A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 57

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 57
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 57

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).

39%

427-

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKBRIDGE:

such as beeswax, tallow, feathers, and | to be about 900 persons; of whom 9 are attorneys, and 4 regular physicians .: "

other articles of produce. These wa- gons return laden with goods for the western merchants.

In the vicinity of Lexington is a state arsenal, in which are deposited about 30,000 stand of arms, guarded by a Captain and 30 men.

An Academy was incorporated in this town in 1782, under the name of Liberty Hall Academy; and in 1812 it was chartered as a college, called S. W. of R. and 213 S. W. by W. of

WASHINGTON COLLEGE, from Gene- ral Washington, who endowed it with 100 shares in the James river canal, which produced, in 1821, an annual income of 82,400. "This donation constitutes the only part of its funds that are now productive, and may be estimated at $25,000. Its other funds consist also of donations, one devised by a private citizen of Lexington, es- timated at $50,000, when relieved from certain debts of the testator, and another from the Cincinnati Society of Virginia, on their voluntary disso- lution, amounting to $15,000, but not yet drawn out of the hands in which it was deposited; making in all $90,- 000." There are two buildings of brick, which afford accommodations for 50 or 60 students; and a library of 1,500 volumes. It is pleasantly situated; its expenses for education are not high; but its students have never been very numerous .- Number in 1833, 46 ..

A large, handsome and capacious brick building has lately been erected, intended for the philosophical appa- # ratus, &c. which are sufficiently am- ple. The faculty consists of a presi- dent, two professors, and a tutor.

' ANN SMITH ACADEMY is also lo. cated in this town for the education of young ladies. It occupies a large and handsome edifice, in which are teach- ers of all the requisite branches of such an institution. There are three public libraries in this town.

County Courts are held on the Monday before the 1st Tuesday in every month ;- Quarterly in March, June, August and November.

Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery are held on the 1.6th of A- priland September, by JUDGE THOMP SON.

NATURAL BRIDGE, P. O. 172 ms. W .- situated in the southern part of : the county, in lat. 37° 33' N. and long. 2º 34. W. of W. C.

We present a faithful description.of this extraordinary natural curiosity from the notes of a traveller, published not long since in the periodical press.

" By the uniform admission of all those who have visited this great natu- ral curiosity, it has justly acquired a celebrity unequalled by any other in this country, and the increasing num- ber of visiters to this place, still con- tinues to awaken the attention of the curious and philosophic throughout the world. . Its location is in the coun- ty of Rockbridge, to which it. gives name, 15 miles from Lexington, and 45 from Lynchburg, through one of which places it is usually approached by strangers. The mean height . of the bridge, from the stream running -- underneath it to its upper surface, is 215 feet 6 inches, its average width is 80 feet, its length, measured across from the indentations on either side of the high and nearly perpendicular rocks upon which it rests, is 93 feet, and its thickness, on both sides, is 55 feet.

The stupendous arch constituting the bridge is of lime stone rock, co. vered to the depth of from 4 to 6 feet with alluvial and clayey earth, and based upon huge rocks of the same geological character, the summits of which are 90 feet, and their bases 50 feet asunder, and whose rugged sides

Population not given in the tabular form the wild and awful chasm span- returns of the last census, but supposed ned by the bridge. The bridge. is

CHITRES

العـ

428

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKBRIDGE.

guarded, as if by the design of nature, over him, and a wild delirium seizes by a parapet of rocks, and by trees his senses, and he unconsciously re- (coils from the unfathomable gloom,. and shrubbery, firmly embedded in the soil, so that a person travelling and the awful gulf below him ! Has- the stage road running over it, would, if not informed of the curiosity, pass it unnoticed. It is also worthy of re- mark, that the creation of a natural bridge at this place has contributed, in a singular manner, to the conve- nience of man, inasmuch as the deep ravine over which it sweeps, and through which traverses the beautiful "Cedar Creek," is not, otherwise, easily passed for several miles, either above or below the bridge; and, con- sequently, the road running from north to south with an aclivity of 35 degrees, presents the same appearance in soil, growth of trees and general charac- ter, with that of the neighboring scene- ry. The bridge is not to be seen, therefore, in its native grandeur and sublimity by passing over or around it, but only from a position nearly un- der it, or within the valley near by.

