Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-05-26
BELMONT PARK AND GRANITE QUARRY.

This romantic locality is now being fixed
up with new and attractive additions for the
accommodation of excursion and picnic par
ties. Situated four miles east of Leesburg,
and 81 miles northwest of Washington City,
Immediately on the W., 0. & W. R. r. and
having an area of fifty acres, with natural
and artificial surroundings conducive to
health, recreation and amusement it is des-
tined to increase in popularity and be liber-
ally patronzed during the summer months
by citizens Of the hot and crowded cities.
The management have provided various
ways and means for enjoyment and eXer.
else, the principal features of which are the
dancing Pavilion, 30x90 feet, within 100
feet of the railroad and situated Oh an emil
nence overlooking Goose Creek known
upon old maps as Braddock's Rver) 60 odd
feet below; the dining room 25x70 feet, with
tables to accommodate 200 guests; and the
ice cream saloon. The facilities for boating
upon Goose Creek are excellent, there being
half mile course, with q depth of water
from to Is feet Fishing can also be iu-
duged in by those who are fond of this pas
time Among The other attractions will be
shooting gallery, swings, swinging horses,
fine base ball ground, and last but not least,
bath houses, with bathing suits, and a com
petent attendant in charge. 1t is also con
templated to introduce electric lights for
excursions that will remain after night.
When all these improvements are completed
the Park will be even more attractive re-
sort than heretofore.
Within the Park grounds, few hundred
yards from the pavilion, is the granitequar-
Il
passing notice, evincing, as it does, that the
mineral resources ofour county only require
energy and push for their development and
to be made remunerative. A branch road,
running 325 yards from the main track,
leads to the quarry, where cars are loaded,
the granite being lifted direct from the
quarry TO the car, distance of only 80 feet,
(by derrick the boom Of which is A. feet,
and working capacity Is tons). and can be
shipped by unbroken rail communication to
all parts of the country. The greatest de-
mand so far, has been from Washington city.
The supply of this granite is equal to any
demand, being not less than three miles
long and from to I of mile in width.
Stones 30xl8x2O have been taken from the
quarry, and it is believed that blocks SO feet
can be gotten. This granite is beautiful
dark grey, harder and closer grain, aud
hence capable OF greater strength and nigh
er degree of polish, than the Quincy quarry
of Massachusetts, requiring 10000 pounds
to crack and $4,000 to crush cubic
inch. This quarry has great advantages
over the Richmond and other quarries, in
shipping facilities, and having natural fall
for drainage of 20 feet, is free from water,
and can, therefore, be worked with greater
satisfaction, in The saving Of time and labor.
500 hands can be proiitaby employed, and
all that is needed to make this one of the
leading industries ofthis county and State,
is an increase of capital, and it would be
we'll for monied men to give it considera
tion.
The management of the railroad, with q
true conception that the interest Of the coun-
try through which it passes is Identical with
the interest of the r. r. Company, have
given every facility to the development of
the quarry as we'll as to insure the success
of the Park AS result, fully ten thousand
people visited the Park last summer. To
the indefatigable energy of Mr.. John Mason,
of Fairfax county, is due much of this sue
cess, he being the finder of this granite and
the originator of the enterprise, and in de-
veloping the quarry has employed principal
ly Londoun men, thus assisting our own
people in keeping money in circulation in
our own midst. Mr.. Mason's headquarters
are in Distinguishing Washingtonian.