Historical collections of Virginia : containing a collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to its history and antiquities, together with geographical and statistical descriptions : to which is appended, an historical and descriptive sketch of the District of Columbia : illustrated by over 100 engravings, giving views of the principal towns, seats of eminent men, public buildings, relics of antiquity, historic localities, natural scenery, etc., etc.

Front matter

NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES

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Preface

The primary object of the following pages is to narrate the most prominent events in the history of Virginia, and to give a geographical and statistical view of her present condition. Similar volumes* have appeared on Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. The favorable reception of these in their respective states, has led to the opinion that one upon Virginia — the mother of states and statesmen, the " Old Dominion," so rich in historic lore — would meet not only the approval of Virginians, but be favorably received by others.

Early in the year 1843 we commenced travelling over the state, collecting materials and taking sketches for illustrations. Every section of the commonwealth was visited. The better to effect our purpose, we occasionally journeyed hundreds of miles on foot, often sharing alike the hospitality of the planter and tiie mountaineer, and cheered onward by pleasant interviews with some of her most intelligent citizens. Much valuable information has been thus obtained, by observation and inquiry, and interesting but scattered details of her history and antiquities collected in a form to ensure their preservation. Written communications, moreover, have been received, embodying facts enhancing the value of this publication, and placing us under lasting obligation to their authors.

This work has three departments. The first — an outline, or general history — comprises an abstract of leading events from the first settlement of Virginia to the present time ; the first five chapters of which are from the admirably written historical sketch in Martin's Gazetteer,! and the last by a gentleman personally familiar with most of the events related. The second consists of miscellanies, intended to throw light upon the past and present condition of the commonwealth. The third and principal department, is arranged in counties, in alphabetical order, where each is successively described. In this are the descriptions of towns, literary institutions, historic localities, seats and memoirs of eminent Virginians, antique structures, natural scenery, anecdotes, local history, and events but glanced at in the outline sketch, fully detailed.

* The first— on Connecticut— was published in 1836 ; the one on Massachusetts, 1838 ; New York, 1841 ; Pennsylvania, 1843, and New Jersey, 1844. Connecticut and Massachusetts were prepared by John W. Barber— the pioneer in works on this plan ; New York and New Jersey by John W. Barber and Henry Howe ; and Pennsylvania by Sherman Day.

t This work, published in 18.%, was the first issued descriptive of Virginia, since the celebrated notes of Mr. Jefferson. Our publishers having purchased the copyright, we have availed ourselves of it In preparing this volume.

iv PREj^AdB*

Thus the volume comprehends a history and a gazetteer. Its advantages over formal histories are, that the events and their localities are given together, serving more strongly to impress the memory ; the past and present are in juxtaposition, and many events given which regular history, in her stately march, does not step aside to notice — events usually considered of minor importance, but forming the undercurrent of history, and useful in illustrating the advancement and condition of society.

Written history forms but a small part of occurrences. The vicissitudes of war have been considered more worthy of narration, than those things promoting the wellbeing of man. Says an eminent essayist : " The perfect historian considers no anecdote, no peculiarity of manner, no familiar saying, as too insignificant for his notice, which is not too insignificant to illustrate the operation of laws, of religion, and of education, and to mark the progress of the human mind,'^

The great variety of subjects presented, and the almost impossibility of producing such a publication without errors and imperfections, has created a degree of diffidence in submitting it to the public. It will doubtless come before many possesing better means of information, and more knowledge on some subjects introduced) than could reasonably be expected in us.

Besides drawing largely from a great variety of publications, we are enabled to present much not previously published, as well as that inaccessible to the mass of readers. We do notj however, consider ourselves responsible for every sentiment introduced in these pages. In order to form a correct judgment, it is useful to hear the opinions of those who differ from us in their religious or political sentiments.

The drawings for the numerous engravings were, with a few exceptions only, taken by us on the spot. We trust they have an honest look, and faithfully represent their originals. Some biographical sketches are doubtless omitted, not less important than many inserted, w^hile others have not due prominence. In some few cases we have supposed the reader to be familiar with them, while in others it arises from the extreme difficulty of obtaining the desired information.

The history of Virginia is of deep interest ; but one imperfectly chronicled. Much is left to the investigation of the antiquarian, and many a thrilling episode is lost in the lapse of generations. Yet enough remains to stimulate to the loftiest patriotism ; while the memory of her illustrious sons is cherished with just pride by our common country.

