Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-11-04
For the Register
"ON THE WING.
October 2nd, 1865. )

LNue hdnaWHa, anu VIC W M
North Western Virginia Rail Road is a
town of considerable importance, and IS
we'll situated for trade. Being the Da'urdi
Quite, of the oil regions lying back Of IT,
it has grown rapidly since the develop
mems of the resources of the country,
and from small and unimpOrt4nt village
has become the second city in wealth and
population in this State, with a prospec'
OF soon rivalling even Wheeling Itself.
So great has been the impetus given II
by the capital drawn ihltbeT by the Pe'ro-
leum trade tina, lis growth has been un'
precedented in the State Of Virginia. AL
though it's as yet small place, number
ing about as many inhabitants as HageTs'
town, was told that within the past
twelve months at least one thousand
dwellings have been put up, and that ev-
ery house has been rented before the
foundation walls were LAID; and at this
present time know from personal obser-
walton that fully one hundIed and fifty
houses are under construction, among
them two very fine buildings for Banks.
The demand for houses has beer so great
that rents lave reached a high figure;
dwellings far out commanding about as
many hundreds Of dollars as they have
rooms in them, and store rooms with Gel
lars in good location renting for $1,000
per annum. The quiet citizens in our
old burg might well wonder how these
things could be; how these Ten fold prl-
ces could be paid. The difficulty will
at once vanish when they impress them
selves with the fact that nothing is allow.
ed 10 siagnate and fossilize IN Parkers-
burg, but that there things 60 with rush.
and the citizens doing len fold the amount
of business. are well abe to pay these
high rents. All kinds of trades and pro-
LESSONS prosper, but there is special
demand for mechanics and manufacturing
men. Although there are half dozen
brick Yards and one Of them making brick
by steam, they cannot keep pace with the
demand; pIaneing mill, with sash, door
and blind factory connected, would
grow rich in a hule while; and won
derful 10 relate there is not a wooden
factory within forty miles. although The
country on both sides of the river abound
in wool, and the demand for the produc'
lions of such factory would be unllmit-
ed.
The city is regularly laid out including
in its limits one square mile. and running
up the aides Of the hills in The rear II has
many beautiful sites overlooking the
town, the river and the opposite villages.
Blsnnerhasseus Island made memora:
hle by the history OF Aaron Burr lies just
below the city, The upper point being
plainly discernable from the wharf. Ii Is
now divided INTO four or five farms in
high state Of cultivation and al this day
bears no traces Of the magnificent house
of the eminent Irish exile whose name
il bears.
The growth OF the city in wealth is ap'
parent not only 10 the increase OF The
number Of houses, but also in the spirit
OF improvement, manifested by the corpo-
rate authorities. is well lighted With
gas, the streets are being paved with gram
lie, The sidewalks are being EXTENDED to
the corporation limits and they now talk
OF introducing an abundance OF water from
one of the tributaries Of the kanawha.
While our State remains without per-
manent Capitol, Parkersburg will with
some degree Of proprieiy advocate lis
claims TO the honor of being designated as
the seat of government. Whilst it must
yield 10 many less important places the
requisite of ceniralily of location, it must
claim for itself the requisite of centralily
of access, for by means Of the Ohio river
which sweeps nearly one half Of the boun-
dary OF the State, and the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad and its branches completed
and in contemplation, it will be within
easy reach from all the counties. Being
the first commercial city in the State, and
fast rivalling Wheeling in wealth and re-
6nement, it will be pleasant winter res
idence for our legislators. There are sew
eraI very fine hotels. indeed first class,
judging from the prices charged, $500
per day, among which would specially
make mention Of the Spencer Honse. the
kind and courteous attention OF whose
proprietors had the pleasure of receiv-
ing. The various religious denominations
are fully represented, and there are sever
al very fine schools for young ladies and
gentlemen.
The Depo. of the South West Branch
of the B. & o. Railroad presents a scene
Of continual hustle and energy. Through
this channel vas, quantities Of goods find
their way from Baltimore and other cas-
tern cities 10 the districts lying along the
Ohio, TO South West Virginia. and TO por-