Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-19
NEWPORT NEWS.
Changes Wrought There Since the Mon
ftor and Merrimac Fought.
dence Of TEE EvESfxe Stan.

Correspondence Of TEE EVENING srAR
NEWPORT News, Va, April IS.
Newport News has been to the people of the
north an unknown quantity" from the early
part Of our civil war until about 1881. when the
greater part of il, or an area of TWENTY-FIVE
thousand acres, was bought by the "Old Do
minion land company" II is now a thriving
business center and a most attractive resort for
the seekers OF health and pleasure. During
the war 1t was chiefly distinguished for being
the place where the power of the two iron-clads,
the Monitor" and the 'A1errimac," was so
severely tested buoy now marks the spot
where the ''Merrimae" ran down the "Cunber-
land" and few yards southwark the place
where the Minnesota and Congress" were
burned by the same monster" as il was then
called The part of Newport News fronting on
James river was a vast camping-ground where
the tents for forty thousand soldiers were
pitched. Not many war tracks remain and
nothing suggestive of war is now to be seem
The earthworks thrown up at that time are still
TO be found. but instead of being capped by
guns are overgrown with pines which look
fourishing enough to survive for a century.
The building used as Buffers headquarters
IL more than intact, so renovated by paint
that neither the general nor his men would
recognize ii. The dent made in the chimney
by a cannon-ball is all there is about it to tell
any war experiences.
After the close of the war this city rested
in the full sense of that word-for sixteen years.
1t was inhabited by only blacks. Up to 81 only
one white family lived here, and the reason for
that seems a mystery.
The enterprise, energy, and money Of the
Old Dominion land company have greatly
transformed the place, and 1t has risen, phoenix
like. from the lifeless ashes of the past into a
commercial seaport of vast importance and
promise and a favorite resort for valetudina-
rams and votaries Of fashion. The harbOr of
Newport News is said to be the finest in the
world. Ships of largest tonnage and steamers
from foreign and domestic ports enter the har-
Dor and reach the piers in all seasons of the
year without tOw-boat or pilot. The city is
only 10 miles from ocean navigation.
Newport News is also the business terminus
of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad which
makes it the important center for business in
terests and traffic of the north and west
All the coal of the country traversed by this
road Is sent here. and from this port to various
destinations. One mine alone, in Virginia,
promises to be exhaustible, or to put il as
given to me. promises TO yield supply to
furnish the entire Mississippi Valley for thou
sand years. new enterprise is the ship
yard new building. and near it the largest dry
dock in the country has Just reached compile
tion. Next week it is to receive a ship for re-
pairs and on the 9th instant. the iron-clad
Puritan" is to enter for the finishing touches.
On this date the dock is to be formally opened,
with the usual ceremonies. to be followed BY a
banquet to which Secretary Tracy, with about
fifty other distinguished men with their wives,
are to be invited.
One part Of the entertainment will consist
in the filling and emptying of the dock The
latter process is accomplished in just an hour
and twenty minutes by means of immense
pumps. Some piles which are being used in
the construction of the shipyard
are pine trees, which were cut a
few weeks since. from lot of land where
corn field hOurished during the early part of
the war. This city is well laid out, with fine
shell roads III different directions Stores, a
bank. custom-house, hotels. four churches.
tasteful cottages and blocks of houses attest
the growth and prosperity of the city.
The marine view is one of wonderful beauty
Ships OF all sizes float upon the surface, from
largest steamers to the smallest craft including
a goOdly number of yachts. sail and row boats
and the little steamers which make daily trips
up and down the James river. The drives in
all directions are very delightful-over the
fields and through the spicy pine woods; along
the banks Of the river: over to Hampton. the
Soldiers Home and the famous Fortress Mon
roe The air of Newport News is in itself a
tonic, and holds in its qualities specific for
nervous exhaustion. rheumatism. malaria and
kindred ailments. The temperature is never
extreme. X. p. w.