The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-05-02
Shenandoah Valley Railroad.


We stated several weeks ago that the con-
struction of the Shenandoah Valley Rail
road was an assured fact. At the meeting
of the directors in Winchester on the 23rd
inst, contract was signed with John Sat
terlee & Co., of New York, wealthy and ex-
perienced contractors, to complete the road
to some point OH the Chesapeake and Ohio
Railroad within three years, the contractors
entering into bond of 100000, with ac-
ceptable security, for the faithful performs
ance OF the agreement The contract pro-
yides that the road shall he finished and
equipped in three years. and includes the
construction OF stations, depots, round
houses, signals, shops, and everything
necessary to a first class road. 1t is also
stated that arrangements have been per-
fected with the Danyille, Pa, Iron Works for
the rail to lay 80 miles of the track, to be
delivered at Charlestown, from which point
the track laying will be commenced and ex-
tended each way.
From conversation we have recently had
with one of the Directors of this Company,
we are satisfied that the construction of the
road is assured. To what point 1t will aim
to intersect the Chesapeake and Ohio road,
we are not informed, but we have no doubt
the location will be determined in a great
measure by the liberality shown in the mat
ter Of land damages. Doubtless better
grade and less expensive could be gotten
to Fishersville. If we remember correctly.
when the route was first surveyed, the right
of way was promised by land owners along
that line, and we presume the same offer
would be renewed Eow. Staunton. however,
presents the greater advantages by reason
of its central location, and its relation to the
matter of competition in freight, and these
considerations would overbalance any tenn
porary economy in the work of constrGc-
ton. All interests, however, connected with
the location Of the road will come up for
discussion and presentation hereafter, when
the Company is prepared to determine that
question.
The completion Of this important improve
ment will develop one of the most prolific
sections of the Valley of Virginia. The di-
versified mineral wealth and the rich agri-
cultural capacities Of the country through
which it will pass and which it will accomo-
date with direct and speedy market facili-
ties, will constitute sources OF we alth and
give stimulus to industrial enterprises, such
as have never been realized in Virginia or
the South. From the Page Valley, where
the extensive operations of the Shenandoah
Iron Works are conducted, on through Rock
ingham and Augusta, 1t will touch rich min
eral interests, which have been dormant for
years for want of capital and transportation.
The diversified ores, which thread along the
mountain ranges indicated. are probably as
valuable as any on the continent. It has been
estimated, indeed, that hundred furnaces
could be furnished from these immense ore
deposits, were there market for the iron.
This route, too, would give another outlet to
market for the productions of the furnaces
along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad,
and furnish additional facilities for the trans
portation of the coal Of the New River sec
ton. which is fast coming in demand in the
eastern cities.
The present arrangement only contem-
plates connection OF the Shenandoah Val
ley road with the Chesapeake and Ohio road
but it will not stop here, as it is designed
to be made part OF a great continental sys-
tenn, connecting the South with the East,
and opening up a direct channel of COM
municatiou from tile network Of Southern
railroads with New York, and intervening
cities of the East. The completion of the
road to Staunton would necessitate the con-
struction of the Valley Road to Salem; either
by the present company Or the transfer of
its franchises to the Shenandoah Valley Com
pany. This, however, is a matter for future
consideration and discussion.
Active work once commenced on the Shen-
andoah Valley road, will cause attention to
be directly and practically drawn to two
more railroad enterprises-that from Orange
Courthouse to Harrisonburg, reaching to
the coal fields in Augusta and Rockingham:
and the James River railroad, and mere par
ticularly the latter, which will develop the
wonderful iron properties of that section
It must be remembered that eastern capital is
to be engaged in the construction of the Shen-
andoah Valley Railroad, and that means that
Eastern interests are to be benefited, while
our own are advanced. All the contributing
agencies, or lateral enterprises, that add
volume to the business of this central line,
must of necessity be stimulated and devel-
oped, and hence these two important cross
lines, accommodating rich mineral sections,
will be pushed to completion.
In the general breaking up Of the repose
of nature and bringing to light the marvel
GUS riches of the great Valley of Virginia,
our own city, located at the intersection of
the various competing lines of traffic and
communication, must feel the reviying influ-
ence, and it is here that manufactures, which
naturally follow material development, must
spring up. With developed iron and coal
all around us-with three lines of railroad
converging here, it would be an anomalous
condition of things did not rolling mills
and iron manufactures of various descrip
ton inyite capital to this propitious point.
Blessed with every advantage that nature
can bestow upon locality-genial climate,
rich and ineXhaustib.e agricultural re-
sources-timber of almost every description,
excellent water, and unsurpassed for
health-with the Improvements and attrac-
tons our own enterprises have added-no
place in the South gives promise of a richer
and more propitious future. We are conf
dent in the hope and belief that Staunton
will one day, and that not far distant, be-
come the centre of large manufacturing
business, and grow in population and wealth
beyond the expectations of the most san
guine of those who now contemplate her
future with pride and pleasure.
Indications all point to revival Of conf
dence and business throughout the country.
The Silver bill having destroyed the specula-
tive quality of gold, capital in the centres of
trade is seeking investment in real estate,