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 46
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363
WARREN COUNTY.
grist mills. Teonista creek rises in the south-east, and affords abundance of water power, some of which is employed by mills. Kenzua creek flows from the eastward and discharges its waters into the Allegheny about 12 miles above Warren. All these streams are sufficiently large for floating down lumber at high water.
The principal agricultural productions are wheat, rye, oats, indian corn and potatoes ; all of which, except wheat, are raised in sufficient abundance for home consumption. Immense quanti- ties of lumber are produced from the numerous saw mills, and sent down the Allegheny river to Pittsburg, from which place much of it finds its way to a market in the towns on the Ohio and Mississippi.
The assessed value of real and personal property subject to tax- ation for county purposes in 1842 was $886,237 : county tax $5,515 : State tax $1,012.
There are two turnpike roads in the county, called the Warren and Franklin, and the Warren and Ridgeway turnpikes. The common roads, as is usual in newly settled districts, are only kept in tolerable condition ; but are sufficient to accommodate the scattered population.
Education is not neglected in this comparatively wild and forest region. Of the 15 school districts, all have accepted the provisions of the common school system, and 92 schools are re- ported as being in operation, which are kept open on an average six months in the year.
This county is mostly settled by families originally from some of the Eastern states.
How is Warren county bounded ? Describe the face of the country and the general character of the soil. What is said of the climate, and of the extreme and mean temperature ? How is the county town situated, and what is said of it ? Mention the principal villages. What is the principal river, and its course ? Name the large creeks, their situation and direction. What are the agricultural products ? What is said of the lumber produced, and where is it sent ? Mention the turnpikes and the condition of the com- mon roads. What is said of education and the number of schools ? By whom is the county chiefly settled ?
54. WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Washington county is bounded north by Beaver, north-east by Allegheny, east by Westmoreland and Fayette, south by Greene, and west by the state of Virginia. Its population, according to the census of 1840, was 41,279.
There are no mountains in this county, but the surface is hilly and uneven, being deeply furrowed by valleys along the streams, between which the upland is of a rolling or undulating character.
The soil is remarkably fertile, and as an agricultural district is inferior to few counties in the State. A healthy and pleasant cli- mate, and scenery of the most varied, interesting and picturesque character, lend additional attractions to this favoured region.
364
GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The rocks in this part of the state belong to the upper series of our bi- tuminous coal formation, and consist of alternating strata of sandstones, shales and limestones, with interposed beds of coal from three to six or eight feet in thickness. These nearly level strata, extending over the whole of this and a great part of the adjoining counties, are cut through by the deep valleys of the streams and exposed in varied succession in the steep banks and along the hill sides, in situations favourable to access and affording great facilities for mining and quarrying. Coal for domestic con- sumption is abundant in every part of the county, and along the bank of the Monongahela it is dug in great quantities and sent in flat boats down the Ohio river for sale.
The Monongahela river flows along the eastern side of Wash- ington, in a winding channel, for a distance of nearly thirty miles. There are no other large streams in the county; but it is well watered for agricultural and manufacturing purposes by numerous creeks tributary to the Monongahela and Ohio. Chartier's creek rises here by numerous branches, flows northward and falls into the Ohio below Pittsburg. In the south are the waters of Ten-mile creek, which runs eastward to the Monongahela, and in the west those of Buffalo and Cross creeks flowing westward to the Ohio.
Washington, the county town, occupies a nearly central posi- tion, and is situated on the National road 30 miles east of the Ohio river at Wheeling, and 25 south-west from Pittsburg. It is an incorporated borough, containing, according to the census of 1840, about 2100 inhabitants. The town presents a pleasing and somewhat imposing appearance, owing to the number of spacious and elegant public and private edifices with which it is adorned. The buildings of Washington college, the large and handsome new court-house recently erected at an expense of upwards of $20,000, the market-house, the female seminary, and a number of well built churches, add much to the general aspect of this beautiful and flourishing place.
