The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-08-23
Mount Pleasant

The exact locality of this notable spot is known
to comparatively few persons, even in Rockbridge
county. Ii is believed to be somewhere on Tim
her. Ridge, and many make the mistake Of identi-
flying the original seat of Washington and Lee Uni
versity with the present locality of Timber Ridge
church. Bat the location of this, the first academy
established in the Valley of Virginia, was about a
mile southwest OF the town of Fairfield on the L M
Der Ridge range Of bills 1t was founded in l776
with Rev. VIM. Graham its first rector. 1t was,
after several years. removed near to the site of the
stone church.
No one can visit the old Mount Pleasant locality
without being lorcibly impressed with the singular
beauty Of the selection 1t is not an elevation iso
lated particularly from the main ridge but is more
of plateaux OF ground by which it is the better
adapted to the purpose intended. This summit
level embraces several acres-now cultivated field
and which in its classic days was admirably
adapted for play ground for boys The surround
Jog forest-irom which Timber Ridge took its
name-furnished abundance of shade in summer
and fuel in winter. A bold spring gushes ont from
the eastern side OF the ridge, few hundred yards
from the site OF The log school house, and which
gave the boys quite steep walk.
The prospect on both sides of the ridge is truly
grand and would SEEM in this respect alone, to
have sufficient attraction for its selection. The view
OF the B.ue Ridge extends from the Peaks OF Otter
uuti the vision is lost in the dim vista Of the She.
nsndoah' Valley, while on the west the long range
of the North Mountain is marked by its prominent
peaks from beyond the Jump. and commanding il
the distant a fine view OF Il liotts Knob. The
everlasting mountains stand forth in both direc
lions from Mount Pleasant in all their grandeur.
The intermediate scene is variegaed with hills
Wales, forests, fslds aud farm houses. AS Dr.
Henry Ruffaer once described it, "All the features
of the place made it fit habitation for the wood
land muse.
There is now nothing to mark the spot where the
log academy stood bat the scattered stones which
once formed part of the chimney. The play ground
is covered with growing corn and the whole surface
Of the ridge Whereabouts is enclosed by the present
proprietor Of the land. A road from Fairfield, II
the direction f Brownsburg passes near the place
but few who pass thereby ever know or think Of
what the locality is noted for. ludeed hardly any
one but some of the immediate neighbors coulC
designate it, 1t is on the southern end OF Mr.
Edgar Wilson's land. and is surrounded by the
farms of Messrs George Houston and Alex. Patton
La those farm houses number of the youth tron
. distance boarded while attending the school
among them we have heard the name OF Rev. Con
rad Specie, d. d., mentioned. The rector Rev
VIM. Graham, resided at place some two miles
distant
Indian arrow.heads and implements Of stone have
been found in considerable abundance on the ad
joining lands of Mr. Edgar Wilson, aud among
these well shaped stone tomahawk has been pre-
served. IL place of an eye for the handle, it i:
made to be casped with withe to answer the pur
pose of handle.
The evidences where once stood the building Of
this noted academy are fast fading away and unless
the authorities of the University should take pro
per steps to have the exact spot marked, time will
soon =" leave not wreck behind to show where
originated the germ from which spranR Washing.
ton and Lee University --Leriagton Gazette