Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-04-05

Prince William County. Va.
,Ls Ea;to, of the Aleran9riu Gazette


To the Editor of the Alexandria Gazette
| noticed few days ago that you invite cor
respondence giving statistics, &c, OF the
counties Of this section Of Virginia. Although
am not prepared to give an accurate statisti-
ca account OF the resources ct this county, yet
believing that the county of Prince vii lam Is
very much underated by many, | will venture
10 trouble you with a word or two 10 It's be-
halt.
The county Of Prince William extends from
the summit OF the Bull Run mountains on the
West, to the beautiful Potomac on the East !;
distance of about forty mies. Its Northern
boundary is Bull Run,--a stream OF warllke
and bloody memory. On the South and West
is Cedar Run, which uni!es with Broid Run
near the centre Of the county, below Brents-
ties into the Potomac at the village OF Deco
ouan. These streams afford most excellent
sites for mills and manufactures. Indeed, the
water power of the county is unsurpassed.
The face of the country, as 1t stretches from
the Occoquan to the Blue mountains in the
distance, presents the picture OF an Inclined
plane, beautifully undulatng. The stranger
is forcibly impressed with the beauty OF the
landscape-and the mountain scenery Is en-
nobling and elevating.
The soil consists principally Of the red sand
and trec-stone varieties. 1t is easily cultivated
and susceptible Of the highest state of i'm
provement.
There is an abundance OF soft, good water,
and the health OF the county is unsurpassed.
The malu line of the Orange, Alexandria
and Manassas Railroad passes through the
middle of the county from the Northeast to
the Southwest, and the Manassas Gap Branch
Railroad divergiDg at Manassas from the main
| road, penetratcs the centre Of tic county to
| it's Northern boundary, passing out at Thorough
| Fare Gap.
By means of these railroads, the county en-
Joys peculiar advantages, and its market laclli'
ties are unsurpassed.
Twenty-seven miles from Alexandria, is
located the new and thriving village OF Nlanas.
sas, on the o. & A. r. r. This village was
entirely destroyed during the war not yes
tige Of its former e!f.remained. The wild dog
howled on the lonely hill tops around, and the
night owl made its home where, was once the
| habitation OF man. Late In the summer OF
1865, solitary stranger, whose rough, bold
physiognomy indicated the place of nativity,
accompanied by his fearless wife, with rash
| temerity, came amid these rebel wildS in search
of home This intrepid stranger, wandering
alone, like the SOLITARY Horseman." may be
termed the founder OF Manassas He and his
wife, who worked with him, built for them
selves sort OF Fancy Shop" where all sorts
| Of "viands, wares and merchandise" were dis.
played Tor sale in the most tempting manner.
Such was the origin of the present Manassas,
which is now quite town" full OF stores
| and hotels, and the like, with a steam saw aud
grist mill and a sumac factory IN successful
operation. Not the least sign Of the rapid i'm
| provement OF Manassas is the advent IN ITS
| midst of real live newspaper editor. This
enterprisug gentleman proposes establishing
his newspaper here on a permanent basis
| 1t is to be published once week, Is not to be
| n partzan sheet, but independent in politics.
You will extend to him your sincere sympa-
thies and well wishes.
Three miles from the Manassas Gap Rail
road is the Furnishing village OF Buckan in
the upper part of the county. There is here
| a mandatory of wooden goods, which is a
| great success.
Gainesville is prosperous station en- the
Manassas Gap Railroad.
On Broad Run are located several merchant
mills, which manufacture the best flour. |
might enter more fully into detail, but forbear
| for the present.
Hlncc Tue wal Souu iiduy ioui IuI A'oi'h
have settled in this county; many of them are
good citizens, doing all they can to help to build
up the waste places. 10 all such WELCOME
hand is extended by the old residents. They
bid them come ~ = :; X And Just here we
will take occasion to say to all who are in quest
of good investments in real estate, "'rhis Is the
PLACE to come to !" Here you get, compare
lively, very cheap lands; the best soil, Tor as
good as any and genial climate-and many
other advantages, some of which We have en-
deavored to point out in this article. While
good men have come amongst US, yet we are
not at all startled to see the inevitable car
pet. baggcr! Like the vulturc he scents the
carcase. And We suppose his craw is soon to
be fully Corged.
Altogether, old Prince William seems to be
in prosperous condition. in spite OF the lm-
pedimcns in the way OF reco Instruction in our
''od State" We trust the time will soon
come when the storm and the pestilencc land
the carpet baggcr) will no longer be iet in the
land Then We will have peace, aud the bells
will peal forth joyful anthem. Yours,
Guy