Monongahela city, formerly called Williamsport, on the Mononga- hela river, in the eastern part of the county, is a rapidly improving town, the seat of extensive manufactures of glass and other articles, as well as a place of considerable commercial business. Its popu- lation is about 800.
Canonsburg is a pleasant town, 7 miles north of Washington, containing about 700 inhabitants. It is the seat of Jefferson col- lege, a flourishing and well conducted institution.
West Alexandria is on the National road, 17 miles west of Wash- ington, near the Virginia state line. Claysville, on the same road, 11 miles from Washington, has a population of 300. West Middle- town is about 13 miles north-west from Washington, containing 260 inhabitants. Hillsboro is on the National road, between Wash- ington and Brownsville. Florence, Cross-creek, Greenfield and a great number of other flourishing and pleasant villages are scat- tered through the county.
The staple agricultural productions are wool, wheat, corn, oats, flour, horses, hogs, cattle, sheep, &c. As a wool growing county Washington ranks among the foremost in the Union, its annual product amounting to 482,603 pounds : the number of sheep kept is
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WASHINGTON COUNTY.
about 223,000, and great numbers are driven to the eastern counties for sale.
Flour is extensively manufactured: 25 flour mills produce yearly about 95,000 barrels, and in addition to these there are 66 grist mills driven by water power and steam. The manufactures of glass are estimated to amount to $100,000 annually. Various other branches of domestic industry are successfully pursued, which add to the wealth and prosperity of the community.
The assessed valuation of property subject to taxation for county purposes in 1842 was $7,626,299: county tax $22,879: State tax $9,720.
None of the canals and rail roads constructed by the State are in Washington county. The improvements partly completed by the Monongahela Navigation Company will have a tendency mate- rially to facilitate the trade of the eastern portion, particularly the shipment and transportation of coal, of which about 1,000,000 bushels are already mined annually in this county alone.
The turnpike road constructed by the National Government, and which is the great throughfare from Washington city and Balti- more to the western states, passes through the county, from Brownsville on the Monongahela to the Virginia state line, eight miles east of Wheeling. This is intersected at the town of Wash- ington by the turnpike from Bedford through Somerset, Mount Pleasant and Monongahela city. Several other good roads pass in various directions.
The people are generally moral and industrious in their habíts, intelligent and public-spirited, careful to provide the means of edu- cation and attentive to its progress. The common school system is in full operation in all of the 29 districts in the county, and 211 schools are open for instruction during a general average of nearly six months in the year.
Washington college is founded on the model of the best eastern institutions, and the object of the faculty and board of trustees has always been to impart a solid and accurate, rather than a hasty and superficial education. It has five professors, viz .: one of mental and moral science, natural theology, &c .; one of mathe- matics, chemistry and natural philosophy; one of ancient and modern languages; one of belles-lettres, political economy and constitutional law ; and one of English literature. There are three valuable and well selected libraries connected with the college, containing about 4,000 volumes. There is a cabinet collection of minerals and other specimens illustrative of natural science, with coins, Indian, Eastern and African antiquities, &c. This college is bound to educate annually, free of charge, 20 young men who wish simply to qualify themselves as teachers. The influence of the college and the number of educated and literary persons resi- dent in the town, give a tone to the habits and manners of the population. The general society is good, and the people religious, moral and hospitable.
Washington female seminary was established in 1836. The building is large and handsome, and the interior arrangement con-
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
venient and well furnished for the purposes of education. There are five teachers in the institution who are employed in instruct- ing young ladies in the useful and ornamental branches of female education, including vocal and instrumental music; the French and Latin languages; drawing; painting; arithmetic; algebra; geometry ; natural, moral and intellectual philosophy ; rhetoric; logic; chemistry, and botany ; besides the elementary branches of an English education, reading, writing, grammar, geography, history, &c. This establishment is conducted on the principles of the celebrated Troy seminary in the state of New York, and most of the teachers are from that institution.
