ft. in length, 30 ft. in breadth, and 30 ft. in height; this mass is beautiful beyond de- scription, very much resembling successive stories, and is called The Tower of Ba- bel! The most splendid portion of the Tower, is on the back, but it is difficult of ac- cess, for it is necessary to climb up the surface of the rock to the height of 15 or 20 ft. the view however, amply repays you for the labor,

For a few moments, you can scarcely convince yourself that an immense body of water is not pouring over the precipiec in a foaming cataract, so white, so dazzling is the effulgence of the rock; and when this impression is cffaced the words of the pious Bard rush into the mind, where he describes the awful effects that will follow the consummation of all things;

"The Cataract, that like a Giant wroth, Rushed down impetuously, as seized at once By sudden frost, with all his hcary locks, Stood still !!

One might almost imagine, that Pollok had visited this wonder, and caught the idea so forcibly express ca alove, from viewing this magnificent scene.

We have already so much exceeded cur intended limits, that we can only look into the large apartment, that occupies the space behind the Tower, which is called SIR WALTER SCOTT'R ROOM, and then hasten back to the main rath.

Jefferson's Room, that we left some time since, is very incgular in shape, and is 235 ft. long, following the various windings.

What is commonly called the ci.dei the cave, is distinguished by two singular, thin, lamellar rocks, 5 or 6 feet in diameter united at their bases, but spreading out so that the outer edges are several feet apart; this is called The Fly Trap!

To the left of the Fly Trap, is a large recess, where is a fine spring, at which the weary visiter is glad to slake his thirst, after the fatigues of his arduous undertaking.

A few yards beyond the Fly Trap, there is an opening in the solid wall, at the : height of about 12 ft. through which you are admitted by a temporary ladder. By hard climbing you soon penetrate to the end of the recess, where you will find the Source of the Nile! This is a beautiful, limped Spring covered over with a thin pel- licle of stalagmite, yet sufficiently strong to Icar your weight ;-- in this crust there is a perforation that gives you access to the water beneath.

At all seasons, the air of the cave is damp, but the dampness of the floor depends much upon the seasons; if you except a moist place near the Fly Trap, there is no standing water throughout all the cavern, so that no difficulty on that account occurs. The temperature remains invariably in all parts, at about 56 degrees of Farenheit, from which it follows, that if the cave is visited in the winter, its air feels quite warm; but if in summer, a proportionable degree of cold is experienced. The spring and fall are the best times for visiting, for then the atmosphere without, is nearly of the same temperature with that within the cave, and it is more dry at these times.

*THE CYCLOPEAN TOWERS .- On a fine morning in September 1834, a party of which the writer was one, consisting for the most part of gentlemen who had met together in the town of Staunton from various sections of the Union, resolved on a visit to certain remarkable NATURAL STRUCTURES which lay in the neighborhood of the Augusta Springs, and about twenty miles distant from the place of their departure,

After passing over a hilly and picturesque country, the road opened upon a fertile

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by W. of W. and 132 from R. . Carr'sabout 150 persons; of whom 1 is a .. Brook divides the town. This vil- physician.

lage is thriving and contains about MOUNT MERIDIAN, P. O. 118 ms. . 30 dwelling houses, some of them from R. and 147 from W., situated in handsome brick buildings, 1 house of the western part of the county, on the main stage road leading from Staun- public worship, free for all denomina-

tions, 1 common school, 1 tavern, 3 ton, to Port Republic, 17 ms. N. E. of miscellaneous stores, 1 tanyard, 2 tai- the former, and 2} from Weyer's lors, 1 cabinet maker, 1 cooper, ! Cave. It contains 8 dwelling houses, house carpenter, 1 wheelwright, 2 1 miscellaneous store, 1 blacksmith's boot and shoe factories. Population shop, 1 tailor, 1 boot and shoe maker

