A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 47

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 47
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 47

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).

. The General Assembly in the session

HAMPSHIRE.

HAMPSHIRE was established by the Legislature in 1754, from a portion of Augusta and Frederick. It is bounded by Morgan N. E., Frederick E., Hardy S. and Potomac and Alleghany county of Maryland, N. E. and N. Its mean length is about 33 ms .; mean breadth 30; and area 989 sq. ms. It extends in lat. from 1º 28', to 2º 12' W. of w. c. A large proportion of the soil is poor, and much that is cultivated, is on steep acclivities. It never- theless produces an abundance of wheat of the first quality, for a few crops after it is first cleared, and would continue to produce well, were it judi- ciously cultivated, as gypsum acts powerfully upon it. The high moun- tains are untillable, but would afford an excellent range for sheep, both as to the quality of mutton and wool which would be produced, could the at- tention of the inhabitants be turned that way. The people inhabiting the

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hills and mountains, though poor, are honest and hardy, and independent, living comfortably upon the produce of their own lands.

The principal streams are South branch of Potomac, the North branch of

Potomac, the main river Potomac, and the great Cacapon. On all of these there are extensive and fertile low grounds. The South branch has long been celebrated for its rich, and inexhaustible bottom lands. In the county of Hardy, through which the South branch flows, before it enters Hampshire, the low grounds on this river as regards the fertility, may be styled the garden spot of Virginia, and are not surpassed in natural productiveness by any perhaps in the world. They have been known to be cultivated in In- dian corn, in some instances, for 20, 30 or 40 years in succession, with very little dimunition of their product. In Hampshire the low grounds become narrow, with some small change in the quality of the soil, but are estimated at very high prices by the owners. They have sold at the extravagant price of 100 and $150 per acre, and in Hardy, as high as $300, but those days have past. The bottoms on the North branch are also rich, but infe- rior to those on the South.

On the great Cacapon which flows in a course of 40 ms. and upwards through the county, the low grounds are inferior to those on the North branch. Patterson's creek also flows through the whole breadth of the county, having fine bottom lands on its margin throughout its course. The face of the country here, and in the county of Hardy, give evidence of convulsions and disruptions, which we might suppose took place in a war between rivers and mountains at some remote period, from which it might be infered, that the rich valley on the South branch, had at one time been a lake; that the waters had risen until they had broken over the mountains in different places, and torn for themselves a passage through, quite down to their bases; leaving tremendous precipices of rocks of astonishing height, which overhang the traveller on the road, passing through those breaches on the narrow margin, now formed between the river and the rocks. One of these is to be seen about 4 ms. below the town of Romney, constituting an object of great grandeur and sublimity to the beholder ; and what height- ens his wonder and curiosity, still more, it, appears as if the capricious river not content with the victory it had gained, or the course it had taken: about 3 or 4 ms. below, it breaks through the same mountain again, to the same side on which it had previously flowed, leaving a similar precipice on its opposite side.

But one of the most puzzelling curiosities in this county, is what is called . the Ice mountain. It appears to be an entire pile of stone from its base to its summit, about the size of building stone, destitute of soil or . clay, trees or shrubs, with few exceptions. It is fully exposed to the whole power of . the sun's rays for the greatest part of the day, yet throughout the whole of the hottest summer, on any part of this mountain thus exposed to the sun, lumps of ice may be found on turning up the stones to the depth of about a foot, which shews that the mineralogical or chemical composition of the mountain, is such as to preserve icq in hot weather, if not to produce it: but what that composition is, has not yet been ascertained, though it is notorious that the ice may be found as stated. This natural ice house is situated near the North River Mills, and near the old road leading from Romney to Winchester, about 17 ms. from the former,-in the north western section of the county, on the margin of the North branch of the Potomac.

The boundary at that plac a Maryland as in

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-HAMPSHIRE.

