USA > Pennsylvania > A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state > Part 38
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41. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
Northampton is bounded north by Carbon and Monroe; east by the river Delaware, separating it from New Jersey ; south by Bucks ; and west by Lehigh county. The population according to the census of 1840 was 40,996; but a part having been since laid off as Carbon county, leaves the present population of North- ampton about 34,000.
The southern portion is mountainous and uneven, being traversed by the irregular chain of hills called the South mountain. These are chiefly com- posed of gneiss and other primary rocks, which are overlaid by limestone in some of the narrow valleys. Magnetic iron ore is found in several places on the hills, associated with the primary rocks. North of these hills is a broad belt of the great limestone formation (II) of the Cumberland or Kit- tatiny valley, which stretches from the Delaware south-westward into Maryland and Virginia, having a soil of the most fertile and productive cha- racter, and a comparatively level surface. Iron ore of the brown argillaceous and hematite variety is abundant along the south side of the Lehigh, near the junction of this limestone with the primary rocks, and is mined in many places. It is also occasionally found within the range of the lime- stone further north. On the Delaware, above Easton, the limestone belt is divided by a high ridge of primary rocks called Chesnut hill, having along its southern side, serpentine and other magnesian rocks; associated with which are found talc, asbestos, tremolite, augite, nephrite, zircon, tour-
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malin, and a variety of other interesting minerals. There are few places in the State which offer so inviting a locality to the mineralogist as the neigh- bourhood of Easton. On the south side of Manokesy creek, about three miles north of Bethlehem, is a small insulated ridge of primary rocks, pro- truded through the limestone, and nearly in a line with the range of Chest- nut hill. Between Allentown and Bethlehem, along the north side of the Lehigh, is a hill in which these rocks also appear, having on its northern side some detached portions of sandstone (I) between the primary rocks and the limestone.
The northern border of the limestone formation extends eastward from the Lehigh at Siegfried's bridge, by Bath and Nazareth, to the Delaware at the mouth of Martin's creek, appearing also on the north side of the river to a point nearly opposite Belvidere. From this line, to the base of the, Blue mountain, the country is composed of a slate formation (III) with the exception of a narrow point of limestone on the Delaware about the mouth of Cobus creek, below the Water gap, which, after extending a short dis- tance westward, sinks beneath the overlying slate. The surface of this slate region is generally hilly, and the soil but moderately productive ; being, however, susceptible of great improvement by the use of lime as a manure, when aided by judicious cultivation. Extensive slate quarries have been opened near the Delaware, where roofing slate of superior quality is obtained in large quantities, and a manufactory of school slates has been established in which, by the aid of ingenious machinery, slates of peculiar neatness and excellence are produced at a moderate price. There are also large slate quarries near Nazareth, and some at other places. Some of the lower strata of the slate formation, near its junction with the limestone, yield an excellent hydraulic cement, which is manufactured near Siegfried's bridge, on the Lehigh, by the Lehigh Navigation Company. These strata are finely exposed on the east side of Martin's creek, near its mouth.
The Blue mountain now forms the northern boundary of Northampton, and is capped by the compact gray and reddish sandstones (IV) of the formation next above the slate last mentioned. The Delaware and Lehigh rivers both pass through this mountain by gaps apparently torn by the mighty force of the rushing waters from the country above; with high and precipitous cliffs rising almost perpendicularly from the water, and present- ing magnificent views of wild and romantic scenery on the rivers, as well as a widely extended and beautiful prospect from the top of the mountain. Nearly mid-way between these two rivers is a singular opening through the mountain, called the Wind gap, through which no stream passes ; but the almost level crest line of the mountain is here depressed nearly as low as the country on each side ; forming a notch in the mountain, of peculiar convenience for the passage of travellers and teams, and towards which the leading roads on both sides converge and pass through in one great thoroughfare.
