USA > Wyoming > A sketch of the history of Wyoming > Part 13
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The anthracite coal formation, in this region, commences near the head waters of the Lacka- wannock, in Wayne county and extends down the valley of that stream to the Susquehanna river, at the head of the Wyoming valley ; thence down the valley of Wyoming, to its southern extremity. Here its strata are lost in the mountains, until they again make their appearance at the Beaver mead- ows, and Mauch Chunk, in Northampton county, at the head waters of the Schuylkill, in Schuylkill county, and near the sources of most of the princi- pal tributaries of the Susquehanna, from the east, below Sunbury, as far south as the stony creek, between the Kittaning and Peter's moun- tains, in Dauphin county. Its width through the vallies of the Lackawannock and Wyoming, is from one to five miles. It is seen cropping out upon the hills and mountains, on each side of the Lackawannock, (and in many places forming the bed of that stream,) through the townships of Blakeley, Providence, and part of Pittston, where it reaches the Susquehanna-thence it extends through Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Hanover and Newport, upon the east side of the river, and is found in great abundance, and has been exten-
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sively mined in Plymouth, upon the west side of the river. It has also been discovered on the west side of the river in Kingston, in the valley of Wyoming, and in Salem and Huntington, S. W. of the valley. Its general range is from north- east to south-west, and its length not far from seventy miles.
There are four or five different strata of coal, varying from six to twenty-four feet in thickness, with intervening strata of coarse sand stone and slate ; which latter immediately covers the coal, and contains innumerable vegetable impressions. These different strata may be traced from near Carbondale, to the foot of the Wyoming valley, as they are intersected by ravines formed by the mountain streams, for the distance of more than fifty miles. The dip of the coal strata varies from five to fifteen degrees, Their inclination, it is be- lieved, is less where the surface of the earth is level, and is greater, and more irregular, where the surface is broken and uneven. Their inclination, it is believed, will be found generally to corres- pond very nearly with that of the surface of the .superincumbent earth or rock. These circumstan- ces are most favorable to mining operations.
No examinations have as yet been made with the auger, to ascertain whether the strata exposed by the intersection of rivulets, are continuous through -. out this extensive coal formation ; but every appearance indicates that such is the fact. The same number of strata appear, (where exposed,) in the same range, and of the same thickness ; and although they may be frequently ruptured trans- versely, as well as longitudinally, yet the great fragments remain without any material change of position. This last remark is intended to apply more particularly to the Wyoming and Lackawan- nock vallies, where the coal strata are believed to be more regular, and their dip less, and more uni-
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form, than in any other portion of the anthracite coal formation.
If the data which are here furnished approximate near the truth, this coal tract contains more than five thousand millions of tons of this mineral, which at six cents per ton, in the mine, will amount to more than three hundred millions of dollars.
The coal localities, from which the greatest fa- cilities of access are afforded to the Susquehanna, or to the canal, (if it should be extended through the Wyoming valley, of which there can be no doubt,) are those of Wilkes-Barre and Pittston, on the east, and of Plymouth, on the west side of the viver ; and of these, the coal of Wilkes-Barre and Plymouth, for thickness and extent of strata, have a decided preference.
That the Wyoming coal is equal, if not superior, to any of the anthracite species, is known to every practical man acquainted with the subject, and ad- mitted by every mineralogist, and man of science, who has visited the country and examined for him- self. That its extent, thickness of strata, the ease with which it may be mined, and the facilities which its localities afford for its transportation to the Susquehanna, or to the canal when constructed, are not here over-rated, a partial examination upon the ground, will furnish the most clear and satis- factory evidence.
But notwithstanding the extent, the richness, and other advantages of this coal tract, so well calcu- lated to attract capitalists, and encourage improve- ments, it still remains comparatively very little known in Pennsylvania. ' The late Gov. Clinton of New York, knew, and appreciated its value ; and in his last message to the Legislature, urged the opening of every practicable avenue, by canal and rail road, to those extensive and inexhaustible mines. They have been reached near their extreme worth-eastern extent, at the expense of.
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two millions, by a company of enterprizing citi- zens of that great state, aided by her legislature. Besides this, no other avenue has been opened (Feb. 1830) to this invaluable mineral. It remains locked up in its native hills and mountains, and will there repose undisturbed, until other facilities are afforded for its transportation, than the hazard- ous, expensive, and frequently disastrous floods of the Susquehanna.
IMPROVEMENTS.
The turnpike roads now finished, and which have been referred to under different heads in this appendix, are here enumerated, and their extent pointed out.
The Milford and Owego, crosses the N. E. angle of the county, and passes through Blakeley and Greenfield townships. This is the shortest, and most expeditious stage route from the city of New York, to the western part of that state.