The first view commonly obtained by strangers of the bridge, or its conti- guous scenery, is by an eager approach to the edge of the bridge, or to the brink of the right of it, & looking over into the gulf below. Here language is inca- pable of expressing the emotions with which the scene is viewed, nor is it possible for the imagination to sketch the scene in a manner to equal the re- ality. The spectator becomes sudden- ly and forcibly impressed with the apparent danger of his situation, and trembling with fear, he involuntary shrinks back and crouches to the earth. As he approaches the brink of the precipice, his eye is attracted to the broad mass of perpendicular rock -"Fancy then; Unequal fails beneath the task, Ah! what shall language do?" upon the opposite side of the chasm, and as he nears the jutting crags and throws the sight along down the wild Mute astonishment succeeds the emotions with which the stranger had before been impressed, and now, unconsciously fixed to the spot, he : gazes with wonder and admiration and rugged sides, now boldly opposed to his view,-straining with anxious gaze to find a resting place, still per- ceiving no termination to the yawn. · ing abyss, a shuddering horror comes upon the lofty arch, springing like a .

tening from the spot, he becomes con- scious only of the irresistible influ- : ence of-the mind over the body, on recognizing himself removed from the scene of danger, still he is haunt- ed hy the ideas to which the scene has : given birth, and which, resting unwil-' lingly upon his mind, often lash his : feelings into agonies!

Such are, indeed, the perceptions and reflections of those of lively sen- sibility and active cautiousness, who, for the first time, visit this wonderful .. and magnificent scenery; yet there are those who view it with apparent insensibility and unconsciousness, and, who steadily look down into the abyss, "yet never suffer joint to tremble."

This view of "the great natural curiosity" however, is but partial, and even yet, incapable of calling up those ideas of sublimity and greatness which are afforded the spectator by another position. Turning around the elevat- ed ground north of the bridge, and coming gradually along to its south- ern base, then winding around ani abrupt point of the hill, the anxious spectator is brought into a foot path declining along the rocks, beside the cliff on the one side and the busy lit- tle creek on the other, when, suddenly looking upward, he beholds the splen- did arch of the bridge in all its sub- limity and natural grandeur. Here. indeed, does the astonished observer find language too feeble to give utter- . ance to his impressions !

٢٠

١٠٠

429

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKBRIDGE.

spirit over the tremendous gulf, and|masse, the most magnificent and fin-, ished picture that ever came from the

throwing its massive sides and ethe- rial summit high against the heavens. hand of nature.

No adequate idea of the "Natural Bridge" is to be obtained from the efforts of either the pencil or pen, and though both have attempted a descrip- tion, yet neither have approximated reality. From this view, the beholder is led to the comparison of natural ob- jects with which he has been familiar, and himself shrinks into insignifi- cance when he becomes the subject. Never was there a more fit place to observe the littleness of man, and the omnipotence of God !- No reflective mind can, with such a scene present- ed to its faculties, remain unimpressed with its own nothingness, and unaf- fected by feelings of adoration to the Great Supreme. With this view of the subject before him, and " looking from nature up to nature's God," the language of the poet would not ap- pear to him inapt :-

In the vast and the minute we see The unambitious footsteps of the God Who gives the lustre to an insect's wing, And wheels his throne upon the rolling world

Who can paint Like nature? Can imitation boast, Amidst his gay creation, hues like hers?

Here too, on either side, the pre- : cipitous cliffs rise up in portentous . grandeur with

Pendant rocks that nod into the world, . And mock our eyes with air.

The observer, anxious to get a view of the whole of this rude and roman- ' tic scenery, naturally traverses the ra- vine, yet fearfully overawed by the ' impending rocks, he feels in momen -* tary danger of being ground to dust by the falling of projecting rocks, but which, though held apparently by feeble tenure, have maintained their' places for ages. On looking up from: under the bridge, the fear of destruc- tion from the overhanging mass be- comes almost irresistible, yet the grandeur of the arch induces suffi -. cient curiosity to forego the apparent danger. The bridge here presents its most imposing appearance, though its character is less sublime from the na- ture of the position. The beholder is here more forcibly struck with awe and terror than from any other situa-' tion in which it is viewed. The ex- pansive dimensions, the grand over -- sweeping continuity, and the ponder-' ous massiveness of the entire rock are" here forcibly displayed to the wonder., ing gaze. Here also, running up be- side you to the very arch, are the' craggy abutments upon which it rests, presenting altogether, the hugest body of continuous rock ever at one time thrown open .to view.

