Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-05-28
West Point. Va.

| Located in the good old county Of King
William, at the head OF navigation on that
grand little liver, the York, which is but 40
miles in length with width of two and one
half miles is the thriving little town of West
Point. Tie depth of water here is about 25
feet, sufficient 20 float the largest steamers,
the shipping being one Of the main features
fthe town, which has for over 80 years been
connected with Richmond by railroad 80
miles long. Several years ago its popula-
ton numbered a few hundred, now il counts
| 5000. Then it was an Insignificant steam
boat landing and railroad station, now it is a
foreign shipping port with extensive wharf.
age, and is one OF the termini Of tbs great
Richmond and DsnVile railroad system.
The immense freights brought here by rail
are handled promptly end shipped without
| delay 9 large force Of hands is necessary
and the general push and remarkable ac-
t;vity is wonderful. Coed pay is given and
rapid work is expected. Cotton shipments
to Europe are very heavy from this port
! The last steamer carried out over 60O0
bales IS well as quantities C tobacco in
hogsheads, and other merchandise. Large
steamers from Baltimore daily arrive
filled with freights for southern points.
There are two large steam cotton COM
press companies here, and q large bale Of
cotton is pressed into about cna third its
usual size, thereby enabling steamer to
carry over double the number of bales than
under the old system.
West Point is Delightfully."- situated and
but fer the several swamps on either side of
the town would presenta neat appearance
as you enter it. Som, however, these must
be filled up and built oyer to accommodate
the railroad ana s,eemboa; business The
salt 1Gter tide flows in and cut daily and it
is said that the swamps arc not unhealthy
Tho general health of the place is now good
and has been since the sinking Of tho arte-
sian wells which supply Inc pu!est water
f. 3m on average depth Of 200 feet There
are now over one hundred artesian .Tella in
the town constantly pouring forth their
streams OF puie water, which flow about
twelve feet above tide level. The town is
lighted 6g electricity, es are also the wbsrves,
hotels and many private residences. The
land improvement company, & Virginia en-
terprise, is now laying Off large additions %
the town in the elevated and beautifully
situated western section. Streets, parks,
&C., are being surveyed and a number of
buildings are in course OF erection. There
are four hotels here, tho laet built,
LIZ 1cIu!uhij DeiUp VI large pro-
portions and beautifully design. 1t has
Just been completed at cost of $35, COO and
it is situated on the beach fronting the York
hanked on either side by the Mattaponi and
Pamunkey rivers. 1t is to be used as L sum.
mer resort, is owned by Richmond ard Dan
vile capitalists, and viii be run in luxuri-
Gus manner. 1t is lighted throughout by
electri' ity aud equipped with every modern
| convenience. There are number of small
manufactures here, and it is important that
others should be opened up. The only hos
iery factory in the State is located here; it
has been in operation over two years and is
being cnlerged, and will be furnished with
| the latest improved machinery. The oys.
ter, fish and crab business is heavy here in
season. Crabs can be caught in quantities
all around the wharyes, and The fishing is
generally good. Although West Point has
such wet surroundings, it is nevertheless a
'dry" town, spiritually" speaking, local
option having decapitated King Alcohol
over two years ago, and from the boisterous,
noisy, fighting town that it was when the
beverage was sold, it is now very quiet
and remarkably peaceful, considering the
large proportion of a combstive element that
forme part of the population. There are
many very pretty residences here and also
several large boarding schools. West Point
will doubtless continue to grow, as its ad-
vautages are apparent to all observers.
c. w G.