· of bituminous coal, which have lately attracted the attention of capitalists from the cities, who are at this time rapidly purchasing them up, with a view to the great profits which it is contemplated they will yield, when the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal shall reach them. The calculation is no doubt a rational one, when the small expense which it will require to place this coal in the boat, and the facility of carrying it to market on the canal (if it should be made) is considered. Near to these coal fields there are indica- cations of iron ore in large quantities, affording the most ample means of competing with England in the cheapness of bar iron for. Rail Roads, &c .: for it is well known that where iron is made by stone coal instead of wood coal, and by rolling it out in mills instead of hammering, it can be sold for one half the price which it must cost to make it by charcoal and forge ham- mers, as is practised now in the United Sates with few exceptions. There 'are large deposits of iron ore over the whole country. It is thought to be more abundant in this, than in any other county in the state. Along the great Cacapon, from its source to its mouth, the appearance of large mines of it, is to be seen in ahnost every ridge. Very little of it has yet been worked, but the greatest part of what has been tried, is found to be of the best quality. In fact for the manufacture of iron, the great Cacapon may become to Virginia, what Juniata has to Pennsylvania, a great source of wealth. The men of wealth on the South branch, and in other parts of the county, have hitherto been so entirely engrossed in fattening beef for mar- ket, that they have thought very little of improving any other resource of the country, not even in erecting mills, for manufacturing flour; but it is to be hoped, that the north western turnpike, now making, which passes through the whole length of the country from east to west, will bring its - other resources into action which were locked up before by the mountains. The lowest elevation of this county is along the branches of the Potomac, and this exceeds 500 ft. Population in 1820, 10,889-1830, 11,279. It belongs to the 13th judicial circuit, and 7th district. Tax paid in 1833, $2,399 27-in 1834, on lots, $19 01-on land, $1,631 86-703 slaves, 8175 75-4,925 horses, $295 50 -- 22 studs, $169 00-6 coaches, $13 00 22 carryalls, $22 00-7 gigs, $5 80. Total, 82,411 92. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, 8912 14-in 1834, 8949 00.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BURLINGTON, P. O. 205 m's. from from Winchester to the Ohio, passes R. and 126 N. N. W. of Washing- immediately through this place, hav- ton City, situated on a small water ing passed through Romney, the county seat, 11 ms. E. course, called Patterson's creek. It contains a mercantile store, a house COLD STREAM MILL and P. O. 172 ms. from R. and 93 N. W. by W. of W. This village is situated 20 ms. N. W. of Winchester, 21 S. E. of Romney, and 2 N. of the Par- kersburg and Winchester road. It contains, 12 dwelling houses, 1 Epis- copalian, and 1 Presbyterian house of worship, 1 classical school, 1 mer- Cantile store, 1 woollen manufactory, of entertainment, several houses oc- cupied by mechanics, and a house of public worship, free for all denomina- tions. The mail passes and repasses this post office once a week. A new route has been lately established from this place, to Smith's Farm in Alle- ghany county, Maryland; on which the mail passes to and fro once a Weck, .The north western turnpikell extensive manufacturing four mill,

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-HAMPSHIRE.

2 saw mills, 2 gunsmithis, doing ajand 91 N. of W. Glencoe though considerable business annually, 1 called a village, is simply a post office, at which is kept a mercantile store cabinet maker, and various other me- chanics. Population 68 whites, 2 of of considerable notoriety. It is situ- whom are physicians, and 12 color- ed,-total 80. Much timber is car- ried in boats and rafts from this place, down the Big Cacapon to the Poto- mac, and thence to various markets. The Cold Stream is one of the best water courses in the state; on it are several mill seats and manufactories; it flows abundantly in the dryest sca. son, and never freezes in winter. It

ated on the road leading from Win- chester to Romney, 19 ms. from the former, and 25 from the latter. In the vicinity on the great Cacapon are situated 2 extensive manufacturing flour mills, an iron forge, in great repute, 2 tan yards, several wagon makers, and blacksmith shops; and various other mechanics in the neigh- borhood. Within 10 ms. of this empties into the Cacapon river, about 50 yards above the woollen factory before mentioned. The bottom and level lands in this neighborhood are fertile, producing corn, wheat oats, rye, &c., and are improved by clover and plaster. The country around is somewhat mountainous, generally place are situated the celebrated CA- PON SPRINGS, which are famed for the medical qualities of their waters. The accommodations are comfortable and convenient, and there are gener- ally in the summer months from 50 to 70 boarders, who resort to these springs for health and pleasure. The high and rocky. Six miles N. of country around is extremely rough this place is the famous Ice mountain and mountainous. The great Caca- pon at its head, takes the name of Lost river, from the fact that it dis- appears, and after taking a subterra- neous passage for some considerable distance, is seen again. When this stream is high great quantities of lumber are conveyed to Harper's Ferry, Georgetown, Washington City, and Alexandria. DILLON'S RUN, P. O. 179 ms. N. W. of R. and 100 N. W. of W., sit- uated 16 miles E. of Romney, the county seat Some years since the Cacapon and North river company was created with a view of making these streams navigable. Five miles distant from this place, FRANKFORT, P. O. 203 ms. from R. and 124 ms. N. W. by W. of W., situated near the right bank of Pat- terson's creek, in the northern part of the county. It contains 25 dwel- there is an extensive vineyard, be. longing to Gen'l Lockhart, in a flou- rishing condition, the wine of which is said for flavor and richness nearly to equal any imported. He manu- ling houses, 1 Episcopalian house of factured in each of the successive worship, 3 miscellaneous stores, 2 years of 1832-3, from 5 acres, 30 barrels. The different religious de- nominations in this section are Pres- byterians, Baptists and Methodists. taverns, 1 manufacturing flour mill, 1 tan yard, 1 saddler, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 cooper, 1 wagon maker, ] hatter, 1 chair maker, and 3 boot and shoe factories. Population whites, including 1 physician, and 13 colored,-total 159.

