Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-05-11
sou,n.rn Bathing Place.

Point Lookout is that projection or cape
formed at the junction Of the Potomac river
and Chesapeake bay. Composing geograph-
ically part of the historical county of St.
Mary's in the State Of Maryland, its eligible
situation has long since attracted the atten-
ton Of intelligent observers, who discerned
in its position and surroundings all the con-
ditlons of a grand summer resort and bathing
place. A narrow tIngue Of land, 1t Juts lar
outward into the waters OF the Chesapeake,
which here spreads out eastward in broad
expanse of thirty miles, while on the south
lies the Potomac with channel OF hiteen
miles in width at this meeting Of the waters"
The cape is easy of access, and ,is almost
eouidistant from Biltimore, Washington, AL
exandria. Norfolk, and the other principal
cities of Maryland and Virginia. Steam
boats plying between these cities, pass 1t daily.
All vessels, 10 ascending Or descending the
Bay, or all those calling down or up the To-
tomac, must needs pass close to thls foih',
upon which is built lighthouse, IN token OF
the fact that the west channel OF the Chesa-
peake and the north channel OF the river pro-
mise safe navigation to the mariner. Who
long before the United States Coast survey
had ascertained this fact, by the accurate
measurements of photographed science, was
accustomed to sing in rude verse, handed
down from father to son, OF
Point Lookout and Point Look-in,
Point No. point and Polnt.agaln,
as being the recognized fnger-Doards OF Bay
navigation.
We have learned with pleasure that the
proprietor Of this favored locality, In connec-
ton with enterprising associates, 10 now pre-
pairing to erect upon it an extensive and we'll
appointed Bathing Establishment. The surf
bathing on the Chesapeake side Of the Point
is not ouly safe, but extends far out before
deep water is reached, while the bottom, firm
and sandy, is beset by none of the dangers
arising from inequalities or undertow. On
the Potomac side the waters are more placid,
and aifJrd greater surf. Prof. Gibson, the
distinguished physician and surgeon, who
spent a summer 10 the neighborhood OF this
Point, pronounced it unequalled as bathing
place, not only oh the ground OF its natural
advantages, but also because of its adaptation
to delicate constitutions, whether from the
North or the South, inasmuch rs its waters,
though highly saline, are not 80 irritating In
their briny strength as those of the Atlantic
itself.
We should not omit to add that the shores
of the Point are skirted with dense growth
of tall and primeval trees, while those pests
of Southern summer retreats--the mosquitoes
aud ypats-if found there at all, are 50 only
as passing guests, blown by the strong winds
into the river and bay around it. The couo-
try inland is rich, Astounding in dense forests,
through which beautiful drives are to be
opened. The'old city of St. Mary's, the first
seat Of government OF Maryland, was situated
about seven miles from this Point.
Ga the special advantages which such
bathing establishment promises to guests
from the Southern States, it must surely be
unnecessary to enlarge. Whatever of vexa
ton or Inconvenience may result from their
inability to carry with them TO Northern
watering places, the servants Of their families,
will here be obviated by the earnest Of security
and safety which the local laws of the place
cannot fail to aff5rd.--BdH. Pat.