The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1891-12-26
THE WORLDS PRIZE.
ANOTHER EXCELLENT COzTRIBU.
TON on THE RESOURCES OF
MARTlySBURC.

THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
or MARTINsBURc- PROS
PECTs NEVER BRIGHTER.
| Martinsburg occupies a splendid To-
cation in the North Eastern part Of w.
Va. We are translated to the year
1860 when It possessed few thousand
inhabitants and few factories and
business houses. Then as now (but
here the similitude ends). one stand
ing upon slight elevation might OBJ
tain soul inspiring view Of fields Of
waving grain kissed, perhaps, by gen
tie zephyrs into billowy motion, Of
coy farm houses dotted here and
there oyer the landscape, Of groups Of
cattle grazing upon rich pasture lands,
and beyond all Of the green vista Of
mountains bounding the horizon. But
the horrors and trials incidental to a
great Civil Contest were soon to mar
the peaceful quietude Of the little
Burgh.
The years 1864 and 1865 saw her in
FAINT industries crushed, her churches
and houses converted into hospitals,
her sons left destitute, the peaceful
Valley devastated by fire and war, and
reeking with the blood Of countless
victims. 50 from Martinsburg as she
stood let US turn to the more pleasant
contemplation Of Martinsburg as she
stands to-day, to the heights which
she has attained in population, manu-
factnres and trade, and those, which
with immense resources still open to-
her, she is destined to scale.
From an enimence overlooking the
town Of Martinsburg one marvels at
| the changes which greet the eye and
| If Of poetical turn Of mind win ex-
claim.
Whose are these gilded tents which line
the way
Where all was waste and silent ycster-
dayf'
But what is more probable, will ex-
press their wonder in the homely Ian
guage Of every day life for well
built bustling city while very Crafty
ing to the beholder, is not usually con-
ducive to sentiment.
The smoke rises from numerous fac
tories humming with noise and teem-
ing with busy workmen.
The attention Of strangers has been
attracted by its health-giving waters,
pure, invigorating atmosphere and q
above ali BY the incompatible advan-
tages in the location for factories and
dwelling houses and convenient rail-
road connections, affording easy com
munication with all the important cit
les. Besides being near the principal
markets, we have the additional adj
vantage Of being not too far from
deep water.
Martinsburg is only IA miles from
the National Capitol, 100 miles from
Baltimore and or hours ride from
Philadelphia and New York. The B &
%. shops located here employ hundreds
Of hands the monthly pay rollamount-
ing to from $4,000 to $50, 900. The
water supply is by the Holly system
and furnished from never failing
spring capable Of supplying seven or
eight times its present number Of in
habitants, which the last census emu
merates at round 5000. IN addition
to this and other springs Of lime and
varions minerals, there is the famous
Bedington Sulpher Spring within all
pleasant driving distance from the city
limits.
The houses and streets are illumi-
mated by gas and electricity.
There are eleven churches within the
town and Baptist, Episcopalian and
Catholic school which have become To-
cally famous. Each ward Of the town
is furnished with public school, the |
Grammar school fitting out some Of
the best teachers in the State.
Money has been appropriated for
the erection Of a handsome public
building to include U. S. Court
House, Post ONCE, and other Offices.
A fine new jail is just completed.
while the old one is interesting as a |
land mark, having already braved the |
storms and usage Of century. |
Owing to the effective work Of our
perfectly equipped fire company, ex |