Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-01
RlcHMOND'S SUBURBS.
Capabilities, Beauty and salubrity Of Our
Situation.

Situation.
&c. P. K. Burgwyn. ESD, Civil Engineer ana As
sisiant Engineer James-kiyer improvement
II is surprising how many misconceptions
exist as to the topography of Richmond
and those physical characteristics which
make it the beautiful city it really is.
Strangers for the first time visiting the city
conceive of it as low. fiat country sur
rounded with swampy forests. Asa matter
of fact there are few tide-water cities IN
the United States which are more pic
turesquely situated or mounted on higher
hills. Beginning at the north, as the school
bow yould say, there is the region oil coun-
try now under very great Improvement
tributary to the Brook turnpike.
Here is situated the palatial residence OF
Joseph BRYAN. Esq, on the exact divide be-
tween the Chickahominy and the James.
The magnificent estates owned by MAJOR
Gipter are adjacent, and the new suburb
under construction by Mr.. Barton.
The improvements put upon these places
in the last three years are so great tnaJ III Is
doubtful whether the oldest inhabitant, If
he had been taken away and then suddenly
brought back again. would recognize his
whereabouts. 10 the northeast are the
various shops of the Richmond Locomo-
tive and Machine-Works.
down THE RrvEB.
Still further to the east and on the his
toric battlefield of Seven Pines IS the
park and pleasure-grounds OF that COM
pany. On the south lies Warwick Park,
q beautiful resort recently constructed
the meadows and the blafIs rising
over hundred feet above the river
have given the artist an opportunity
to display great skill in the construction
of paths, VINEYARDS. orchards. and the
many other accessories which go to make
M the beauties of a summer pleasure
ground. There are lighthouses and sail and
row-boats, while the neighboring feet OF
war-vessels add to the picturesquesnesso OF
the scene and interest to the visitor.
Towards the southwest Is the city OF
Manchester, with its parks and drives,
its hills crowned with new residences, and
its valleys already crowded as thorough
fares for the city's growing commerce.
THE RESERVOIRS.
To the west and northwest are the reser-
voirs which supply Richmond with Its
water, the noble parks which have been
Constructed with view of providing for
the future growth of the city and the
broad boulevard Of 100 feet, which, starting
from the'riyer, is destined to encircle the
city with as fine drive as one could de-
sire. Already this boulevard has been
constructed for over two miles. Ii inter
sects the famous Hermitage road. which
private enterprise has widened to 100 feet
10 correspond. Following the Hermitage
road il circles towards the east through
west Brook avenue. and there Is little
doubt hat that the highway. will be taken
up by others and pushed on further towards
the east and Southeast until after passing
the Federal cemetery IL reenters Richmond
at Chimborazo.
When this boulevard is connected with
the avenues leading around Hollywood
cemetery and is completed in its meander-
ings TO Chimborazo it will form contln-
ous drive of over fifteen. miles, making
available iunumerable sites for suburban
dwellings and opening mp yistas anu views
az surprising beauty. Such drive would
terminate at Libby Hill, from which most
magnificent view can be obtained Here
the different points of interest are spread
out as in panorama before one-
TEE cITY's BEAUTY.
On the right Is the city of Richmond,
With its prominent buildings and its
chmrcb-xpifes rearing aloft against the
sky their sun-lit points IKE SO many isianu l
in an oceans waste. On yonder niii nas
perched the raven, croaklng ms midniSnt
dirces for tho lost Lenoic. there hes
Belle Isio, another Of those beautiful oases
amidst the desert Of smoky industry: dns
cify Of Wanchheter y beforc you, wedoeo
- ~ yives ao'ths city q The Aombaxda