The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-09-06
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For The -BgiS Dc Mtelligencer.
Hartford County.

Among the many counties of the State,
none, in the opinion of the writer, occupies
a more honorable position than the one
whose name stands at the head of this COM
munication. She is beautiful for situation.
Her natural advantages are scarcely sur
passed, and but seldom equalled. Bound
ed on the East and South by the Susque-
hanna river, and the noble Chesapeake Bay;
separated from Baltimore county for a long
distance 10y the Gunpowder river, whilst
her northern border touches the great State
of Pennsylvania. The Northern Central
Railroad near her Western limits and the
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore
Railroad passes through the Southern sec
ton. And now the Baltimore and Delta
Narrow Gauge, which is almost an assured
fact, will be opened through the central
The Susquehanna and Tide Water Canal
runs parallel with the river of the same
name, from her extreme Northern limits to
lIavre de Grace.
He soil although not naturally equal to
some counties in the commonwealth, yet is
susceptible of the highest state of cultiva-
ton. No land will give evidence of i'm
provement sooner, or more readily remu-
nerate the tiller ofthe soil for his Kindness
toward it. The soil is productive, the land
easily worked. Her farmers are blessed
above many Others that could he named
The scenery throughout the county is
diversified, charming and beautiful. /
could name three elevations from which
grand views may be had: Take your stand
on Coen's Hill, one mile above IIo6pman's
Chapel, and what IL magnificent panorama
is spread about before the vision From
this point the whole of Bush River Neck
may be seen, TO all appearances as level rs
II floor, while Spasutia Island, the Narrows,
and the Chesapeake Bay for many miles can
be seen. The course of Bush River, from
where it cmpties into the Bay, all the way
up into the interior, until it becomes cut
up into creeks, is plainly visible. This last
stream is navigable to u point about three
miles above the railroad bridge, and af-
fords easy, safe and cheap transportation
for the products of the land.
Now, take your stand just above Judge
Watters's mansion, and near the church
bearing the same name, and spread out be-
fore your eyes is one of the neatest and
most charming valleys anywhere to be
found. Thomass Run valley is famous for
its beauty. Now leave this and journey to
the Rocks of Deer Creek, which have been
rendered famous by the poetry of the late
Samuel r. Wallis and others. This is a
wonderful freak of nature, and we'll worth
visit from every one that comes within
reach. Naturally grand, yet on one occa-
sion it became awfully sublime, as the
writer was overtaken by thunderstorm,
at this point. The vivid flashes of light
ming lending additional grandeur to the
scene, lighting up the great mountain OF
rocks, which rise perpendicularly to q
dizzy height, while the pealne thunder
seemed to shake both valley and hill.
The surface of the ground, in the south
ern part Of the county, is very level, but as
you push away from the water courses it
becomes rolling, and by the time you reach
| the western section it is very much bro.
ken. Tie county abounds in minerals, OF
different kinds. 1t is populated by thrift
ty and energetic people. Although not so
| thickly settled as some other parts of the
| State yet it is very thickly dotted with resi-
| dences.
Bel Air, the county seat, is an old town
| but, in the last few years it seems to have
| awakened from its slumbers, and signs OF
| improvement are to be seen on almost ev-
cry hand. The act of incorporation, Sc
cured few years ago, was step in the
| right direction.
Havre de Grace, the largest town in the
county, possesses advantages for business
seldom equalled, and yet strange to say
these have not been utilized us they should
Situated at the head ofthe Chesapeake Bay
the water navigable for almost the largest
ships, and the advantage ofcanal and rail
road shipment besides. Here should be
large manufactures of different kinds
Why is it not SOL
Hartford occupies already an enviable
position among her sister counties. The
earnest wish of the writer is, that she may
constantly advance in every thing that can
develop her condition. Persons seeking
for homes can no where find more favor
able surroundings than within her bounds
| II.