The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-06-12
IA Great Mineral District.

1nu luciuullS the hlcn 1dtcH hduSo Ou
the south, and the Douthat survey on
the north and east, part Of this latter
in Bath county. This vast mineral re-
gion is represented in industrial activi-
ties by only three furnace plants-pro-
ducing about 1000 tons of pig iron an
q rolling mill, recently put
in operation at Iron Gate. There are
various organizations and enterprises
which have been of late instituted, that
look to the improvement of the natural
existing, and which are des-
tined to contribute to the development
of that section and the accommodation
of a large labor and business population.
The Iron Gate Company has made COM
mendable progress, and stands at the
head. in the way of established indutries,
of all the new towns that have been
started within the past year West and
South Iron Gate will constitute adjuncts
to Iron Gate, and the three organiza-
-tions work for the building up of pros
porous and imposing manufacturing and
-OuolueSS CCnJIc. Ac OllIUOA 30
Company; the Clifton Forge Improve
proyement Company, and the c. y 0.
Development Company, will have for
their object the improvement and devel-
opment of the country of which Clifton
Forge is the centre These enterprises
are all we'll under way, with assured con-
ditions and results. The COvingtOn
Land and Improvement Company is
forging ahead with commendable energy
and good judgment, and providing for
industries that will add greatly to the
wealth and population of that imme
diate vicinity. The Rich Patch Com
pany is preparing for extensive opera
tions on it's splendid property, adjoining
the Low Moor Furnace holdings, and
will soon be in a condition to commence
shipping ores to the various markets
now waiting for it's product. The Potts
Creek railroad is to be constructed from
Covington up Potts Greek to accommo-
date the immense iron interest of that
portion of the Rich Patch region; while
the wealthy owner of the Douthat sur
vey will undoubtedly avail himself of the
present lively interests in mineral prop
critics to give active value to his large
investment in that property.
Midway between Clifton Forge and
Covington, and in the centre of this
wonderfully rich mineral and timber
section, lies the Harms farm, containing
from 600 to 700 acres of land. 1t adjoins
the Low Moor property on the east. and
is traversed its entire length by the
Chesapeake & Ohio railroad. 1t en-
braces about no acres of beautiful river
I bottom, about 200 acres of gently rolling
land, conveniently adapted to residences,
and from three to four hundred acres in
original forests, and mineral resources.
Take it altogether this property en-
braces as many attractions as any of
which we know Jackson river consti-
tutes its eastern boundry, separating 1t
from the Douthat survey-the stream
winding around its entire extent, and
offering ample water power for all kinds
of industries. Low Moor, with it's SIT,
900 a month pay roll. is separated from
it on the west by plank fence. Indeed
was once part of it, and is now tribu-
tary to its value. On the east, about
twoimiles and half or three miles the
G. & o. Railway is preparing to erect its
shops. which, it is stated, will employ
from 1000 to 1, 200 hands, and where over
million dollars will be expended in the
improy en- is contemplated. The
karnes tract. therefore, is located be-
tween what will soon be two of the big
gest pay rolls between Richmond and
Huntington. 1t is estimated that tins
forests on this property will yield about
SAC, 600 worth OF lumber. The timber is
very accessible, and can hs easily placed
at tho saw mill ON the premises, byH nat
ural incline at minimum cost, with a
market right at the door for all that may
be turned out.
The mineral wealth of this body of
land consists of two veins or leads OF
brown hematite ore-one at the foot
of the mountain spurs, and the other in
the mountain proper. The first has
not been examined, but is supposed to
be rather lean. The other. about q mile
or mile and a half from the railroad, is
100 feet wide, runs mile-an half on
the property, and has been tested to a
| depth of 200 feet, as it is a continuance
of the Low Moor wien. The quality of
the ore is of the best A recent analysis
of surface specimen gives 1928 per cent
of metallic iron, 4.25 of silica, .O543 phos-
phorus, and .036 sulphur. The ore can be
mined easily and laid at the railroad by
an incline at very low cost-not to exceed
rs cents per ton at the highest. 1t is
estimated that there is about 100000
tons OF iron ore on the tract.
Besides these ad yantages and sources OF
wealth this property has on it limestone,
freestone. chalybeata and alum water
The first three can be readily piped to
the residence building-an imposing new
structure of IA rooms, and costing from
$1,000 to 81 ,000-while the alum shale,
through which the water oozes into pits
dug for its reception, is in convenient dis
tohtE OFCl IL SplCAulu COuAtIy IOdO3 huu
conveniently near one of the most beauti-
full lakes we have ever seen, where fishing
and boating could be INDUCED to the sat-
isfactjon of those who are fond of that
kind Of sport and recreation.
Probably there is no locality on the
whole line of the Chesapeake 4 Ohio
railway-so prolific of romantic and
charming scenery that possesses so
many natural attractions as may be
found at The Karnes estate, and where
nature has contributed SO many adyan-
tagesfor material improvement and Pc
cuIliary gain. The scenery from the
splendid residence property is plctur-
esque and grand. The sweep of the Wis
Jon takes in-mountain and dale for miles
and miles around, and presents a piano.
maof beauty and grandeur, that might
well challenge the artists brush, and
inspire with awe the beholder az he CON
templates the Power which threw into
such sublime disorder this creation of His
handiwork, where mountain and valley
and rushing waters combine to form a
picture of such surprising beauty and
health assuring virtues.
Nowhere in the mountains OF Virginia