spoken of in the general description of Virginia in the first part of the work. The mountain is situated near North river, and on the north west side of the mountain. By re- moving the stones for a about a foot below the surface, ice may be had in any quantity in the dryest and hot- test season of the year.

HANGING ROCK, P. O. 182 ms. 146 from R. and 103 S. W. by W. of W., situated 28 ms. W. of Winchester, and 15 E. of Romney, the county

GLENCOE, P. O. 170 ms. from R. seat. Hanging Rock post office de-

Dher

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rives its name from a large rock that |traveller, being unconnected with any projects or hangs over the road, pass- other high ground, and loaded with a growth of large timber. There has been lately erected here a house of entertainment. Little Cacapon has its source in the Grassy Lick, on Stoney mountains, in the southwest part of the county, runs northeast 50 miles, and after receiving numerous tributaries, empties into the Potomac river .- This stream was declared a public highway by an act of the Vir- ginia Legislature in 1832, and is navigable for boats, rafts, &c. 20 ms. from its mouth. The soil on this creek is of good quality, producing well wheat, corn, rye, oats, &c. There are 1 manufacturing flour mill, ing through a gap of the North river mountain, where the northwestern turnpike road, lately located from Winchester to the Ohio river, now passes. This Rock is situated about a fourth of a mile on the E. side of the North river, a stream navigable for rafts, boats, &c. It empties into great Cacapon, 14 ms. N. E. of this a place. The post office was first es- tablished near the rock, but has been twice moved,-its present location is 2} miles west of the rock. In the vicinity there are 2 houses of public worship, (1 Methodist called Hang- ing Rock Meeting House, the other free for all denominations, called 7 saw and 5 grist mills, located on Zion's Church,) 1 manufacturing this stream; and in its vicinity are 3 houses of public worship, (2 Baptist flour mill, and i grist mill. Two miles below the rock, on a small and 1. Presbyterian.) The uplands stream emptying into North river, 4 in the neighborhood are slate soil, miles above this place, are 2 grist and and when first cleared produce good 1 oil mill, and carding machine. The lands on North river are generally fertile and productive, and those lying between North river and South Branch of Potomac, are mostly brok- en and hilly, but where well cultiva- ted are tolerably productive. The wheat, corn, &c. The mountains and hills abound in pine of the best quality. The principal mountains are Spring Gap and Little Capon mountains on the east,-and Town Hill mountain on the west, running parallel with the stream ..

turnpike crosses 3 considerable moun- tains, viz. North river, Sandy ridge, and Dillon's mountains.

Romney, and 7 E. of Springfield, at the Sulphur Springs, on the Spring- field road. "The water of this spring is strongly impregnated with mine- rals, is pleasant to the taste, and is somewhat noted for its salubrious efficacy. At this spring there is a natural mound, composed of rock and earth, about 20 feet in height and 60 in circumference at its base; with the main post road passing on one side, and a small stream of water on the other. This mound invariably attracts the attention of the passing

NORTH RIVER MILLS, P. O. 178 ms. from R. and 99 from W. .

NORTH RIVER MEETING HOUSE, P. O. 194 ms. from R. and 115 N. W. by W. of . W.

LITTLE CACAPON, river and P. O. 188 ms. from R. and 109 from W. The P. O. is situated 1 mile W. of PADDYTOWN, P. V. 214 ms. from Little Cacapon river, 14 .N. E. of R. and 135 N. W. by W. of W.

