Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-07-15

u
The flats, opposite the ancient village of
Old Town, in Maryland, are the finest bot.
tom lands on the river, and from the upper
end of them is obtained the first view of the
Knoby Mountains, that remarkable range
which lies in line with the town of Cum.
berland Dams Mountain towers over II,
forming a fine back ground TO the view.
The approach TO the City of Cumberland
is decidedly romantic, and displays 10 very
great advantage the noble amphtheatre in
which Il lies, the gap through Wills Noun.
tain, west of the town, being Justly strik.
ing feature Of the view We did not stop
longer in Cumberland than to get a sump-
tuous dinner at the Queen City Rotel one
of those luxurious and commodious hotels
which the Baltimore and Ohio Company
have erecteFalong the line of their road for
the better accommodation of their passen-
gers. I.
Z Cun1herland is the most conspicuous city
outside of Baltimore, and is daily augment
ing in influence and wealth. At one period
Of her history she enjoyed the reputation Of
having the ablest bar in the State. Her
politicians (Democratic) have always exer-
cised n remarkable influence in the State
conventions, and they are generally among
the first to take hold OF measures that agi-
tate the public mind, During the past
twenty years there have been many and
serious discussions in the ranks that have
led TO sad and unpleasant consequences.
These are, however, gradually disappearing,
preiudices and animosties are forgotten in u
common cause, and whatever of unpleasant
feelings that are calculated to bring about
defeat, Is fast passing away. The press of
the city is aggressive and spirited, able and
determined in the defense of party views
united and earnest In all which tends to the
material advancement of their county and
the honor and dignity OF the State
The passage Of Wits creek through wins
and Dams mountain, is splendid piece of
scenery. The Pittsburgh division OF the
Baltimore and Ohio road passes through
this gap as does the old National road,
which in the earlier days Of the Republic
and before rail communication was estab-
lisled, was the great highway 10 the West.
II is also the route Of n line Of railway lead
ing TO and through the wonderful Frostburg
coal fields which are fifty miles long and
four wide, II has been said that the coal
field is one of extraordinary wealth. Min
ing began in 1872 and since then over 81
0O0 600 tons in all, and 2,4l0,S9l tons in
single year have been sent into the market
by twenty companies. The portion of the
field now most worked being that between
Frostburg and Piedmont, on Georges Creek.
The admirable -bituminous coal of the
Allegheny regions is generally regarded as
the very best Of all the varieties for general
ing steam, for manufacturing and many
other purposes 1t largely furnishes the sup
plies of New England, the State of New
York, all the Atlantic cities, and for steam
ship purposes.
Leaving Cumberland we ut once enter
into an area of country which in point of
picturesque beauty and the richness of soil,
is the most remarkable Of any along the line
for the same extent ofdistancc. On the right
and left are ranges or slopes of mountains,
sometimes rising in precipices three hundred
feet, and here and there sloping gracefully
in green sward to the river bank The wide
bottom lands are in luxurious state of cul-
tivation. The farm houses, though not of
recent architecture, with their clean white
fronts and green blinds, together with every
variety ofoutbuildings, form II picture Of ex-
quisite taste and beauty
Passing through Keyser City, place not
without note because of its extensive cattle
yards and numerous tracks, thence along
the margin Of the river bounded by Dams
Mountain and its steep spurs until we enter
Piedmont, a railroad village situated on
small piece Of low ground, opposite the an
Gent village Of Westcrnport.
/ A short distance above Piedmont we part
with the Potomac and commence 10 ascend
the Savage Mountain for seventeen miles by
grade Of which eleven miles Is ut the rate
Of one hundred and sixteen feet per mile TO
the "Altamont" Summit We have now
reached spot along the line which has
rendered the Baltimore and Ohio road fl.
nous with the scientific tourists of the civil.
lied world and where is spread out before the
traveller canvas which rivals in georgous
beauty any Of those pictures which adorn
the great valley Of the Yosemite. Here, per.
haps, as along the Cheat River Is the greatest
piece Of or triumph in civil engineering, at the
time Of It's construction, that had ever been
accomplished. For almost the entire dis
lance ofthe grade The bed Of the road Is cut
! IN tho side Of u continuous range of noun
tains which rise almost perpendicular from
aAvine some four or five hundred feet be-
I low Gnd through Which the Savage River
makes its way. On the opposite side Of this
stream mountainse equally precipitous rise up
in all Of their towering subimty, thus
forming "a vista some several miles in length
up deep gorge which grows wider and
wi der until breathing panorama Of
sublime grandeur everywhere greets you.
utsI hpWli W WV N'iJ Eb w
the stream which winds along their bgsc
like silver thread, are covered with an i'm
mense growth Of virgin forest. The hem
lock, spruce-pine, with groves Of majestic
cedars, are some Of the most conspicuous,
whilst huge bouders and masses Of sterile
rock peep out from the dense foliage like the
terrible yisage Of some grim monsters which
stand guard over one Of natures art gal.
leries.
10 60 up this grade requires two engines,
both Of which are generally placed in front
Of the train. In order b. have better and
more extended view Of the scenery We oh.
tanned permission at Keyser City 10 ride on
one Of the engines, and at Piedmont was