Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-05-10
A Visit to RappahannOck.

Correspondents of tho Alexandria Gazette.
RAppAuANNoCK COUNTY. May 9.-Wheth
CT the mountains or the ocean present grandc1
features 10 natural scenery, is question
upon which few people agree. Tho vast ex
tent of the ocean. the vague unrest, the cease
less climbing toward tho fair, full moon have
an indescribable fascination for many whose
mental condition they represent. Yet, the in
fiuit variety of form. tho towering height. and
eternal stiffness of tho mountains may, perhaps
claim the palm. The inhabitants Of mountain
Gus districts are proverbialy patriotic. The
Swiss would not exchange his Alpine height:
for the fairest lowlands. The Highlanders Of
Scotland are devoted to their heather clad hills,
and Virginians are no exception to the rule
During The war, soldiers reared 10 the vicinity
Of tho mountains were known, after a long ab
sence, to shout for Joy Involuntary when they
again caught sight of their familiar forms.
The Inhabitants of Virginia love the billowy
Blue Ridge, which seems to course across the
State in fantastic gallopade. 10 Spotsylva.
MIA it looms up, dim blue line below the set.
ting sum- in lower Fauquier it busls into full
view, long undulating mountain wall, bound.
ing tho western horizon; in Rsppahannock it
deveopes into dark green sea over which, at
some remote PERIOD the fiat went forth.
"Here let the pillows stiffen and have rest "
It is common fancy to ascribe human at
tributes to natural Objects aud atraveler, as he
wends his way through this picturesque seen
cry, is tempted to imagine the mountains
around him SUCCESSFULLY to frowD, or smile, or
regard bin with naughty disdain. Everywhere
are seen Indications of people engaged in suc-
oessful agriculture. The neat stone fences 10
pleasing contrast With the waiting of some
lower counties, the clean blue grass fields with
cattle enjoying the early verdure, and the cosy
homeAeads nesting under tho mountain slopes,
present most agreeable scene.
The Inhabitants are exceedingly hospItable,
and bewider visitor with their pressing lnvl-
tations; yet, they know full we'll how ITO take
care of number one, and this county is prob.
ably one of the most independent in the State.
Fat cattle, corn, wheat rye, and last but not
least, "apple jack, are the staple productions.
The distance from markets and their iDacces.
sibiliy are serious drawbacks. The rush OF the
Iron horse" is unknown 10 the county, and
should Col. Borst succeed 10 pushing the mar
row gauge railroad through this section it could
not fail to aid it materially.
The county seat is Washington, neat little
town. charmiDgy situate at the foot of the
mountains. An Episcopal, Presbyterian aud
a handsome new Baptist church, with a Ma
sonic hall above it, constitute the religious edi
fees. Methodist aud Reformed Episcopal
church organizations also exist. Handsome
private dwellings are numerous, and the man
sion of Mr.. Fletcher, TWO miles from town,
would grace any city. The town has been TO-.
corporated recently, but it caenot yet boast of
street lamps or stock law, ard, 10 the aOSelce
of the latter, hogs roam everywhere at their
OVID sweet will. A stranger who would iogra
tiate himself with the people bad better care:
fully avoid the prefix, Little" to the name OF
the town. Should be use it be will soon be
Informed, This is Washington. Va, sir.
A tradition prevails that 10 times long gone
by certain General Pope first made use of the
Objectionable prefix "A word to the wise is
sufficient" For the past six months an excel
lent country paper. the News, has been publish.
ed here, but the editor has deemed it best to
seek elsewhere, if not for greener fields, tor pas.
lures new. His late associate, MIR. W. W.
Mofett, gentleman of enterprise and energy,
will, in conjunction with Mr.. Horace Motfett,
shortly start the Blue Ridge Echo.
Indicative of the practical character OF the
inhabitants, or of their forefathcrs, are the
names of some of the noble mountain heights,