This small but romantic village con- tains 6 dwelling houses, 1 mercantile store, 1 manufacturing flour milk, and there are in the immediate vicinity, 1 forge and furnace. It is situated up- on the banks of the North Branch of Potomac river, between Knobley, New Creek and Alleghany moun- tains, commanding a beautiful pros- pect of the latter, which lies within one and a half mile distant :- Queen's Pointand Slim Bottom Hill. Queen's Point is remarkable for the magnifi- cent aspect, which is here presented

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-HAMPSHIRE .-

to the spectator. This Point over-jeavity is rather small to make it prac- looks the river, and is upwards of ticable for persons to pass through.) 600 feet high, the extremity or top of It thereby gives the cold northern which is decorated with a large pro- winds free access, which naturally, jecting rock upwards of 100 feet in height. Through this roek which is about 200 feet in width there is a kind of avenue or alley, thro' which visitors generally pass. This point is a place of considerable resort, dur- ing the summer season, and derives its name from the circumstance of a traveller by the name of Queen, hay- ing attempted to pass by the foot path,

freezes the water in winter, and the cavity serves as an icehouse, during the summer. There is also a similar cave on the land of Janney's heirs, whence their issues a perpetual breeze which is extremely cold. This spot has a small house built over it and is occupied as a milk house. There is in this vicinity on the lands of J. Singleton, a Salt which leads around the base of the spring, from which there has been. roek, upon horseback, but the feet of several barrels of good salt manufac- tured.

the animal slipping he was precipi- tated with his rider over the preci- pice, and both were killed.

ROMNEY, P. V. and seat of jus- tice, on the right bank of the South Branch of Potomac, 195 ms. from R. 116 N. N. W. of W., 39 ms. in a and 28 S. of Cumberland in Mary- land, situated in lat. 49° 20' N. and long. 1º 42' W. of W. C. Popu- lation in 1830, 346, of whom 100 were colored persons.

Slim Bottom . Hill is also a place of some resort, and from its novelty deserves to be partially noticed. The similar direction from Winchester, most conspicuous part of this place is a large prominent projecting rock which overhangs the river, the height of which is about 90 feet. This rock appears to have been at one time connected with the opposite rock on County Courts are held on the 4th Monday in every month :- Quarter- ly in March, June, August and No- vember. the Maryland side. This general opinion is derived from their similar- ity, and the fact of their being so near in contact, the river only separating JUDGE PARKER holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chance- ry on the 28th of April and 12th September. them. There are several other natu- ral curiosities immediately in the vi- cinity of this village worthy of no- tice ; amongst others is a cavern or SHERRARD'S STORE, P. O. 174 care, upon the side of Martin's Hill, ins. from R. and 95 from W.

(another noted point not much short of; SHEETZ'S MILL, P.O. 205 ms. from one thousand feet high, ) from whence R. and 126 N. W. by W. of W. there flows a very small stream. SPRINGFIELD, P. V. 197 ms. from R. and 118 N. W by W. of W. 'This village is situated at the inter- section of the post roads, leading from Winchester to the national turn- This stream in this cave during the summer season produces considerable quantities of excellent ice. This re- markable phenomenon can only be solved in the following manner. Its pike, (42 ins. from the former and 17 local situation being due north, and from the latter) and the road leading. from Romney, to Old Town, Md., be- tween the South and North Branches of the Potomac river, 1 mile from the former and 7 from the latter. It the lower mouth being at the base of the hill, and ascending gradually a distance of perhaps 30 or 40 feet be- low the surface of the earth, nearly to the top of the hill, where it again contains 30 dwelling houses, 2 houses makes its appearance (though the'of public worship, (1 Presbyterian

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-HARDY.

and 1 Methodist,) 1 seminary in bly one of the healthiest villages in which are taught all the necessary the Union, surrounded by beautiful- mountain scenery, and in the neigh- branches of an English education, 2 mercantile stores, 3 taverns, 1 tan borhood of forests, well stocked with" yard, 1 saddler, 3 boot and shoe fac- tories, 2 smith shops, 2 tailors, 1

wild game, such as deer, turkeys,' pheasants, squirrels, &c. Population' chair maker, 1 house joiner, and 1 162 persons; of whom 1 is a physi- wagon maker. Springfield is proba- cian:

HARDY:

HARDY was created by the Legislature in 1786, and formed from a por- tion of Hampshire county. It is bounded by Ilampshire N. and N. E., She- nandoah E., Rockingham S. E., Pendleton S., Randolph S. W. and W. and Alleghany county, of Maryland, N. W .; its mean length is 42 ms ; breadth 17 and area 714 sq. ms., extending in lat. from 38º 43', to 39º 18' N. and in long. from 1º 43', to 2º 30' W. of W. C. The surface of Hardy inclines to the N. E. and is traversed in that direction by the South branch, and sev- ral other tributaries of the Potomac ; with lateral chains of mountains in- tervening, which also extend in a similar direction with the rivers. The surface is much broken, and for the most part very rocky and sterile; but tracts of excellent land, lie on the streams, and in the mountain vallies. The mean elevation of the arable land, is perhaps 1000 ft. above the ocean. There are some valuable banks of iron ore in this county, among these the one near the Cacapon furnace, about 30 ms. from Winchester, deserves to be mentioned. Population in 1820, 5,700-in 1830, 6,778. This county belongs to the 14th judicial circuit, and 7th district. Tax paid in 1833, $2,549 64-in 1834, on lots, $34 21-on land, $1,999 81-607 slaves, $151 75-3,837 horses, $230 22-20 studs, $173 00-8 coaches, $17 50 3 carryalls, $3 00. Total, $2,609 49. Expended in educating poor chil- dren in 1832, $332 23-in 1833, $665 87:

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

FEDERAL HILL, P. O. 178 ms. W. ]house of public worship, free for all of R. and 125 W. of W. C., situated denominations, 1 English school, 2 in the eastern part of the county.

HAZARD FORGE, P. O. 212 ms .. from R. and 145 W. of W. C.

Bible, 1 tract and 1 temperance socie- ty, 1 public library well supported, 5 mercantile stores, 1 tanyard, 2 sad- dlers, 1 hatter, 3 smith shops, 2 cabi- net makers, 2 house carpenters, 2 boot and shoe factories, 3 tailor's, 1 wagon maker, and 2 milliners. In the vi- cinity are 3 manufacturing flour mills and 2 country mills, 2 carding and I fulling and dying machine. Popu-

MOOR FIELDS, P. V. and Seat of Justice, 195 ms. from R. and 128 W. of W. C. in lat. 39º 02' N. and long. 2" 02' W. of W. C. This village is situated on the right bank of the South branch of the Potomac, at the junc- tion of the South fork, in one of the richest vallies in western Virginia, 50 lation 350 persons ; of whom 3 are at- ms. a little S. W. of Winchester. It torneys, and 4 regular physicians. contains besides the usual county

County Courts are held on the 3d buildings, 50 dwelling houses, I Tuesday in every month; - Quarterly

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in March, June, August and Novem- several ms. under ground. This vil- ber.

lage was laid off in 1827, and now JUDGE SMITH holds his Circuit contains 17 dwelling houses, 1 house Superior Courts of Law and Chan- cery on the 21st of April and Sep- tember. of public worship, free for all denom- inations, 1 common school, 2 taverns, 1 tanyard, 1 saddler, 1 boot and shoe LOST RIVER, P. O. 130.ms. W. of maker, 2 tailors, 1 wagon maker, 1 W. C. situated in the eastern part of chair maker, 1 hatter, 1 house joiner, the county.

1 milliner and mantua maker, 1 stonė LUNEY'S CREEK, P. O. 201 ms. mason, and 1 smab shop. "Popula- from R. and 141 W. of W., situated tion 75 persons; of whom 1 is a phy- 10 ms. W. of Moor Field.

sician. In the vicinity of this place, are 2 manufacturing flour mills, and 4 iron works, 2 forges for manufac-

TROUT RUN, or WARDENSVILLE, Election Precinct and P. V. 180 ms. from R. and 101 W. of W. This ture of bar iron, and 2 furnaces for village is situated on 'T'rout Run, which here unites with Lost River,

making pig iron and castings. War- densville is situated 28 ms. from Win- and forms the great Cacapon. The chester, 18 from Woodstock, and equi great Cacapon is navigable at some distant 26 from the county scats of seasons of the 'year,-its principal Hardy and Hampshire. It is destin- stream Lost River, rises within 2 ins. [ed from its central situation, to become of Wardensville, after having passed a place of some importance.

HARRISON.

HARRISON was created in 1784, and formed from a portion of Mononga- lia. It is bounded N. and N. E. by Monongalia, E. by Randolph, S. by Lewis, and W. by Wood and Tyler. Its mean length is 50 ms .; mean breath 22 and area 1100 sq. ms., extending in lat. from 39° 03', to 39º 35' N. and in long. from 2º 53' to 3º 55' W. of W. C. The Western branch of the Monongahela river, enters the southern border of Harrison, and wind- ing N. N. E. receives from both sides, numerous creeks, which drain the central and most considerable part of this county. The western part how. ever declines westward, and is drained by the sources of Middle Island creek. The surface of the whole county is much broken, but generally fer- tile. Population in 1820, 10,932-1830, 14,792. It belongs to the 18th judicial circuit, and 9th district. Tax paid in 1833, $1,616 64-in 1834, on: lots, $133 21-on land, 1,056 27 -- 339 slaves, $84. 75-5,284 horses, 8317 04-28 studs, $106.00-11 carryalls, $11 00. ' Total, $1,708 27. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $976 13-in 1833, $970 98.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 47

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