The Wilkes-Barre and Clifford, is comple- ted from the Cochecton and Great Bend turn- pike in Susquehanna county, to Blakeley, upon the Lackawannock, in Luzerne county, from which there is a good road, to Wilkes-Barre. It passes through the village of Dundaff, in Susquehanna, and Greenfield and Blakeley, in Luzerne. On this road, a tri-weekly stage is established.
The Luzerne and Wayne county, passes through Providence and Blakeley, intersecting the Phila- delphia and Great Bend, the Easton and Belmont, and the Milford and Owego turnpikes.
The Carbondale road, formed by theHudson and Delaware Canal Company, and extends from Carbondale to the Milford and Owego turnpike, at Rix's Gap.
The Philadelphia and Great Bend, passes through Covington, Providence, Abington and Nicholson townships.
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The Abington and Waterford, commences in Abington, and passes through Nicholson and Tunk- hannock.
The Wilkes-Barre and Bridgewater, passes through Kingston, Exeter, Northmoreland, Eaton and Tunkhannock. On this road a tri-weekly stage is established, from Philadelphia to Buffalo, and a daily stage from the city of Washington to Sack- ett's Harbour. The traveller for health or for pleasure, could not select a more favourable route for a summer's excursion than this ; and whilst he would be highly gratified with the wild, romantic and picturesque prospects which every where pre- sent themselves, he could not deny himself the pleasure of lingering a while in the delightful val- ley of Wyoming, in viewing its natural curiosities and in surveying its mineral treasures.
The Easton and Wilkes-Barre, passes through Wilkes-Barre and Covington, and is part of the great stage route mentioned above.
The Berwick and Newtown, passes through Huntington township, and
The Berwick and Easton, passes through Nescopeck and Sugarloaf. On these two latter, tri-weekly stages are established.
Besides these, acts have been passed for the in- corporation of companies, to make several artificial roads in the county. The most important of which at present, are from Wilkes-Barre, through Solo- mon's Gap, to Lowrytown, upon the Lehigh, a distance of little more than twenty miles ; and from Carbondale down the Lackawannock about ten miles. These roads are of great interest to the public, and it is hoped they will soon be com- menced.
CANALS AND RAIL ROADS.
An act has been passed to incorporate a company to construct a canal from the Susquehanna river,
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at the mouth of the Nescopeck creek, up the valley of that stream; thence across the summit, and down Wright's creek to the Lehigh, a distance of thirty- seven miles. This route was examined by Mon- cure Robinson, a distinguished Engineer, under the direction of the board of canal commissioners, in the summer of 1828, and was found to be well adapted to this improvement. A superabundant supply of water can be introduced upon the sum- mit, by a comparatively short feeder. This point, it is believed, possesses advantages over every other in Pennsylvania, for a continuous water commu- nication between the Susquehanna and Delaware ; and will, at some day, be the great throroughfare through which much of the immense tonnage of the upper Susquehanna will pass to Philadelphia.
The distance by this route and the North Branch canal, from Wilkes-Barre to the mouth of Wright's. creek, will be about sixty-five miles ; whereas, from Wilkes-Barre through Solomon's Gap, to the same point upon the Lehigh, the direct dis- tance is but eleven miles. It is believed that a rail road, overcoming the elevation (which is con- siderable,) by lifts and levels, might be located between these points, within the distance of twen- ty miles. It would then be questionable whether the distance gained would compensate for the de- lay, trouble and expense of the necessary transfer of tonnage from canal boats to rail road carriages, and vise versa.
An act has also been passed for the incorpora- tion of a company for the construction of a canal or rail road, from the Water Gap of the Delaware to the mouth of the Lackawannock, at the head of the Wyoming valley. This route was also examined by Mr. Robinson ; and no doubt is entertained that a rail road may be advantageously located be- tween these points. The distance is about fifty miles. This improvement was intended, both as a:
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connection between theDelaware and North Branch divisions of the Pennsylvania canal, and as an ex- tension of the line of communication between the Hudson and the Susquehanna, by the contemplated Orange and Sussex canal. These great improve- ments were projected with the view, almost exclu- sively, of penetrating the Wyoming coal region ; and were among the great objects recommended by the lamented Clinton, in his last message to the Legislature. They are certainly worthy of the at- tention, if not of the states interested, at least of individuals of capital and enterprise.
An act has also been passed for incorporating a company to improve the navigation of the Lacka- wannock. That this improvement will be effected, there can be little doubt. The distance from Car- bondale, at the termination of the improvements of the Hudson and Delaware Canal Company, to the Susquehanna, at the mouth of the Lackawannock, is about twenty-three miles. Extend the North Branch canal sixteen miles, and the improvement of the Lackawannock would connect it with the improvements of the above Company, and pass throughout itswhole extent, through a portion of the richest coal formation on earth. This coal tract, ex- ceptat Carbondale, is worthless, without this or some other improvement to facilitate transportation.