The relative position of the specta- tor, at this time, and place, in regard to the bridge and most of the stupen- dous scenery connected with it, is de- cidedly more favorable than any other. Here within one grand view, is the towering arch surmounted by high trees, with vigorous foliage and sharp projecting rocks, strongly implanted in the soil. Here the whole of the high, and apparently unsupported mass, is cast boldly against the field of deep blue sky, and thereby brought out in vivid contrast and grand relief, every object stands strongly pourtray- ed upon the broad etherial canvass, Speculation is naturally put in ope- ration to account for the causes where- by " with disruption vast," this rock was cloven asunder. Although sci- entific men may differ in many par. while the varied tints, the sweeping dashes of natural shades, the coarse masses of deep black, with the occa- sional brushes of strong lights, all are well defined and deeply toned within ticulars upon this subject, and al- the rugged outlines, compose, en though it is both more common and

WYGRA

430

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKBRIDGE.

more easy to say that the whole is ajagency of water, there are in the phenominon caused "by some great convulsion," than to assign reasons and determine causes for this phe- nomenon, yet, it is thought, no one who has investigated the causes most likely to produce this result, and the evi- dences which those causes have left behind, of their existence and opera- tion, will arrive at any other conclu- sion than that the principle cause was

neighborhood of the bridge, numerous and certain proofs of there having been vast bodies of water which poured down the surrounding vallies and ravines, overtopping some of the high hills, and embodying themselves, at last, within this grand reservoir. The magnificent and rocky sides of this great depository, which is of nearly uniform height for some two water. It will be observed that the or three miles above, directed the ac- eastern or upper side of the bridge, has been worn under for several feet, that the part thus rounded, tunnel-like, cumulated waters down against the firm bridge. Here they are met with this bold obstruction throwing itself is smooth and unlike any other por- proudly athwart the rushing waters, as if saying, in a spirit of defiance, "thus far thou shalt come and no far- ther!" Forced from its course by this obstinate and haughty barrier, the overflowing current was turned round the declivity on the south, and ran down the hill about the points of rocks, and came again into the deep valley some thirty rods below. Along its diverted channel may be seen all the evidences of a water course pour- ing over a rocky bed.

tion of the contiguous rock, if we ex- cept the indentation on the southern side of the perpendicular rock, which present similar appearances, evidently produced from the same cause .- Viewing the course of the ravine, and the consequent direction of the water which filled it, the indication of the agency of water in the formation of the bridge, is even more determinate in the latter circumstance than in the former. The projecting body of rock upon the opposite side of the chasm, running uniformly upward from its

The proudly opposing rock was not destined, however, to stop forever base, and opposing an invulnerable the march of the dashing stream, and in process of time, the onward force of the current, with the means which it had brought to its aid, prevailed, and increasing its force with every advantage, the breach enlarged and

front, of sufficient magnitude to have turned the current of the mighty wa- ters, and to have thrown its force di- rectly against those parts upon the other side, where the peculiarities before mentioned are seen, affords the admitted, at length, the stream to roll most natural proof of the influence of forward for ages unresisted. Upon water in the creation of the bridge. Those who have observed the opera- tion of water in the wearing away of rocks, the large and deep pot holes, the rounded and smooth surfaces given to rocks, by the long and con- tinued action of small stones, and the friction of water, will here observe similar appearances. the summit of distant hills are to be . found marine fossils, and their im -: pressions within the fragments of par- tially decomposed limestone rocks, while along their sides and within the vallies are pot-holes, smooth fissures and rounded points of rocks, all of which prove the existence and action The entire of water at these places at some period mass of rock is of limestone, and therefore more easily worn away than silicious stone; whose more indurated surfaces have fretted for ages against of time; the course and parallel of these indications, are also directed to -. wards the great receptacle as before intimatèd.

it.

Besides these evidences of the!

(The undulating surface of the sur-

43Ï

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKBRIDGE.

rounding country must have presented( moss hanging from the high over- from the bridge, when thus admitting the varied streams to dash along its vallies, one of the most splendid scenes in nature )

'The chasms, both east and west of the bridge, do not afford strong evi- dences of the continued action of wa- ter, but rather of some violent rend- ing of the massive rock. And this may be rationally supposed, without opposing the conclusions to which we common degree of personal strength have arrived in regard to the agency of water in the formation of the bridge; yet even this is reconcileable with the solution of this phenomenon, by supposing portions of the rock to have fallen, from time to time, by the action of water within the fissures, or to have been cleft off by objects car- ried forcibly down the current of the stream. The theory of an immense cavern terminated at the bridge, and opening from either side, is certainly plausible, and does not militate against that so manifestly true, in respect to the bridge. The summit of this ca- vern is supposed to have extended along the ravineand high precipitous rocks, for some distance, and even- tually to have fallen down, by which the deep chasm is laid open to view. This is believed by some, at least, whose judgment and scientific know- ledge are entitled to the utmost re- spect.