Jefferson college, at Canonsburg, was founded in 1802. It has four professors and two tutors; the course of instruction being. similar to that in well regulated institutions of the same character. The number of students in the college proper is usually from 150 to 180, and in the preparatory department about 60. There is an extensive philosophical and chemical apparatus, a large library, and a collection of specimens in natural science, with many Indian antiquities and other curiosities. A preparatory school is con- nected with the college, in which young men are educated for teachers of common schools.
Washington county was chiefly settled by emigrants from the north of Ireland; some from New Jersey, and a number of Ger- mans from other parts of Pennsylvania. Their descendants are now becoming blended into one people, of similar habits, manners and language.
Describe the boundaries of Washington county. What is the character of the surface ? What is said of the soil and climate ? To what series do the rock strata belong, and what valuable mineral product is abundant ? What river flows along the eastern side of the county ? Name the princi- pal creeks and their course. How is Washington, the county town, situ- ated, and what is said of its general appearance ? Mention some of the public buildings. What was Monongahela city formerly called, and where situated ? What is said of its manufactures and business ? Where is Ca- nonsburg, and what institution of learning is located there ? Mention the other principal towns and their situation. What are the staple agricultural products ? What is said of the number of sheep and the quantity of wool produced ? Give some account of the manufacture of flour, glass, &c. What advantages will arise from the completion of the Monongahela navi- gation ? Describe the turnpike roads. What is the general character of the people ? What is said of the attention paid to education, and of the common schools ? Give an account of Washington college. Of the Wash- ington female seminary. Of Jefferson college. By whom was the county chiefly settled ?
55. WAYNE COUNTY.
This county lies in the north-eastern corner of Pennsylvania ; being bounded on the north by the state of New York, and sepa- rated from the same state on the east by the river Delaware : on the south-east and south it has the counties of Pike and Monroe ; and on the west, Luzerne and Susquehanna.
367
WAYNE COUNTY.
By the census of 1840 the population was 11,848.
This is an elevated region, being from 1200 to 1500 feet above the level of tide water : the face of the country is irregular and hilly rather than mountainous. Moosic mountain, which passes from Luzerne into the western part of this county, is the most con- siderable elevation, and divides the waters of the Lackawana which flow into the Susquehanna from those of the Lackawaxen which run towards the Delaware.
This mountain is the eastern boundary of the Wyoming and Lackawana coal basin, and the conglomerate rock, containing large rounded pebbles, which underlies the coal formation is found on its western side. It is pos- sible that some of the lower coal seams extend into the edge of Wayne county at the northern point of the basin above Carbondale. East and north-east of the Moosic mountain are the red shales and sandstones of the next lower formations, spreading out widely over most of the county in nearly horizontal strata. These form picturesque cliffs, in some places of great height, along the Delaware and others of the larger streams: and some of the creeks fall over high perpendicular ledges of rock, forming cataracts which in a region more frequented by travellers would be much visited and admired.
The soil, though generally stony and rough, is in many places productive ; agriculture is successful, and rapidly improving in the valleys and more fertile portions of the country. Much of the surface is covered with thick forests, among which beech and hemlock are the largest and most abundant timber. So universal is the growth of the former, that this region long ago received the name of "the beech woods," and is yet frequently so called. Some white pine still remains, but the best of it has long since been destroyed. Lumber of different kinds is produced in con- siderable quantity, which is mostly floated down the Delaware and Lackawaxen during the spring freshets.
The Delaware flows for more than 40 miles along the eastern border of Wayne, and has many creeks emptying into it of size amply sufficient to propel saw mills, grist mills and other ma- chinery. The Lackawaxen has a general south-eastern course nearly through the middle of the county, until reaching the south- eastern boundary it enters Pike county, and thence flows eastward to the Delaware. In the northern part is Starucca creek, which runs northward and falls into the Susquehanna near the New York line.
