Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-25
OccOIunn, Va.

Correspondence Of the ALerGmdria Gazette.
OccoQUAN, Prince WILLIAM COUNTY, Va,
June 24-Mr. John Davis, 10 his travels
through the United States at the beginning
of the present century, draws the following
picture Of Occoquan, at that time:-"ln the
Bull Run mountains, rises river which
retains the Indian name Of Occnquan, and
after course OF sixty miles falls into the
Potomac, near the little town of Colchester.
In America there are few or no rivers with
out falls, and at those of Occ0quan, are cree
ted couple Of mills, wh.Cn, by the easy and
sale navigation OF the Potomac, the richness
OF the adj AGENT country and the bealth!ul-
ness Of the climate, induced the proprietor 20
project the plan of a city, and invite stran-
gers to build on it: but HE visions were
never realized, and Occoquan consists Of
house built 90 a rock, three others On the
river side, and a halt dozen log nuts scatter
ed at some distance. Yet no place can be
more romantic than the view oil Occcquan,
T TO a stranger, after crossing the rustic brId se
which has been constructed by the inbabi-
tants across the stream. lie cohtempates
river, urging its course along mountains that
lose themselves among the cIOudS--he be-
no DIS vessels taking on board -four under the
foam Of the mills; and others, deeply laden,
expanding their sails TO the bre 70, while
every face wears c1ntontment, every gale
watts health, and echo from the rocks multi
plies the VOICES OF the wagHners calling t.
their teams" Al that Mr. Davis said about
our village IN point Of romance and beauty
in 1902, is true OF It nUw. We have the
samo beautiful and romantic suenerY--;he
same rive: urging It's course down end along
the mountains, forming beautiful water falls,
and presenting scene rarely surpassed IN
the country. Oar mills, too are here, but
much Improved III appearance, and in the
machinery used-and besides the mauutac.
tuTe Of flour, w0 bave mill, in which is
manufactured a beautiful article Of cotton
! Vessels OF u largo size cannot come up to the
mills nov, on account of bar that makes
across the mouth ot the river for about a
half mile In extent bat which could, and
| hope will, one of these days be removed,
and again allow large vessels TO come up to
tie village. Tie number of houses has also
increased, and am happy to cay the pros
pect is excellent for a still greater and more
rapid increase Of the number. Mcssrs. 10.
seph Janncy & Co. have very recently sold
number OF lots On the main street, Oh which
are to he erected, at once, handsome resi-
dences and stores. Among those who have
purchased lots, with the intention Of build
ing, and upon which there are already hous
es, are Mcssrs. Francis Hanna, Thomas
Reeves, j. L Sclccman W. II Smith TbUS
Smoot and Robert Curtis. These lois sold
at irom 5000 to 500, according to location
Our main street is to be graded, and tie side
walks paved, for which purpose upward. Of
5000 have already been raised. Our -four
mills are doing good business, aud consid-
cradle quantities OF wheat are now brought
here for sale. Messrs. Brawner Il Davis
contemplate erecting 10 short time, two
handsome storehouses, and fine wharf
Indeed our village is looking up in every
respect, and in these times Of progress, is it
too much to hope that the "vlsiohs" Of the
former proprietor may be realized, and De-
ccquan, in time, be fourisbiug city. 5.