valley, which though in places narrow, was of considerable length,-and when seen from an elevated position, appeared like the bed of an ancient lake, or as it really is, the alluvial border of a flowing stream. The strata of limestone hills, followed their usual order of parallel lines to the great mountains of our continent, as though a strong current had once swept through this magnificent valley, forming in its course islands and promontories, which are now discoverable in numerous short hills and rocky bluffs, that are eitheir naked and barren, or covered with a growth of stately . trees. It was at such a projection, that we first descried the gray summits of what seemed a ruinous castle,-resembling those which were raised in feudal times to guard the passes of the Rhine, or like such as are still seen in mouldering majesty, on many an Alpine rock. These summits or towers, of which there are seven, lifted their heads above the lofty elms, like so many antique chimnies in the midst of a grove; but, on approaching them nearer, our pleasure was greatly increased, to find them rise almost perpendicularly from the bed of a small stream, which winding around their base, serves as a natural moat to a building not made with mortal hands. The southern front of this colossal pile, presents a wall of about sixty feet elevation, terminating in three towers of irregular height, and perforated at its base by a cav- ern,-which, by an apt association, was denominated " Vulcan's Forge." The tower on the extreme right, was unanimously called " Cocke's Tower"-in honor of one of our party who ascended it. On the left, are two other isolated towers,-of which the centre or smaller one was distinguished as the " Hymenial Allar,"-a name which had its origin partly in a jeu d'esprit, and partly on account of a shady bower in its rear, which seemed an appropriate shade to mantle maiden's blushes. The furthest and tallest, received the title of the " Tower of Babel." This is also the most perpendicular of all these rocky structures; an archway passes through it, by which there is an easy ascent to the remaining two, which stand on the acelivity of the hill,-and though of less altitude, are not of inferior beauty to the rest. One of them, which is of a round form, and flat at the top, and on that account received the appellation of the " Table Rock"-affords from its summit a splendid view of the whole; the other, and last of the five, we distinguished as " Shelton's Rock"-from one of our party.

These rocks in their formation resemble the palisades on the Hudson river-but are more regular in their strata,-which appear to have been arranged in huge masses of perfect workmanship-with projections like cornices of Gothic architecture, in a state of dilapidation. Those who are acquainted with the structure of the Cyclopean walls of the ancients, would be struck with the resemblance,-which suggested the name at the head of this article.

We pause to inquire why these primeval fragments of the world have remained so long unnoticed! Why is it that inen are so easily awakened to the liveliest interest in distant objects, and yet neglect those which are nearer and more accessible ? " A prophet" it hath been said on high authority, "hath houor save in his own country," and to that strange propensity of the mind to contenm whatever is familiar, must be attributed the neglect of many of the richest treasures at our own door, which fre- quently impart both wealth and distinction to foreign enterprise. For many years these towers liave been known in the surrounding country, by the homely appellation of " THE CHIMNEY,"-but no one has ever stopped to examine them, or to inquire how nature formed so curious a pile in such a spot. Imagination may indeed con- ceive that this noble structure was once the Scylla of a narrow strnit connecting the waters of the N. and the S. until their accumulated pressure burst through the Blue Ridge at Harper's Ferry, and left in their subsidence these towers, as a perpetual memorial of their former dominion.

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1 manufacturing flour mill (Whit |the first court was held in 1745, and more's,) and 1 Methodist house of this was the beginning of Staunton. worship. Population 50.

MOUNT SYDNEY, P, V. 131 ms. from R. and 153 S. W. by W. of W. situated on the main stage road lead- ing from Staunton to Winchester, 10 ms. N. E. of the former. It contains 30 dwelling houses, 3 miscellaneous stores, 1 handsome hotel, 1 house of public worship, free for all denomina- tions, a male and female academy, 1 tanyard, 2 saddlers, 2 boot and shoe factories, 1 hatter, 1 milliner, 1 cabi- net and chair maker, and 1 pottery. Population 190 persons; of whom 2 are physicians

NEW HOPE, P. V. 114 ms. from R. and 152 S. W. by W. of W. This little village contains several dwelling houses, 2 mercantile stores, 1 apothe- cary shop, I house of public worship, free for all denominations, 2 taverns, 2 tailors and 1 house joiner. Popu- lation 40 persons; of whom 2 are physicians.

SPRING FARM, P. O. 151 ms. S. W. by W. of W. and 122 from R.

STAUNTON, P. V. and County Seat, 163 ms. S. W. of W. 121 N. W. by W. of R. and 40 a little N. of W.from Charlottesville; situated in lat. 38° 9' N. and in long. 2º 03' W. off W., on one of the extreme head bran- ches of the E. fork of Shenandoah river. It stands on the fine valley between the Blue Ridge and Kitta- tinny, or between the Blue Ridge and North mountain chains, a little N. of Madison and Weyer's cave.

It was not legally recognized as a town until 1761.

The grant of Beverly was divided off into lots by the county, and soon became settled; more being required, Beverly caused several lots to be sur- veyed, adjoining this grant, which survey bears the date of 1749, and shows the early increase of the place.

Staunton originally occupied only the level land upon the borders of the creek, but it has become gradually extended, until it has surmounted the surrounding hills, and now resem- bles an amphitheatre in form. The streets are quite regular, running at right angles, and have specific names, but like many other old towns, they are too narrow. This probably arises from the necessity that existed when they were founded, of living as com- pactly as possible, that the inhabitants might more easily repel the incursions of a savage enemy, who dwelt in the surrounding forests and mountains. It became a corporate borough in 1801, having a mayor, 6 aldermen and 4 common council men.