The Delaware river flows along the eastern side of the county, in a direction nearly south, but with a meandering course. The Lehigh runs south-eastward along the western boundary to within about five miles of Allentown, where it passes into Lehigh county, one township of which lies east of the river. At Bethlehem it again enters Northampton, having now a north-eastern course to the Delaware at Easton. Bushkill creek is a considerable stream, rising by several branches near the Blue mountain, and flowing southward to the Delaware at Easton; its mouth being but a short distance above that of the Lehigh. This stream supplies power to a great number of mills throughout most of its course. Martin's creek runs southward to the Delaware 7 miles above Easton. Ma- nokesy has also a southern course, falling into the Lehigh at Beth-
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
lehem. Saucon creek flows north-eastward from the southern part of Lehigh county, and empties on the south side of the Lehigh below Bethlehem. All these streams, together with a number of smaller creeks in different parts of the county, supply abundance of water power for mills and manufacturing purposes. In addition to this is the surplus water from the dams and canal of the Lehigh company, which is let to individuals for uses requiring water power.
Easton, the county town, is beautifully situated at the confluence of the two rivers, surrounded by picturesque hills, having on the east the majestic Delaware, on the south the wild and rapid Le- high, and on the north the romantic little Bushkill, winding its way through green meadows, and having its banks studded with busy mills and substantial farm houses. This town is favourably located for business, being in the midst of a fertile, well culti- vated and populous region, and at the junction of the Delaware division of the State canal with the works of the Lehigh Navigation Company. It has also a communication with New York, by means of the Morris canal, on the opposite side of the Delaware. The town is rapidly increasing in wealth, population and com- mercial importance; containing by the census of 1840, nearly 5,000 inhabitants. The court house, an ancient building, stands in a public square in the centre of the town; the other public buildings are the county offices and prison, two banks, an aca- demy, and a number of churches, some of which are spacious and handsome edifices. La Fayette college is a noble building situated on the hill north of Bushkill creek, and commanding a fine view of the town, the rivers, the canals, and the picturesque and flourishing country around, for miles in extent.
The town is supplied with excellent water, which is conveyed in pipes from a large spring on the south side of Chestnut hill, about a mile distant. The air is pure and salubrious, and the place is remarkable for the general good health enjoyed by its inhabitants. An extensive trade in country produce, coal, lumber, and mer- chandise is carried on, and various branches of manufactures are successfully pursued. There are bridges connecting the town with the opposite sides of the Delaware, the Lehigh, and the Bushkill.
On the opposite side of the Lehigh is South Easton with about 700 inhabitants, the seat of extensive manufacturing operations, which are carried on by means of water power from the Lehigh canal. There is a cotton factory, a furnace and other iron works, a wire factory, a foundry, a rifle factory, several flour and saw mills, and various other establishments for the employment of productive industry.
Bethlehem, on the Lehigh eleven miles above Easton, was founded at an early day by the Moravians or United Brethren, and the town is still chiefly inhabited by their descendants. They have a large church, a female seminary, a school for boys, a widows' house for the support of indigent widows, and a sisters' house for the support of indigent unmarried females. All these institutions are admirably conducted, and a degree of neatness and order is
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every where observable which is highly creditable to the society. The schools enjoy a high and deserved reputation, and have a great number of pupils from the city and various parts of the country. The delightful situation of this place, the charming country around it, and above all, the quiet and order observed by the inhabitants, with their politeness and general attention to the con- venience and comfort of strangers, have rendered Bethlehem a fa- vourite place of resort during the summer months. The day may be pleasantly passed in riding through the beautiful country around, in walks among the hills, in boating or fishing on the river ; while the evenings are enlivened by concerts and other musical enter- tainments, the inhabitants being distinguished for the attention paid to music and the excellence of their performances in this art.
Nazareth is a pleasant town, 10 miles north of Bethlehem, also inhabited chiefly by Moravians, who have here a spacious church, with other buildings belonging to the society, and a very flourish- ing institution for the education of youth. Bath is 4 miles west of Nazareth ; Kreidersville, Kernsville, Cherryville, and other villages are in the western part of the county. Richmond, Centreville, and Williamsburg are in the north-east, on the road from Easton to the Water gap; Hellerstown is south of the Lehigh, near the southern corner of the county.
