Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-04-09
For the SPECTATOR.
A Short Ramble in Central Virginia
No. 1.

haVluS OCca91On recently 10 leave Tn
historic neighborhood of the Wilder
ness for visit to the Valley of tn,
Shenandoah, 1 took the westward bount
train on the Narrow Guage Railroad a
Verdiersville, and, after few minute!
of easy and pleasant travel, found my
self at the pretty Piedmont town Of Or
ange G. 81. when shall we have less
awkward names for some of our smaller
towns, and villages and hamlets, thar
this Of Courthouse ?"] Here at Or.
ange G. II. is some lovely and pictur.
esque mountain scenery. The country
Immediately environing the town is
fertile and well cultivated, adorned with
tasteful residences, orchards, and groves.
Three miles west of the town is Mont
pelier, the former seat of James Madi-
son. Three miles northeast, and imme-
dlately on the line of the Midland Rail-
road, is the birthplace of Gen. Zachary
Taylor.
Nine miles southwest from Orange G..
H. is Gordensville, a Railroad entrepot
that has grown miraculously since the
close of the war. Among other signs Of
progress is the starting of a Graded
school at this point with ample appli-
ances and aid from the Peabody fund.
An hours ride on the cars of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad brings
us in view of Monticello, the former
seat of Thomas Jefferson, the Universi-
ty Of Virginia, and the miniature city
of Charlottesville. Here the interest Of
the traveller is largely increased; for the
sublimity of the historic interest is WED
with by landscape, which, for gran
deur and beauty, is probably not sur
passed. The Riyanna, q navigabls trib-
utary of the James, meanders through
the neighborhood, its banks covered
with arabic fields, and enlivened with
the villas of the opulent. The Rotunda
and other buildings of the University
are situated at the extreme western end
of Charlottesville, and ON an elevated
plateau commanding wide prospect of
high noun tain chains, sporadic groups
of smaller mountains, isolated hills, un-
dulating spaces and campaign. Over
this scene the philosophic eyes of JEFF
ferson roamed; no wonder that his
mental vision chose this abode, having
so distant stretch backward and for
ward. To commend the University is
almost superfueus. No institutions of
learning in America are superior. Mr..
Mccormick, the inventor, is about to
present to this University a telescope,
which will doubtless give an impetus to
the study of Astronomy.
The approach to the tunnel of the Blue
Ridge is fine. Gradually the blue of
the Ridge melts into gray, and we see
its rocks, stunted growth and sterile
soil. Entering the main tunnel, we soon
emerge upon a plateau of different as
pect-it is the Valley of the Shenandoah.
The soil is of more uniform, if not of
greater fertility, than Piedmont, which
we have just left. Running through
this fine scenery for twelve miles, we
reach the chief city of the Valley
Staunton-numbering ten thousand in
habitants. To mention all the points
many of your readers would be unnec-
essary. Staunton is destined to become
large city. Within and around exists
the combination of circumstances that
will make this inevitable-a large area
of best surface, mineral of unequalled
variety, quality and abundance, unlim-.
tied water-power, salubrity, and beauty
of scenery, and proprietary noted for
industry, frugallty, and character.
Staunton is at present city of schools
large institutions for female students,
belonging to the Presbyterians, Metho-
dists, Episcopalians, and Lutherans,
are flourishing. Asylums for the Deaf
and Dumb and Blind and for the In
sane are also here.
Weyer's Cave is in the neighborhood.
Augusta is large county, and there are
many villages and hamlets within its
limits. Among these is Greenville on
the unfinished Valley Railroad from
Harper's Ferry to Salem. Greenville is
situated on South River, in the midst of
a highly productive country and in the
vicinity Of the iron works of the Bry-
ants, Jordans, and others.
Lexington, the capital of Rockbridge
county, is considerable town, known
for its schools and the high Intellectual
and moral tone of its population. It
was here that Lee and Jackson lived,
and consequently the eyes of the whole
South have been directed to it. 1t is amid
Incompatible mountain scenery. North
River washes the foot of the town. The
Natural Bridge, one of the wonders of
the natural world, is fifteen miles dis
tant. J. A. BARTLEY.