American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-10-27
MASON COUNTY, VA.

lican, who has been rusticating down
the river to the mouth of it, gives IA
Their an interesting description of sevc-
raj towns in Mason county. Concern
ing Point Pleasant and West Columbia
he says -
"Whilc Point Pleasant is very far
from being place of that magnitude
and business, her position and resources
would warrant, it is improving. There
is no want of wealth and capital, but,
we think, there is want of an enlight-
encd public spirit of Improvement a.
mong her citizens. A fine new brick
courthouse is in progress of compile
ton. Messrs. Capehart & Smith are
erecting o large pork-house, 70 by As
feet, Of brick, two stories. Our old
friend Kline, VIC learned, designs put
ting up, next season, hotel that will
be creditable to the place. Mr.. James
Capehart has for many years done a
heavy business in the manufacture of
flour. The place being the point of
outlet for large wheat growing coun-
try, we do not see why the manufac-
ture of flour may not be greatly ex-
tended.
Vest Columbia was founded several
years ago, and has continued a steady
advancement. The first purchase of
land was by a company limited in means
for the purpose of making salt. More
recently the property, with large addi-
lions, has passed into the hands of q
moro extensive and wealthy company,
that has given character to the place,
and credit to it's business transactions;
having continued their operations un-
der all circumstances, whether the mo-
ney market was easy or stringent.
With very great satisfaction we spent
Nearly two days here, which gave US a
fair opportunity of examining the i'm
provements. They are all made, as
VIC should judge, in the best style, and
the whole business of the company is
conducted with ability and with advan-
tage to the stockholders. The manu-
facture of salt and the mining of coal
for expectation, are at this time the
only or the main sources of revenue to
the company. The hills containing the
coal here approach near the river, af-
fording facilities for shipping equal to
any other Location along the river
The salt furnace, the only one now in
operation, is very superior one, and
In fact better one, i'll all respects,
than we have ever seen. One great ad-
vantage they have i'll the manufacture
OF salt here is, the coal is dropped from
the cars at the mouth of the bank d.
rectly into the furnace, at cost of but
little over two cents per bushcl. This
furnace consumes the water of two or
three wells, and it actually produces
daily 125 barrels of salt, in quality c.
quail to any made in the west. MIR.
White, Of much experience in the max
ing of salt in Kanawha, supcrintcnds
the furnace. We learned that the com
pany paid him about congressman s
wages, and we could only wish that our
Congressman understood their duties,
and performed them with the same f.
deity as he does. The Company make
their own barrels, for they have stave
machine and coopers' shops. They also
make their own coal bargcs, for which
they have an admirable shop and dry
dock. They are about erecting pla-
ming machine. Their stables for their
horses, mules and oxen are constructed
with a view to convenience and econo-
my. Their stores, warehouses, Offices,
&C., arc all neat and convenient. Tho
Company give employment to nearly
three hundred men,"