Wheat is the staple product of agriculture, which is chiefly manufactured into flour, before sending it to market, the quantity being estimated to amount to upwards of 135,000 barrels annually. Indian corn, rye, oats, and buckwheat are also extensively pro- duced. Cattle, hogs, and sheep are raised and fattened for market by the farmers ; wool is produced in considerable quantity and is mostly manufactured into goods for domestic wear. Most of the surplus productions are sent to Philadelphia by the Delaware ca- nal; some to New York by the Morris canal, and some into the coal region for the supply of the mining population.
The value of real and personal property subject to county taxa- tion, according to the assessment for 1842, including that portion of the county now belonging to Carbon, was $13,086,243 : State tax $17,235.
The public improvements of most importance to this county are the Delaware division of the State canal, and the canal and slack- water navigation of the Lehigh company. The Delaware division extends from tide-water at Bristol to Easton, about eight miles of the canal being in Northampton : at Easton it connects with the Lehigh navigation which extends up that river to the north-west- ern corner of the county. The benefits received by the people of this region from the construction of these works will be perceived when it is considered that before they were undertaken the Lehigh was useless for the purposes of navigation ; produce being sent from Easton in long narrow boats which descended the Delaware at high water by a hazardous voyage through the falls, and were pushed back against the current by the incessant and fatiguing operation of " setting" or propelling the boat by means of long poles pointed with iron. Transportation to and from the city is
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now easy and regular, except at seasons when the canal is closed ·by ice.
The roads are generally kept in good condition for travelling, and bridges are built over most of the streams where they are crossed by the main roads. There are bridges across the Lehigh at Easton, Freemansburg, and Bethlehem, besides some in the western part of the county.
Including that portion now allotted to Carbon county, North- ampton contained 22 school districts, in 18 of which the law regu- lating the system of education by common schools has been adopted. According to reports received from 16 of the accepting districts they have 140 schools established, in which the average time of teaching is nearly 6g months in the year. La Fayette col- lege at Easton is a flourishing institution, and the seminaries for both sexes, established under the care of the Moravian society at Bethlehem and Nazareth, are well conducted and extensively pa- tronized.
The inhabitants are mostly of German descent, and in their familiar intercourse with each other generally use their own language, though there are few who do not understand and speak English sufficiently well for the common purposes of con- versation.
How is Northampton bounded ? What chain of hills is in the southern part, and what is the character of their rocks ? What variety of iron ore is found here ? Where is the limestone formation and what kind of ore is as- sociated with it ? What minerals are found in the rocks of Chestnut hill ? Mention the other ridges of primary rocks. Describe the extent of the slate formation. What is said of its surface and soil ? Mention the slate quarries and the operations at them. Where is hydraulic cement obtained ? What is said of the Delaware and Lehigh gaps in the Blue mountain ? Describe the Wind gap. What are the principal rivers and their course ? Where does Bushkill creek rise and what is its direction ? Mention the other streams. What is said of the amount of water power ? Describe the situation of Easton. Its advantages for business. Public buildings. How is the town supplied with water ? What is said of its health, trade, &c. ? Give some account of South Easton. Where is Bethlehem, and by whom founded ? Mention the institutions belonging to the society, and the character of the schools. What is said of the general attractions of this place ? What can you say of Nazareth ? Name the villages in the west :- in the north-east :-- in the south. Mention the staple product, and the amount of flour annually manufactured. What are the other productions of agricultural industry ? Where does the surplus produce find a market ? What canals are partly in this county, and what benefits are derived from them ? What is said of roads and bridges ? Common schools : La Fayette college : seminaries at Beth- lehem and Nazareth ? What is said of the inhabitants, and of their lan- guage ?
42. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Northumberland county has a very irregular shape, and is bounded on the north by Lycoming ; north-east and east by Co- lumbia ; south-east by Schuylkill ; south by Dauphin, and west by the Susquehanna river and West branch, which separate it from Union. Population 20,027.
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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The southern part is mountainous, the middle hilly, and the northern, along the West branch of Susquehanna, more level. In the south are the Line, Mahanoy and Little mountains, in the middle the Shamokin hills, and between the two branches of Sus- quehanna is Montour's ridge, partly in this county and partly in Columbia. The Muncy hills form the northern boundary.