Most of the streams rise from small lakes and ponds, which are very numerous, and some of them occupying an area of several hundred acres. Situated in the most unfrequented parts of the county, and surrounded by deep forests, their crystal waters sleep calmly embosomed in the dark woods, and find but rarely a soli- tary traveller upon their banks to gaze upon their serene and quiet beauty. These deep and secluded retreats, seldom visited except by the hunter or fisherman, offer an exquisite treat to the admirers of natural scenery ; and if the time should ever come when our citizens will learn to appreciate the attractions of their own state, the forest lakes and waterfalls of Wayne county may find
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
poets and painters to visit their shores and to celebrate their ro- mantic beauty.
Honesdale is now the county town, situated near the junction of Dyberry creek with the Lackawaxen, and at the point where the railroad from Carbondale unites with the artificial navigation constructed by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. It is a new town, but is already a flourishing place and the seat of con- siderable business in produce and merchandise.
Bethany, the former seat of justice, is about three miles north of Honesdale, on high ground, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. Since the location of a new and more busy town in its immediate neighbourhood and the removal of the county business, it has somewhat declined in consequence. Near this town a fine sand is found well adapted to the manufacture of glass, and works were some years since established for that purpose, which have produced considerable quantities.
Besides these towns there are several villages in other parts of the county.
The improvements of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, in the navigation of the Lackawaxen, are of considerable import- ance to the people of this region ; affording them increased facili- ties of trade, and furnishing a market as well as the means of transportation for produce. Several turnpike roads cross the county : the Easton and Belmont northward; the Milford and Owego north-westward : the Cochecton and Great Bend westward, and some others. The common roads, as is usual in most rocky and thinly settled countries, are in many places rough and stony.
The system of education under the common school law is in general operation. There are 16 school districts, and 86 schools are reported as being kept open from 4 to 11 months in the year. There is an academy and also a female seminary at Honesdale.
This county, like several others in the northern part of the state, owes a considerable proportion of its population to settlers from the eastern states, who are generally characterized by their frugal and industrious habits.
In what part of the state is Wayne county, and how is it bounded ? What is said of its general elevation, face of the country, mountains, &c .? Give some account of the geological formations. What is said of the soil and of agriculture ?- of the forests and the production of lumber ? Describe the principal streams,-lakes and ponds. How is Honesdale situated ? Bethany, and what manufacture is established near it ? What improve- ments in navigation are important to the inhabitants ? Mention the turn- pike roads. What is said of education, schools, &c .? From what quarter has the county derived a large portion of its population ?
56. WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
This county is bounded on the north by Armstrong and Indiana ; east by Cambria and Somerset; south by Fayette; and west by Washington and Allegheny. Population 42,699.
It has two mountain ranges, called Laurel hill and Chestnut ridge; the former of which constitutes its eastern boundary, sepa-
369
WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
rating it from Cambria and Somerset. Chestnut ridge is about 12 miles further westward and runs in a direction nearly parallel with Laurel hill. The region included between them is called Ligonier valley, being so named from old fort Ligonier, which was erected here during the Indian wars before the revolution. The general
Ligonier valley.
character of the surface throughout the county is rolling and hilly, with deep valleys and ravines along the water courses.
Westmoreland is watered by several rivers and large streams. The Conemaugh forms the whole northern boundary to the mouth of Loyalhanna, and also thence to its junction with the Alle- gheny, having in this portion of its course the name of Kiskimi- netas. Below the mouth of Kiskiminetas the county bounds on the Allegheny river for several miles. The Youghiogeny passes through the south-west, and one township, called Rostraver, ex- tends west of this river to the Monongahela. Loyalhanna is a large stream which rises in Ligonier valley, and passing through a gap in Chestnut ridge, flows north-westward and falls into the Conemaugh near Saltzburg. Sewickly creek rises west of Chest nut ridge, and running westward, empties into the Youghiogeny. Brush creek also flows westward and unites with Turtle creek, a tributary of the Monongahela. The county is well watered by numerous smaller streams sufficient for mills and other manufac- turing and agricultural purposes.