Index

{ti^ The connties being ayi-anged in alphabetical order in this work, mpersedea the nece$- sity of placing them in the index.

CITIES AND TOWNS.

Abingdon, 498 Amsterdam, 203 Aldie, 354 Alexandria, 542 Ayletts, 359

Banister, 290 Bath, 386 Bassetville, 389 Barboursville, 417 Belville, 516 Bethany, 194 Berryville, 233 Berkeley Springs, 386 Beverly, 444 Big Lick, 448 Bowling Green, 215 Boydton, 378 Blacksville, 382 Blacksburg, 385 Bloomfield, 354 Brookneal, 210 Brucetown, 272 Bridgeport, 301 Brentsville, 442 Brownsburg, 448 Buchanon, 203 Buffalo, 360

Cartersville, 237 Ca Ira, 237 Capeville, 404 Centerville, 254, 496 Charlottesville, 164 Charlestown, 341 Charleston, 343 Chnstiansburg, 385 Chnckatuck, 386 City Point, 440 Columbia, 270 Cold Stream Mill, 291 Competition, 429 Clarksburg, 301 Clarksville, 378

Fairview, 194 Faber's Mills, 388 Fairfax, 237 Fayetteville, 267 Fairmont, 372 ^ % Farmsville, 432 ^ -^^ Falmouth, 484 Fairfield, 448 Fincastle, 202 Flint Hill, 447 Frankfort, 284, 291 Franklin, 428 Fredericksburg, 474 Front Royal, 497

Gap Mills, 383 Gainsboro', 272 Georgetown, 542 Gerardstown, 191 Gosport, 400 Gordonsville, 417 Greenville, 177 Grave Creek, 368 Granville, 382 Guyandotte, 209 Gwyn's Island, 376

Hampton, 248 Hallsboro', 220 Harper's Ferry, 334 Harrisville, 447 Harrisonburg, 460 Heathsville, 404 Hicksford, 289 Hillsboro', 354 Horntown, 163 HoUiday's Cove, 194 Holtsville, 372 Huntersville, 430

Indian Town, 349, 470

Jamestown, 317, 382 Jacksonville, 270, 488 Jefferson, 430

Jeffersonton, 237 Jerusalem, 470 Jonesville, 351

Kempsville, 435 Keysville, 220 Kilmarnock, 350 Kingwood, 432

Manchester, 229 Martinsville, 315, 496 Martinsburg, 191 Marion, 469 Maysville, 207 Marysville, 220 Middlebrook, 177 Millboro' Spring, 185 Millwood, 235 Middletown, 272 Milford, 301 Middleway, 334 Millvillc, 349 Middlcburg, 353 Milford, 372 Middletown, 496 Modist-town, 163 Mount Solon, 177 " Meridian, 177 ♦* Gilead, 354

VI

INDEX.

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New Canton, 207 « Glasgow, 176 Baltimore, 262 Hope, 177 London, 210 Manchester, 194 Market, 388, 467

Newbern, 443

Newport, 372

Norfolk, 394

Occoquan, 442

Old Point Comfort, 252

Pattonsburg, 203

Palmyra, 270

Parisburg, 278

Paddytown, 291

Palatine, 372

Parkersburg, 516

Petersburg, 242

Peterstown, 383

Philippi, 187

Philmont, 354

Point Pleasant, 360

Port Royal, 215 " Conway, 349 " Republic, 460

Portsmouth, 400

Princeton, 379 Prunty Town, 487 Pungoteague, 163

Ravenswood, 317

Rapid Ann M'g House, 360

Richmond, 303

Ripley, 317

Rocky Mount, 272

Romney, 290

Rough Creek Ch., 220

Tappahannoe, 253 Taylorsville, 427

Terra Salis, 344 Thoroughfare, 442 Trout Run, 299 Trouts' Hill, 506

Union, 354, 383 Union Hall, 272 Urbanna, 379 Upperville, 261

Warm Springs, 184 Warwick, 229 Waynesboro', 177 Warrenton, 261 Wardensville, 291 Waterford, 354 Washino-ton, 447 Washington City, 534 Wellsburg, 194 Weston, 351 West Union, 368 Westville, 376 West Liberty, 407 White Post, 235 Whitehall, 272 Wheeling, 407 Winchester, 272 Williamsburg, 321 Williamsport, 487 Woodstock, 467 Woodville, 447 Wythe ville, 514

Yorktown, 519

GENERAL OR OUTLINE HISTORY. *