South of the olive slate (VIII) of the Muncy hills, the country to the northern base of Montour's ridge is occupied by limestone (VI) and red and various coloured slates and shales (V,) having a rich soil and being the most productive agricultural part of the county. In Montour's ridge is a hard gray and reddish sandstone (IV,) overlaid by greenish and red slates and shales (V) with their thin strata of limestone and the valuable band of fossiliferous iron ore. This formation is found on both sides of the ridge, and sometimes saddles over its top. Overlying the red shale is a belt of limestone extending also on both sides of the ridge ; that on the south side appearing near the West branch about 4 miles above the town of North- umberland, and extending towards the North branch below Danville. South of this are hills containing the olive slates and gray sandstones (VIII) which extend over the country from above Northumberland southward and south-eastward to the range called the Shamokin hills, and also in and beyond the valley of Shamokin creek. These rocks are overlaid by a nar- row belt of the red shales and sandstones (IX) of the next superior forma- tion, extending over the high grounds from the Blue hill at Northumber- land eastward to Roaring creek. Another range of this red shale and sand- stone is also seen extending from the Susquehanna along the north side of the Little mountain to the valley of Roaring creek. The lower beds of the olive slate series (VIII) are finely exposed in the cliffs along the east side of the river below Sunbury, where some of the strata are sufficiently calcareous to be used for burning into lime. In the interstices of this lime- stone is found an ore containing sulphuret of lead and silicate of zinc ; but it is doubtful whether either its quantity or quality is sufficient to render it an object of much consequence. Other layers of this formation appear to be adapted to the manufacture of hydraulic cement, and may be seen abundantly along the shore of the river nearly opposite Selinsgrove.
At Georgetown, (Dalmatia,) on the Susquehanna, in the southern part of the county, an axis of elevation brings up a limestone (VI) to the surface ; this however extends but a short distance east of the river, being overlaid and surmounted by the olive slate (VIII) and the red shales and sandstones (IX) which occupy the region between the Line mountain on the north and the Mahontongo on the south. In the Line and Little mountains, which unite in a bold knob on the Susquehanna above the mouth of the Maha- noy creek, we have a hard compact sandstone (X,) which, though it some- times contains thin layers of black carbonaceous matter, is yet several hundred feet below the true coal measures. Enclosed by these moun- tains, and extending along the valley of Mahanoy creek between the Line and Mahanoy mountains, and along Little Mahanoy creek between the Little and Big mountains, is the red shale (XI) which overlies the sand- stone last mentioned ; all these rocks dipping towards the middle of the basin and passing beneath the coal. The coarse conglomerate next below the coal series appears in the Mahanoy and Big mountains, which unite on the west between the Great and Little Mahanoy creeks, enclosing the western point of the Shamokin and Mahanoy coal field.
Mining operations in this region are principally confined to the vicinity of the new town of Shamokin, at the eastern termination of the rail road from Sunbury, which affords a ready means of transporting the coal to the river. Here, in the gap by which Shamokin creek passes through the Big mountain, 5 or 6 beds of coal, from 3 to 9 feet thick, have been opened on both sides of the creek ; and further up the stream, in the smaller hills along its banks, are numerous other beds, a number of which are produc-
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tively worked. On Coal creek, between one and two miles east of the rail road, is an enormous deposit of this valuable article, contained in a bed not yet completely exposed, but which appears to be about 60 feet thick.
Northumberland county is watered by numerous streams. The North and West branches of Susquehanna unite at the town of Northumberland, and the river thence forms the western boundary. Chilisquaque creek empties into the West branch 5 miles above Northumberland. Shamokin creek rises among the mountains and flows westward to the Susquehanna below Sunbury. The Maha- noy, a bold rapid stream, rises in Schuylkill county and has a nearly west course to the Susquehanna, near which it receives the wa- ters of Little Mahanoy and Schwaben creek. Mahontongo creek forms part of the southern boundary of the county, and Roaring creek of the eastern.
Sunbury is the county town, beautifully situated on a level plain on the east side of the Susquehanna, above the mouth of Shamo- kin creek. It contains a court house, a prison, several churches, and about 250 dwellings. Population 1,108. A considerable bu- siness is already done here in the shipment of coal, &c., and the completion of the rail road to Pottsville would tend to increase the prosperity of the town.
