Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-05-08
Shenandoah County. Va.
| ICorresp0ndence of the State Journal


Shenandoah county lies on the west of Page
and Warren couuties with the Manassas
branch railroad passing through its entire
length, from north to south and the north
fork of the Shenandoah river running through
the centre of the entire length of the county,
from south to north furnishing beautiful and
farms. 1t is about 10 by Is miles in dimensions,
with several prosperous towns along the river.
1t was formed from Frederick county, in l772,
and originally named Dunmore, but that Lord
bcing tory, the people did not like 1t, and
secured change to the present name IN III.
Woodstock is the county scat, and Is an Old.
well-built town, with the usual church and
school privileges, and stores, and mechanic
shops two newspapers are printed and sup
ported here it is one hundred aud fifty miles
northwest OF Richmond.
Some eighteen miles up the river from
Woodstock, are the celebrated Yellow Springs
useful as cathartic, III curing numerous
diseases, being chaybcate.
There is very curious fountain, issuing
from the west side Of the mountain, called "Eb-
bing and Flowing Spring" OF cold pure water
which ebbs and flows, with much regularity
twice every twenty four hours
Strasburg is in the northeast corner OF the
county, and is the first village we reach, on the
railroad q handsomely located place with the
usual advantages.
This county was originally settled by Germans
from Pennsylvania, who were plain, and in-
dustrious people, and thrifty farmers. In the
early years they suffered many crueltles and
hardships from the Indians and French. Colo
mel Peter Muhlenburg, afterwards general
in the Revolution, was a Lutheran minister,
and distinguished himself by bravery and cool
valor; he settled in this county from Pennsy'-
vannia, when quite young. The bones and
skeletons Of Indian giants of great size have
been dug up in this county, comparing with
those mentioned in Captain Smiths history.
There is much splendid wheat raised in this
valley, and many fine mills are IN operation to
convert it into flour. The Shenandoah and
branches afford abundance OF splendid water
powers, awaiting capital and enterprise to lm-
prove them; and the whole region abounds In
superior limestone, which can be easily quar-
rcd.
Considerable quantities of very handsome,
variegatcd marble, much like the Tennessee
marble, have been found in this county; and
some other valuable rocks and minerals-which
await Development ;,
One thing is mentioned, by the people, with
pride 10 regard to this country, that is, It's jail
is tree of convicts, and tenanters This argues
we'll for the community as law abiding pco'
Pile; or else it shows that the laws arc too lenl-
entity administered the former being the fact,
they all maintain-they arc all proverblally
quiet people.
Captain Trout informed me that during the
war cannon ball was shot into the steeple OF
the court house, flying over several blocks OF
buildings beyond-but harmless:
1t is stated that the celebrated anecdote IN
regard to the patriotism Of Rev. Peter Muhlcn-
burg, during the Revolutionary war, took place
at an old Episcopal church in this place. We
have all read the story; it was this: He entered
the pulpit of his church on Sunday morning,
and after the opening services, he read from
the Scriptures, that there was time for all
things-a time for peace, and time for war !;
and then declared that now is the time to pre-
rarc for war; and then throwing off his robes
said, all who wish to joina regiment to fig ght the
British will join me in front Of the church and
muster for service.