The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-03


We publish the following extract of letter
from gentleman that formerly migrated from
Maryland to the West, as an evidence Of the
unexampled manner in which cities spring
up in that quarter. Those who have witness
ed these things. seem scarcely able to realize
the facts, so much does the rapidity of i'm
provement partake Of the magical.
"Oaroos CRY, Ogle Co., July 8, 1882
The Maryland settlement, or more properly, the
Washington county settlement, was commenced in
Ogle county, on Pine Creek about eight miles from
its junction with Rock river, at Grand de Tour, and
three miles from Oregon city, the county site,
under the direction Of two gentlemen from Wash
inglon county in April, 1887, at which time there
was but eighteen families within % or 30 miles dis
lance, three or four of whom were from the South,
the rest Eastern men. To give you some idea Of
The rapid growth and prosperity Of this colony, let
the following be submitted. We have now between
70 and 80 families, numbering about 300 souls in ALL
from Maryland alone; besides many other families
from the southern part Of this State Ohio, Kentucky
and Pennsylvania-al engaged successfully in agri-
cultural pursuits. And although the emigration is
without parallel we will have not only plenti-
full supply for home consumption, but handsome
supply TO send down the noble river that gives
name to this delightful country
So much for the farmng-now for the literary
and moral enterprise Of our colony. AT the meeting
of The Illinois Annual Conference Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. last fall, committee was APP
pointed to select site for Seminary of Learning,
under their direction and CONTROL in the western
part Of This State. The vast importance Of having
~. IL.
colony to make an early and determined effort to
secure It's location. Accordingly, they immedi-
aiey raised by subscription $60OO and section of
the choicest land in the State and at a subsequent
meeting, $4,000 more were added. This liberal
offer, together with the healthfuness and beauty of
the spot selected, determined The choice Of the Com
mittee, who stuck the stake at once. This was in
March, the citizens determined TO ceeb rate the ami
versary Of our independence on the site by laying
the corner stone Of the Seminary, which was
done the glorious 4h, in the presence of more
than GOO pers ms from the surrounding county,
Now, sir, when assure you that tins was done in
sight of the battle ground between Major Srillman
and Black Hawk, years ago, and within 80 rods
OF the almost recent remains Of the red mems wig
wan, is il not an interesting fact !? When have the
lands OF the west in all their wondrous records, pro-
duced a TACT like 1t! And, by the middle of Sep
tember the building, IS by 80, will be under roof
And they are determined that it shall be second to
none in the west. The State road from Chicago
to the Mississippi Crossing Rock river at Oregon
cry runs through the Seminary's lands. The
Seminary is five miles west of Oregon CITY, on the
open prairie, commanding view of the surrounding
country for the distance OF fifteen twenty miles in
every direction.
have said it will be second to none in the west
This is bold assertion, and requires reasons
for it.
II settlement, two years old, of intelligent, in
ouS'rious, and vrtuous freemen, will do what has
ALREADY been done, what will prevent such daring
ana determined spirits from carrying on the work
10 It's completion 7 What has been done, is an ear
nest OF what will follow and sure guaranty of any
pledse they may make. They say it shall be second
70 none IN the west has your correspondent not
given reasons enough to justify the assertiona"