Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-10-22
LYNCHBURG-HER INTERESTS

TUT years past We nave nPPn compelled. as -
were, to pursue our course for the developmen,
and improvement of the advantages which natura
has given US, as the legitimate centre of a yerv
large and extensive trade, under the most unfao.
yorable circumstances. The time has been. tbo,
every effort made. on our part. to enlist enter
prize and capital towards the accomplishments NJ
great ends-to render easy and expeditions the
communications which have been dull and slow
has brought upon US The accusation of contracted
selfshness. We have patiently submitted to the
charge, awaiting for time to exhibit 10 the world
he sincerity of our motives and the propriety of
the measures we advocate. This has been am
ply done, and Lynchburg and vicinity now stand
admired. throughout the State, for the zeal and
liberality with which they have undertaken their
part OF the great scheme of improvement, that.
though it will enute to their prosperity, will dis.
tribute riches and incalculable benefits 10 dis.
tant parts.
Our object, however, at this time, is not TO
speak OF the grea, enterprise, which is occupying
so much Of The public thought; but to allude brief.
ly to a very good and substantial improvement.
and the advantages that are to flow from it. We
mean the turnpike road now in the course of con.
struciion from a point above Lynchburg, in a d.
rection West Of South. From New London.
where this road intersects the Lynchburg and Sa.
lem road, to Stanton river, a distance of thirty
n'lies,i 1t Is nearly completed being graded equal,it
not superior, to that Of the Lynchburg and Salem
turnpike. The abutments for the Bridge, at
Staunton river, are in rapid progress ; and, from
the groundwork and plan, we may anticipate a
superstructure which will be as handsome as it
will prove beneficial to the very extensive sec
ton of country SO deeply interested. The noun
tain section, between Floyd and Franklin coun-
ties, is undey contract and the work commenced;
and, we presume, the whole work will be prose-
cuted as fast as circumstances and prudence will
permit. Floyd Court House is as far as the char
ter now extends; but it is the intention of MANY
OF ITS friends that the improvement shall continue
on, and pass through Carroll and Grayson coun-
ties, and tap the valley, perhaps, in Washington
county.
The natural inquiry will be, what kind of a
country is it through which the improvement is
to pass; what are its products, its capacity and the
objects to be obtained worthy ofthe means , That
the country, penetrated by this improvements has
long been subject to disadvantages, arising from
the difficulty of approaching the markets, is plain
TO the slightest observer who may pass through il.
1t has always been considered a sound system of
reasoning, in regard to the worth of any product,
that the cost of reaching the market regulates the
profits of the producer; consequently, where
transportation is high, notwithstanding the perfect
adaptation of the lands TO the growing of valua-
bic products, we see them slightly produced.
Between the main Blue Ridge of mountain,
and a stem breaking off and running in a South
eastwardly direction, lie the counties of Floyd,
Carroll ,Grayson and a large part of Patrick comfy,
having but one out-let of easy access, which is the
one afforded by this road. The section of coun-
try, on the line Of this improvement, east of the
Ridge, is similar to the belt Of land that is gen.
orally found at IFS eastern base. But, after the
Ridge is crossed, we find lands which may be
considered rich, when taken in connection with
their rolling appearance. The true wealth of
any country, is considered by some TO be in pro-
portion to its advantages and means for producing
those staples that Immediately enter into the for
eign exports. This, however, is not a proper
conclusion; for there are many articles for which
we have home market, or would have, provided
a sulficiency can be produced TO invite capital
and enterprise.
The whole Of this section, which has been de-
scrbed, after the mountain is crossed is findly
adapted to the growth of many OF the staples, the
importance of which is increasing and the de-
mand becoming more extensive. We entertain
no doubt about the propriety 0 fthose interested,
and who can do Sc, in engaging, at once, in the cul-
ture OF hemp, as an article worthy of their atten-
ton. With their present facilities, and the pros
pect of a good road TO enable them to reach a mar
ket, they ought, we think to look TO it as a source
of revenue. We have heard it frequently stated,
that the limited supplies Of hemp, which are de-
handed in this direction, are obtained with con-
siderable difficulty. This section is, also. increas-
ing in the rearing Of cattle, for which the lands
are well adapted.