Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1851-12-25

- - = D~--~f---~ ~~-"'
MEssxs. EDtroR.-As the subject
Of the establishment OF Railroads is
attracting greater interest than any
other subject, barring the great Hun
garian exile. I propose to Offer q few
suggestions on that subject for the
consideration OF the citizens OF Gallia
and the adjoining counties, as well
as the Virginia Central Railroad Com
pany.
am advised that a. temporary
survey and examination Of Rail-
road route from Gallipolis TO Jackson
has been made. by, or for, the "Galli
polls, Jackson and ChiIlicothe Rail-
road Company" that the route has
been reported practicable, and the
distance from Gallipolis to the inter-
section OF the Scioto and Hooking
Valley Railroad, some distance below
Jackson, is about forty miles. This
road, as understand, is to be exten-
ded beyond Jackson, and intersect
with the Cincinnati and Belpre road
in Vinton county, some where in the
vicinity OF Hamden, a distance o!
some ten or twelve miles from Jack
son, making the route from Gnllipolis
to the Cincinnati and Belpre road, a
distance OF about fiIly.five miles; in
this estimate, however, | may not be
exact, but il is sufficient for my pur-
pose, as only wish to call the atien-
ton OF the public to the subject
This contemplated Railroad is in view
only in the event that the Virginia
Railroad shall be brought to PoinI
Pleasant.
Presuming that the Virginia Rail.
road will terminate at the mouth oI
Big Kanawhn, il becomes then OF the
most vital importance to the people
OF Southern Ohio to connect this
road with the interior Of the State,
and as dollars and cents are the most
important items in the construction
Of Railroads, and distance, the most
important item in rendering them
profitable when constructed, ] would
suggest a plan by which both these
important objects can be attained.
A Railroad can be made from Gal.
liDolis TO intersect the Cincinnati and
Belpre Railroad. in Vinton county,
at a distance not exceeding thirty
four miles long; the route through
which this Railroad would pass, is
the same as the one proposed by the
"GallipOlis, Jackson. and Chillicolhe
Railroad Company" about ter miles
from Gallipolis in the vicinity Of Por-
ter, where the Jackson road bears 10
the south through Raccoon township,
in GalIia and into Madison Township,
in Jackson county; any honest, dis.
interested man will see, by looking
at the map OF GaIlia and Jackson
counties, the absurdity Of this
circuitous route; and should any pre-
tended engineer tell you il was the
only profitable route, you can see bv
the same map, thdE=he states what is
not true, for when you are in the
valley OF Raccoon creek. you can
follow il up TO its forks in Huntington
township, which is directly in the
course, and then by either branch OF
the creek, make the Cincinnati and
Belpre road in the distance of thirty
four miles from Gallipolis. Here
then would be saving Of say twen-
iy miles in construction, which would
cost at low estimate, tl1o hundred
and forty thousand dOilrs; this
amount will be saved by taking The
route suggest. Another considera-
iion in lavor Of the route proposed,
is Iha; il would pass Immediately in
the vicinity OF at least two iron fur.
naces now erected, and several
others in contemplation. The saving
Of t,oenty miles travel in a distance
Of thiriy-four, is a matter Of great
importance in Railroad transporta-
lion.
would therefore suggest 10 the
people Of GalIia, Jackson, and Vinton
counties, interested in this Railroad,
To call a meeting at some central
place, say WiIksvilIe, as soon rs may
be, 10 consider OF the subject. and
employ an engineer capable Of making
a. true survey. JUSTICE.