Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-06-22
VOL. LXXV.
CULPEPER.
From the Culpeper Observer. !

IrfOU tue CulptpSt oUoClsCi.I
Culpeper county was named after Lord Cul-
pepper, (formerly spelt Colepepper,) who was
Governor of the COLONY about two hundred
years ago The county seat Was called Fairfax,
in compliment to Lord Fairfax, who was pro-
prietor of the Northern Neck, which included
all the country between the head waters OF the
Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. 1t be-
came necessary to determine whether Culpeper
county was included in this grant or not, aud
the que estion could only be settled by ascertain
jug which was the MAIN branch OF the latter
stream. Accordingly, commission was ap-
pointed by the Governor and Counci to exam
Inc and report which was the main branch, the
Rapidan, or what is DOW called the Rappahan-
aock, running between the COUNTIES OF Culpep-
or and Fauquer, called on some maps, Hedg-
mans river, and by some people the North
river. The commission made survey and re-
ported that the Rapidan (spes Rappadan in
the old deeds. WAS undoubtedly the main
stream, aud that Culpeper, consequently, was
included 10 Lord 'Fairtax's grant. :.
Whilst the county seat was called Fairfax, it
was never known as a postofice by that name.
Letters directed to Fairfax, Culpeper county,
instead Of to Culpeper Court House, almostl To-
yariably went to Fairfax Court House, giving
the writer's and the parties to whom they We're
directed good deal Of trouble. To obviate
this trouble considerable stir was made about
tweuty-three OF four years ago by Maj. Thomas
Hill and Others to have the name changed.
The thing was abandoned. and the name remain
ed unchanged until since the war, when Fair
fax was abolished and Culpeper put in its stead.
Nearly all our citizens have been taken away;
citizens, too, of which any town might have
been proud. Who remembers, without re-
gret, MIR. Thomas, Mr.. Mauzy or Mr.. George,
or Mr.. Cole? And where can better men or
christians be tound2 Aud what man is there.
who has been 10 the habit of coming to our
town tor the past sixteen years, that is not re-
minded Of the lnfalabe judgement the court
" smile and digni6ed bearing of Col. Strother:
of the sturdy common sense of John Cooke
Green; of the brilliant wit the affluent con-
yersa,on and the iuimitable manner of John
S. Pendleton; of the legal ability and prompt
decision of Judge Field? Who of such, can
forget DR.. Slaughter, who intended by nature
for the Law aod politics, spent his itei the
practice of medicine? Who can forget the ve-
hemence and the undertaking Integrity OF Dr.
Ashby2 They we're remarkable men, equal to
any similar number 10 the country. They have
all died within the last fourteen years. l.
The old Courthouse has disappeared, aud ln
it's stead stands building, which though built
of wood, is called the Stonewall Building. Be-
tween the site OF the old Courthouse aud the
Jail, three or tour stores have been erected
and occupied. % the corner where the Pied
mont tavern stood Maj. Hill has put store
house, which would look we'll 10 city. Dr.
Gorrell's building, originally intended Tor q
bapk, has been so added to and altered, that no.
body would recognize it.