In its leading geological features, Westmoreland presents but little vari- ety. It belongs wholly to the great bituminous coal formation, with the exception of the two mountain ridges already mentioned ; in each of which the rocks underlying the coal measures have been upheaved in the form of
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
an arch, constituting what is called by geologists an anticlinal axis, and having the rock strata which contain the coal resting on them along their bases. Beds of coal, from three to nine feet in thickness, are opened in in- numerable places, and the outcrop of coal seams may be found along almost every hill side. Several strata of limestone occur between the coal beds, some of which yield lime of good quality. Iron ore is found along the base of Laurel hill, where it has been mined in many places for use in the furnaces erected in its neighbourhood. In Derry township, south of Blairs- ville, there is a cave which is said to be a natural curiosity worthy of notice.
The soil is of a mixed character, being either calcareous, clayey, gravelly or slaty, according to the prevailing rock strata from the decomposition of which it has been derived. Much of it is fer- tile and well adapted to cultivation; the agriculture of this hilly region being productive and flourishing, wherever the industry of the farmer has been judiciously employed in its improvement.
Greensburg, the county town, containing 800 inhabitants, is situ- ated on the turnpike from Bedford to Pittsburg, about 30 miles from the latter place. It has a large and commodious brick court house, county offices, and a stone prison ; also a brick academy, and several churches belonging to Presbyterians, Lutherans, Metho- dists and Episcopalians. There is a steam mill in the borough, and several branches of domestic manufacture are carried on for the supply of the neighbourhood.
Mount Pleasant is an improving town in the southern part of the county, with a population of 554. New Alexandria is on the northern turnpike where it crosses Loyalhanna, and has 427 in- habitants. The other incorporated boroughs are Youngstown and Ligonier, both on the turnpike east of Greensburg, and New Sa- lem on the northern turnpike. Besides these boroughs, there are a number of villages in various parts of the county, among which are Laughlinstown, West Newton, Adamsburg and Murraysville.
Westmoreland county is celebrated for the production of wheat of superior quality : rye, oats, indian corn and buckwheat are also successfully cultivated,-and cattle, sheep and swine are raised in great numbers. By far the most numerous portion of the inhabit- ants are engaged in agricultural pursuits, receiving from their well tilled farms the sure reward of their industry.
Numerous salt wells have been bored along the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas, and also on Sewickly creek; from the water thus obtained salt to a large amount is annually manufactured. There are four or five blast furnaces in the county which manufac- ture pig iron and castings from the ore. Several woollen factories and paper mills are in operation,-flour and saw mills are nume- rous, some of which are driven by steam.
Timber is abundant, being in little demand for fuel in a region where coal may be dug from almost every hill side with less labour than is required to cut fire wood. The most common forest trees are oak of various kinds, hickory, walnut, sugar maple and poplar.
The assessed valuation of real and personal property, subject to county taxation in 1842, was $6,025,109; the amount of county tax levied was $12,919; State tax $7,249.
The western division of the Pennsylvania canal passes along
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WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas through the whole extent of the . northern boundary, affording to the inhabitants a means of trans- porting their surplus produce either to an eastern or a western market. It is, however, mostly sent eastward. Improvements in the navigation of the Youghiogeny river are proposed, which will doubtless, when carried into effect, prove highly convenient and advantageous to the people in the western part of the county.
There are several good turnpike roads :- that called the north- ern route from Harrisburg to Pittsburg extends through West- moreland from the Conemaugh at Blairsville to Murraysville, a distance of 23 miles. The middle turnpike, leading from Phila- delphia by way of Bedford to Pittsburg, passes through Laughlins- town, Ligonier, Youngstown and Greensburg. The turnpike from Somerset to Washington and Wheeling crosses the southern part of the county by way of Mount Pleasant and West Newton. Another turnpike has been recently constructed from Johnstown in Cambria county to Ligonier, 19 miles. A clay turnpike, 22 miles in length, extends through Ligonier valley from Centreville on the Conemaugh to Donegal.
Bridges have been constructed across the Conemaugh at Blairs- ville and Saltzburg; one over the Youghiogeny at West Newton, and several across the Loyalhanna at different places.
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