Northumberland.
Northumberland is built upon the point of land between the North and West branches of the Susquehanna at their junction. It contains a town house, a market house, a bank, an academy, and several churches ; the number of its inhabitants is 928. It is not a place of extensive business, though favourably situated at the junction of the North and West branch divisions of the State canal. A beautiful bridge across the West branch connects this
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town with Union county ; there is another across the North branch over which passes the road leading to Sunbury.
Milton is a flourishing borough on the West branch, 12 miles above Northumberland, with a population of 1,508. Being situ- ated on the canal, in the midst of a fertile and productive neigh- bourhood, and also the seat of some considerable manufacturing and mechanical establishments, it is a place of some consequence on account of its business operations. It is connected with the Union county side of the river by a bridge.
The principal villages are McEwensville in the north, George- town in the south, Shamokin at the coal mines on Shamokin creek, and Snydertown east of Sunbury.
The most important productions are those of agriculture and of the coal mines. Various branches of manufacturing industry are successfully pursued. A large blast furnace has been recently erected at Shamokin for the purpose of smelting iron with anthra- cite coal; which is so constructed that the coal is run from the mine on a plane to the head of the furnace, but a few yards dis- tant.
The public improvements are the North and West branch canals which unite at Northumberland ; and the western portion of the Pottsville and Danville rail road, which is completed from Sun- bury to the coal mines at the town of Shamokin, 21 miles, There is a dam across the Susquehanna below Sunbury, called the Shamokin dam, 2783 feet in length, constructed by the State for the purpose of supplying water to the Susquehanna division of the canal. A turnpike road from Philadelphia, through Reading and Pottsville, extends by Sunbury to Northumberland.
By the assessed valuation of property for the county tax of 1842, the total amount was $4,353,130 : county tax $9,548: State tax $5,611.
In some portions of this county popular education is much ne- glected, and the schools are so conducted as to be of little service in promoting the improvement of youth in the elements of useful knowledge. There are in all 15 school districts. of which 8 have adopted the common school system as regulated by law. Of these 7 have made report, stating that 53 schools are established, and are kept open during an average period of upwards of 5 months in the year. There are academies at Milton, Northumberland, and Sunbury ; at the latter place is also a flourishing female seminary.
The religious societies are various : the principal are Presbyte- rians, Methodists, Lutherans, German Reformed and Baptists, who have in all about 30 places of public worship.
Many of the inhabitants are descendants of English and Irish families who settled here at an early period. In the southern part of the county the population is mostly composed of Germans, who continue to speak their own language.
This is a pleasant region in which to spend the summer months. The scenery is highly beautiful, varied and picturesque; the view from the hills around the town of Northumberland embraces more pleasing objects than are usually met with in a single prospect.
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Mountains, hills, farms, towns, canals and rivers are blended in one wide and harmonious landscape, over which the eye may rove for hours and still discover new beauties. As additional attractions may be mentioned pure and wholesome water, a cool and refresh- ing atmosphere, and a climate remarkable for its salubrity, except in the low grounds along the river, where bilious complaints some- times occur in the autumnal months.
What counties lie adjacent to Northumberland ? What is said of the face of the country ? Name the various hills and mountains. Give a gene- ral description of the geological features of the county. Where does iron ore occur, and of what kind ? In what parts of the county is limestone ? Where is found an ore containing lead and zinc ? Near what place is coal mined ? Describe the coal beds in the neighbourhood. What rivers are in this county ? Mention the principal creeks, and where flowing. Name the county town and describe its situation. What town is at the junction of the North and West branches, and what is said of it ? Where is Milton, and what are its facilities for business? What villages are noticed ? What are the most important productions ? Describe the furnace at Shamokin. What public improvements are in this county ? What is said of the Sha- mokin dam ? What turnpike road ? Give some account of the condition of education,-of the schools, academies, &c .? What are the principal religious societies ? From what people are the inhabitants derived ? What is said of the scenery and other attractions of this region ?
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