hanging arch. To this arch it has ever been the attempt of visiters to throw a stone, and we recollect it to have been stated, years gone by, that the only successful competitor, in this feat of physical power was General Washington, who, it was also said, cut his name higher than any other person, upon the perpendicular rock. It is, certainly, a feat requiring no

to throw a stone to the bridge, and few have been successful in the at- tempt; though one individual is said to have thrown upon the very sum- mit, (probably with a sling,) .from whence the stone was taken at the time. Names are to be seen "in eve- ry variety" along the rocks and upon the sides under the bridge, but that of Washington is not now to be discov- ered. A young man, it is said ambi- tious to cut his name above that of Washington, became so situated, up the towering cliff, that he was unable to recover. himself, or to descend : to effect the one, he would inevitably in- cur the certainty of being precipitated to the bottom, while to climb still high- er and gain the top, appeared impos- sible. In this state of awful uncer- tainty, between the possibility of life and a dreadful death, little hope ap- peared to the one, while the other seemed certain, and urged by an ef- fort as desperate as the love of life, he attempted to ascend to the giddy height. This alternative nerved him with more than mortal power, and

It may appear to the curious wor- thy of remark, that in the centre of the grand arch, under the bridge, there is to be observed with outspread wings, the American Eagle of gigan- strange as it may seem to every one tic size, covering with one of its wings, who may ever look at the spot from whence he started, the shuddering height at which he aimed, and the apparent impossibilities he surmount- ed, he arrived nervless and prostrate at the verge, and-was safe, the head of the British Lion. These objects certainly appeared plainly de- Jincated to the writer, as they have ever appeared to all to whom they have been pointed out. Others have also discovered the head of Washing- Visiters to the " Natural Bridge of Virginia," will ever find a rich and varied field for observation; for, in addition to the objects of curiosity ton and various other objects, but which it was not permitted to the ken of the writer to discover.

These appearances are formed by which have been enumerated and de-

432

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKINGHAM.

scribed, " the overhanging rocks" and which divides the Cow and Calfpas- numerous other grand and interesting ture. It is a large cavity in the side objects up the valley and within the of a hill, of about 6 feet in diameter, neighborhood, there is " Powell's and emits constantly a current of air. mountain," upon which are found the marine fossils before mentioned, and within which are "Johnson's cave," affording an easy descent among a

This current is strongest in dry fros- ty weather, and in long spells of rair weakest. Regular inspirations and expirations of air, by caverns and fis- variety of subterranean cavities, and sures have been probably enough ac- " Chapin's cave" of yet unfathomable depth. And last, though not least, among the objects of consideration with visiters to these interesting and

counted for, by supposing them con- bined with intermitting fountains, as they must of course inhale air, while their reservoirs are emptying them- romantic scenes, Mr. Johnson, the selves, and again emit it while they gentlemanly and accommodating pro-

are filling. But a constant issue of prietor of the public house at the air, only varying in its force as the bridge, will afford every facility for weather is dryer or damper, will re- their observation and every means for quire a new hypothesis. There is their enjoyment."

PANTHER'S GAP, P. O. 195 ms. berland mountains, about a mile from S. W. of W. and 154 from R. In the vicinity of this post office, the Blowing cave is situated. This nat. ural curiosity is situated 12 ms. S. E. of the Warm Springs, in the ridge

another Blowing cave in the Cum- where it crosses the Carolina line, all we know of this is, that it is not con- stant, and that a fountain of water issues from it.

ROCKINGHAM.