An act for the incorporation of a company, has also been obtained, for making a rail road from the Lackawannock coal mines to the mouth of the Chenango river, on the Susquehanna. This im- provement was likewise referred to, and recom- mended, by Governor Clinton, in his last message. If the Chenango canal should be undertaken, the capital and enterprise of the citizens of New-York, will be embarked in this great work, and ensure its execution.
The communication from the Hudson river to Carbondale, the work of the Hudson and Delaware
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Canal Company, which has been frequently refer- red to, is by canal, from the Hudson to the Dela- ware, near Carpenter's Point; thence up the eastern bank of the Delaware, to the mouth of the Lackawaxen ; thence crossing the Delaware by a pool formed by a dam across that river, and up the Lackawaxen to Honesdale, at the forks of the Dy- berry, where it terminates in an artificial basin, a distance of little more than one hundred miles & thence by a rail road across the Lackawannock mountain to Carbondale, sixteen miles.
The persevering exertions of this Company. in overcoming difficulties which, a few years since, would have been regarded as insurmountable, en- title them to every praise. The operations upon their rail road was originally designed to be carried on by stationary and locomotive engines, but in consequence of the short curvatures, which the structure of the country rendered necessary, and the great weight of the locomotive engine, the Com- pany have been under the necessity of substituting horse power upon the levels for the present. The stationary engines operate well, and the company have been for several months, during this season, (1829) transporting over their rail road, from one hundred and fifty, to two hundred tons of coal per day. They have triumphed over many difficulties, and it is hoped and believed with some trifling al- terations, and improvements, which experience will suggest, they will shortly realize from their labors, a rich and well merited reward.
Most of the foregoing canal and rail road im- provements, and others not referred to, have been projected by citizens and capitalists of New York, with the view of reaching this extensive coal tract ; and most, if not all of them, when executed, will be of great and lasting advantage to this section of the state. But no improvement in this quarter
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excites so much interest, and produces so much anxiety for its extension and early completion, as the NORTH BRANCH CANAL. This important work was projected by Pennsylvania, and is designed exclusively for her benefit ; and, without under- valuing other interests, nothing is hazarded in pro- nouncing it the most promising portion of the great system of improvement now in progress of execu- tion. But before this section of the country, or the State, can reap any advantages from this improve- ment, it must be extended to the head of the Wy- oming valley, so as fully to penetrate the coal formation. And before the full advantages of this improvement can be realized, it must be extended. to the New York line, and there connected with the Chemung canal.
The distance from Nanticoke, the point at which the canal is now under contract, to the State line, is one hundred and six miles. The Chemung ca- nal is now (Dec. 1829) advertised for contract, from the Seneca lake to Newtown, within fourteen miles of the State line ; and these fourteen miles are over almost a dead alluvial level, presenting no difficulties in the construction of a canal. When the North Branch Canal shall be extended, and a connection formed with the Seneca lake, the richest and fairest portion of the state of New York, will pour its agricultural and mineral pro- ducts into the lap of Pennsylvania, in a ceaseless and never ending stream. This may now be thought fancy ; but if Pennsylvania is true to her interests, it will be fact.
The distance from New York, by )
the Erie canal, and the Seneca river, 379 miles. the outlet of the Seneca lake, is
From Philadelphia by the Union,
Pennsylvania and Chemung canals, 361 miles. to the head of Seneca lake, is
Difference in favor of Philadelphia, 18 miles.
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To this advantage in distance, may be added the facts, that from the Seneca to Philadelphia, by the Union or Nescopeck canals, the trouble, ex- pense and delay of transshipment, would be avoid- ed, which must be incurred by the Erie canal ;- that the Pennsylvania canal will be open for sever- al weeks earlier, and several weeks later, in the season, than the Erie canal ; and that Philadel- phia is often found to be a better market than New York for the staples of the "Lake country."
The coal tonnage of the Wyoming valley alone, it is believed, will be sufficient to support the North Branch canal : but when to this, is superadded the immense amount of iron from the middle counties of Pennsylvania, and the merchandize from Phila- delphia, which will ascend this canal to supply the extensive regions bordering upon the lakes ; and the salt, the plaster, and the agricultural products which will descend through this avenue, and seek a market in Pennsylvania ; the income from this improvement will be swelled to an amount far ex- ceeding the most sanguine calculations. In short, until all these sources of commerce are dried up or exhausted, which thousands of years will not be able to accomplish, the North Branch canal must, and will be one of the most productive portions of the great system of improvement in Pennsylvania,
ERRATA.
age
40-12th line, for Jay read SAY.
43 -- 30th line, for direet read DIRECT .. 56-13th line, for reports read REPORT. 64-28th line, for prisoners read PERSONS. 82-14th line, for removed read RENEWED 95-5th line, for wnen read WHEN. 150 -- 9th line, for fired read FIRED. 168 --- 18th line, for 1779 read 1799. 188-18th: line, for timber read LAND. 200-28th line, for Kittaning read KITTATINNy
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