The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-02-06
LETTER FROM WEST VIRGINIA.
HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA.
E,.hrIn I'D 1AHa

HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA.
February 3rd, 1875.
EDITOR OF WHIG:--I send you few
items from West Virginia. The people of
West Virgini. were noted during the war
for their Union pr"clivties, and preferred
to abandon their former State history, rather
than bear the odium of seeding from the
Union.
The resources of this State are just be-
ginning to be developed. With energy and
capital the State will take an immense on
ward stride in progress. Enterprise and
capital are coming this way, opening up t"
commerce, regions long unknown outside
the limits of the State.
The depression consequent upon the war
was exec edingly severe among these peo-
pie; but the virgin forests. vast beds of
coal and iron ore, and salt springs. offered
the means Of renewing the fortunes of the
people, and right sturdily have they awaited
themselves of these advantages. The for
ests are fclled. and their products are man
ufactured into various marketable articles
Coal is ahundantly produced, and is of ex
cellent quality. Strikes among the miners
are not known here yet, but time will prob
ably bring us that token of progress. Salt
is produced in immense quantities from the
salt springs in the kanawha River Valley.
From one spring there have been made
1870. coo bushels of salt in one month. The
production of this necessary article of do
nestle economy has been SO great as TO
scarcely pay the cost of production from
the low price obtained in the market. Iron
ore is largely produced, and at no distant
day we may expect to see the black smoke
of FORCES and furnaces curling in vast vol
nmes above the mountain tops. All the
elements for the successful production of
iron exist here profusely. The natural
highway for the commerce of this State is
the Ohio river with its branches. Rail
roads also traverse the fertile valleys of
these rivers, the most important Of which,
is the Chesapeake Il Ohio Railroad. con
Meeting Richmond. Va, and Huntington.
West Virginia, 42l miles i'll length. Also
there is an inclined railroad from Lewis
ton, Cannelton, Coalburg & Point Creek
coal mines, 10y which the coal is sent to the
main railroad. Many other points of H.
teiest might be mentioned, but will defer
till another time.
Huntington, the present western termi-
nus of this road, was founded about four
years ago, and now contains nearly 1, 600
inhabitants. Panic passed through here.
and his footsteps have shaken somewhat
the progress of the town. but not to a very
great extent. This town is the shipping
port for westward freight over the railroad.
being on the south bank of the Ohio river.
The Company steamers convey the freight
to Cincinnati and other points West and
South. Manufactures are largely carried
for making and repairing the rolling stock
OF the Company. AS soon as Southern
aud Western connections are made with
other roads, the Company intend putting
up large furnaces here.
Among the most noted points along the
line of this road may be mentioned the
White Sulphur Spring, which is noted
summer resort, and is but short dis
tance from the railroad. The Healing
Springs, fifteen miles from Covington Sta
ton. which is situated st the foot of the
Allegheny Mountains, are becoming place
OF Importance. New River Falls, near
New River Falls Station, is point of in
terest to passengers and tourists, and it
is said by competent judges to be unsur
pissed by any in the world. Among the
other fine scenery may be mentioned the
kanawha Falls. about two miles below the
junction of the Ganley and New rivers.
Near this station is the Cool Spring, run
ming from under a rock, which is said to be
as cold during Summer as ice water. Water
is run from this Spring to the Peytun
House, at which trains stop for meals be
tween Covinston and Huntington. Nine
miles east from this station is the Hawk
Nest, a noted place; it is high ledge Of
almost PERCEPTIONS rock. near which is the
noted cliff, known as the Lovers Leap, from
winch point IL is stated tlat an Indian
II alden. with her lover, who, rather than
be separated, chose death by leaping from
the rock, which may be seen just after pass.
ing the station, going west.
The Ensign Car-wheel Mandatory is
located here. Lumber ia manufactured in
great quantities, and is shipped via Ohio
river and also 10y the railroad. 4 brush
factory is being established, which 1t is
sad. will employ 800 hands. Many her
kinds of business are carried on. but will
not longer trespass on the PATIENCE of your
self or readers.
AS | have located here. aud opened
photographic gallery for the purpose of
face making, you may hear from me again.
If agreeable, as | traverse the Chesaueake
Il OHIO Railroad, for the purpose of taking
>rereoscoplo vie"s OF points Of interest
along the road. GEO. W. KIRK.
All the best Calroes 10 cents per yard;
very heavy Muslin 10 cents per yard: Can
ton Flannels for a song. at
MCCREKY & BoULDEN's