ROCKINGHAM was established by act of Assembly in 1778, and formed from a portion of Augusta county. It is bounded N. by Shenandoah,-N. E. by Page,-E. by the Blue Ridge which separates it from Orange and Albemarle,-S. by Augusta,-W. by the North mountain which separates it from Pendleton,-and N. W. by Hardy. Its mean length is 343 miles, mean breadth 24; and area 833 square miles. Its mean lat. is 37° 30' N. and long. 1º 45' W. of W. C. The main Shenandoah runs through the eastern portion of the county,North river drains the southern part,- North Fork of Shenandoah drains the northern and northwestern portion and after running through Shenandoah it unites with the main branch soon after it enters Frederick, a few miles from Front Royal,-Smith's creek a branch of North Fork drains the central portion of the county, and passes into Shenandoah before it joins North Fork. The western part of this county is very mountainous, and the Peaked mountains run up from She- nandoah, between the Shenandoah and Harrisonburg. Much of the soil is excellent, and the farming econominal and judicious. A large portion of the population is German or of German origin. Population in 1820, 14,784-1830, 20,683. It belongs to the fourteenth judicial circuit and seventh district. Tax paid in 1833, $4,821 64-in 1834 on lots, $167 41 -on land $3,556 60-1189 slaves, $296 74-7446 horses, $446 76-39 studs, $279 00 -- 41 coaches, 888 05-68 carryalls, $68 37-34 gigs,

二

433

WESTERN VIRGINIA-ROCKINGHAM.

$25 10. Total $4,928 04. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $890 05 -- in 1833, $990 01.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BOWMAN'S MILLS, P. O. 145 ms. N. W. by W. of R. and 155 from W., situated in the N. W. part of the county 23 ms. N. N. W. of Harri- sonburg.

: BROCK'S GAP. P. O. 150 ms. N. W. of R. and 160 from W.

CONRAD'S STORE, P. O. 120 ms. N. W. of R. and 132 from W.

CROSS KEYS, P. O. 130 ms. from R. and 140 S. W. by W. of W.

considerable business is done both mechanical and mercantile. These three having sprung up within a few years under the auspices of men of capital and enterprise, together with other causes have rendered Harri- sonburg less prosperous than villages in this valley generally. Population about 1000 persons; of whom 8 are resident attorneys, and 8 regular physicians.

County courts are held on the 3d Monday in every month ;- Quarter- ly in February, May. August, and

HARRISONBURG, P. V. and seat of justice, 122 ms. from R. and 144 S. W. by W. of W., in lat. 38º! 25' and long. 1º 48' W. of W. C. November. situated 24 ms. N. N. E. of Staun- Circuit Superior Courts of Law ton and 40 N. N. W. of Charlottes-fand Chancery are held on the 10th ville. This village contains besides of May and 11th of October by JUDGE the ordinary county buildings, 125 SMITH.

;

dwelling houses, a neat brick market KITE'S MILLS, P. O. 131 ms. from R. and 122 W. of W. house lately erected, 2 houses of pub- lic worship, (1 Methodist, and 1 Pres- LINVILLE CREEK, P. O. 136 ms. from R. and 146 W. of W. byterian,) 3 common schools, 1 tem- perance and 1 sunday school society, MCGAHEYSVILLE, P. O. 114 ms. from R. and 186 from W, 1 8 mercantile stores, 3 taverns, and 1 printing office, issuing a weekly pa- MOUNT CRAWFORD, P. V. 138 ms! from R. and 148 S. W. by W. of W. per. There are 2 tan yards, 4 sad- dlers, 4 boot and shoe factories, 3 |situated in the western part of the . smith shops, 3 hatters, 2 tailors, 2 county, on the main valley road lead-

2 wagon makers, 2 gunsmiths, wheelwrights and chair makers, 1 cabinet maker, 2 coppersmiths, and tin plate workers, 1 saddle-tree ma- ker, 1 glove maker. 1 bookbindery, 2 watchmakers and silversmiths, 1 mar- ble cutter and polisher, a quarry of which is in the immediate neighbor- ing from Winchester to Staunton, and immediately on the North river. It contains 25 dwelling houses, 1 house of public worship free for all denomi- nations, 2 common schools, 2 taverns, 3 mercantile stores, 2 tailors, 2 sad- dlers, 2 boot and shoe factories, 1 smith shop, 1 tin plate worker, 1 hood, and in considerable demand, 1!cabinet maker; . 1. wheelwright, 1 confectionary, and 1 . earthen ware cooper, I pottery, 2 millioner and man- pottery. There is a fine spring of tua makers, 1 gun smith, 1 wagon strong limestone water in. the publio maker, 1 manufacturing flour mill, and I saw mill. The North river is navigable for flat boats, about three miles above this village, and consid- square, -- and the land adjacent is a strong limestone soil. Deaton is 4 miles from this place, and Edom Mills are 5 miles distant; they are erable quantities of flour are. annual- both small but flourishing places; as ly carried down the Shenandoah from is also Mount Crawford, at which this place to Georgetown and Alex.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 57

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