Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1878-09-14
the Northwestern States and terri

finest iron bridges in the world, we
notice down to the right the great
Smelling Works which turn out more
of the precious metal than all other
works in the United States combin ed.
Their product was something like
SIS 100000 in 1877. A little farther
up on the banks of the river cover
ing thirty acres Of ground are the
extensive Union Pacific railway shops
which give employment to nearly
regiment of mechanics. Just at the
end Of and on the left is large dis
tillery establishment which, for the
privilege Of turning out immense
quantities of the old reliable bever
age, pays tax of over half million
a year. Crossing the wooded bluff in
plain sight ahead and commanding a
wide view of the river and valley, are
the splendid school houses. Then,
under the bluffs but still high above
the river is the long row of solid
blocks of business houses, fine public
buildings and dozen or more Of.
churches with their high spires direct
ing man to the fountain of perfection.
Eager for start yet not satisfied
with mere glimpses of Omaha, we
took quarters on the cars of the
Union Pacific and started westward
The train was filled and rolled over
the steel rails with the power and
pride of regal chariots.
Nebraska and the Platte valley
have been written up so many time
before that we will only mention a
few facts in regard to this wonderful
valley-the Paradise Of America
| Here we observe beautiful valleys
and landscapes in which are hundreds
Of productive farms, fine farm houses
blossoming orchards and thriving
thousands can find nice homesteads
in this beautiful country. Sydney
| and North Platte are the two prinCi
! pal stations between Omaha and
Cheyenne. Sydney is Ala miles from
Omaha and has gainet considerable
importance as q shipping post for ti.t
Black Hills. 1t has about one thou
sand inhabitants. The next place o
Importance we came to was Cheyenne
the capital of Wyoming, at a distance
Of SIG miles from Omaha. Cheyenne
has a population OF 1900, and is be
coming quite solidly built; it exhibits
fine residences, public buildings, anC
| good modern improvements generally
From Cheyenne we took the Colo
RADIO Central to Denver. This roac
runs through a beautiful valley, vel
adapted to farming and stock raising
the principal in tustries. When W.
arrived at Denver we were at tn,
capital of Colorado, one Of the fines
and healthiest cities we ever saw
We would be satisfied to set up oul
tent here while life lasts.
Sixty miles from this was our DIES
tination. We went partly by raj
and the remainder by stage, through
Warren valley with mountains eacl
side 50 high their peaks seemed t.
hold converse with the stars.
We arrived at Halls Valley, at tn,
foot Of the mountains, pretty httl'
town Of one hotel, post office, smelt
in5 works, saw mill, store, and a mum
Der OF dwellings. From here we ha,
to make our way up the mountain
about 1000 feet above timber linz
| and about 10000 above sea-level, an,
nave fol our associates, the elk, deer
fountain sheep, grouse and the etel
lal snow. Bat we found a fine rocl
house and all other things comfortabl
for weary traveller
Our notes are getting long. Mex
time | shall give you our randi
through the mountains. With kin,
egaras to all, yours with respect,
JOHN JEFFRIES.