At present it contains about 200 dwelling houses, exclusive of stores, shops, offices, &c. and its population, according to the census of 1830, is 2,000. There are 13 dry good stores, 1 book store, 1 druggist's store, 1 confectioner, 4 groceries, 2 carriage makers, 2 wagon makers, 2 saddlers, 7 blacksmiths, 3 tanyards, 3 hatters, 2 chair makers, 4 tinners, 1 copper With the exception of Winchester, Staunton is the oldest town W. of the Blue Ridge. smith, 1 gun smith, 1 threshing ma- chine maker, 3 cabinet makers, 2 watch makers, 1 pottery and 5 tailors, Sometime previous to the laying off of Augusta from Orange, a grant of 120,000 acres of land was made to Wm. Beverly, Esq. comprising the greater part of the present county. Beverly gave to the county when it was formed 25 acres, situated upon Lewis' creek, on which to build a C. besides the various other trades usual- ly followed in a place of this size. There is 1 printing office, from which issues a valuable weekly paper; and which is occasionally engaged in the publication of books and pamphlets. There are also 12 attorneys, 6 regu- lar physicians, and 3 ministers of the IL and found a county town. Here gospel. The churches at which

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these ministers officiate belong to the Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Me- thodist denominations, and are all handsome brick buildings. The pub- lic edifices are a C. H .* and jail, built of stone, a Chancery C. H., a county clerk's office, and a market house, all built of brick, and there are also 4 ex- tensive hotels.

Much attention is paid to education in this place, and many young per- sons of both sexes, are sent here from all parts of the country, to attend the

County Courts are held on the 4th Monday in every month ;- Quarter- ly in March, May, August and Oc- tober.

Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery are held on the 10th of June and November, by JUDGE THOMSPON.

STEEL'S TAVERN, P. O. 138 ms. from R. and 180 from W.

WAYNESBORO' P. V. 109 ms. from R. and 150 from W., situated at the western foot of the Blue Ridge, on various schools. There are 2 female South river. Waynesboro' is an in- seminaries, and a male academy; all dustrious and wealthy little village, of which employ respectively several located in a beautiful and picturesque teachers, and are in a flourishing con- dition, besides 4 primary schools.

The Western Lunatic Hospital is ing from Charlottesville to Staunton, located in Staunton, and is a noble · pile of buildings: it is sufficiently com- modious to accommodate 37 lunatics, but is at the present time, being en- larged, by the addition of two exten- sive wings, which, when completed, will accommodate 40 more.

situation, in a fertile and well watered country, on the main stage road lead- 30 ms. N. W. of the former, and 12 E. S. E. of the latter. The present town is called Waynesboro', junior, (Waynesboro', senior, lying a little' N. having fallen into ruins.) It con- tains 70 dwelling houses, 5 mercan- tile stores, 2 houses of public worship, (1 Methodist and 1 Presbyterian,) l incorporated academy, 1 common

- An act has passed the General As- sembly, authorising the establishment also, of a Deaf and Dumb Asylum as school and public library, 1 extensive soon as funds can be procured for manufacturing flour mill and a wool that purpose. carding machine, 1 hotel (kept in the best style,) 2 tanyards, 2 saddlers, 3 tailors, 1 hatter, 1 silver smith and watch maker, 1 wagon maker, 1 chair

Lewis' creek runs through the cen- tre of the town, and has sufficient fall to turn a chopping mill, a grist mill and a carding machine. There is maker, 2 cabinet makers, 3 boot and still sufficient unemployed water pow- shoe factories, and 3 blacksmith's er to drive a'cotton or woollen facto- shops. Population not less than 500 ry of considerable extent, and an en- persons; of whom 4 are regular phy- terprising capitalist might profitably sicians. invest some portion of his capital inl that business.

Bart

BATI.

BATH County was created by the Legislature M 1791 from a portion of . Augusta, Bottetourt and Greenbrier. It is bounded by Augusta on the E. -Rockbridge on the S. E .- Alleghany on the S. and S. W .- Greenbrier on the W .- Pocahontas on the N. W., and Pendleton on the N. Its ex-

* Since this was written, the court has contracted for the erection of a new C. If. whichwill be unquestionably the finest building of the kind in any county in the sta te.

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tent, from a ridge of the North mountain on the S. E., to the main Alle- ghany ridge on the N. W. is 25 miles, and from Pendleton on the N. E. to Alleghany on the S. W. 40 miles; and area 756 square miles. Ex- tending in lat. from 37° 50' to 38° 25' N. and in long. 2º 18' to 3° W. of W. C.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 41

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