Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-06-24
Tgr ROUTE FROM AIKEN TO &c OLD g6.u

THERE is not perhaps, IN our whole State, course
more distinctly marked out or more completely endoW
ed by nature for Rail- Road purposes, than that which
leads from point the South Carolina Road at or
near Aiken to the vicinity of old Cambridge. What
with the pneywoods levels and the unusually regular
and direct ridges through the oakywood, which char
acteze this course, there would doubtless be as small
on amount Of heavy grading for distance OF near
forty miles as upon any Road of similar length in ou'
country. Even the difficulty, which hns been sup
posed to exist IN the neghborhood Of Horse Creek
some ten or twelve miles above Aiken, has been ascer'
tained to be no obstacle whatever. Wehare the opn
ion of two or three Observers leach Of whom knows
every hillside and branch in that locality, that there
are several ways of avoiding every thing like heavy
work. even there with little no increase OF distance
If we add, to this singular advantage Of location
the great facilities to be reaped from the immense
quantity Of superb timber, enough TO keep up the
Road for centures) which lies perfectly cOnrenien
to the route under consideration, will it not at once b
admitted that it would certainly prove, in respect
the cost of its construction and its future repairing
one of the very cheapest and most substantial Roads
yet built in America.
Let it be added furthermore that, in view Of con
Meeting our rapidly improving city, Charleston, will
the great Western INTERIOR this route presents the eI
traordinury saving of thirtyfve miles in distance
and it must occur to every ono, at glance that it II
preeminently the proper course for tile great Rabun
Gap Road, now in contemplation.
If such are the manifest advantages appertainng Il
this line Of operations, what is there that the!
should not be continually presented to and sirenuousl!
,bo % Chorla
ton to the mountains; more particularly at q time
when is proposed 10 take actual steps towards open
ing up q way for the ready influx Of the immense
Western trade towards our own beloved SEAPORT
Does not common sense suggest that this way, (Which
is to be the great Southern Highway Of trade ant
travel and which is to he the great artery Of life ant
prosperity to Charleston and through her 10 entire
S;ate)-should it not be safe way, an economical
way and direct way! "Wilhout doubt or ques
course ,hen we repeat has been suggested. or can b,
suggested, combining the three great requisites o.
safety economy and directness in go eminent degree
as the one of which we have briefly spoken above.
It affords us much qualification TO know that there
is 4 decided feeling OF appreciation, springng up ir
several very important quarters, towards this route
And, until we sec the actually demonstrated
we will not believe that the interests Of limited local
tiles will be made to stand out against the genera
welfare If not and if the great work OF connecting
Charleston with the West shall be regulated (as j
certainly should be) with that degree Of foresight ant
prudent calculation necessary to ensure its complete
triumph over all other Roads that may enter the race
for that great prize-h Trade Of the West-then we
shall await with certainty decision in favor of ma
turcs own appointed route from Charleston to Aiken
from Aiken 10 cold 96"-from Old &C." 10 An
derson, and so
In the meantime, we repeat the assurance, that the
citizens Of that portion Of Edgehed, which will be
Immediately benefited by this route, will not be mig
gardy in raising their portion of the funds necessary
to the prosecution and completion Of this splendid
enterprise.