Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-18

Near here you are carried over picturesque
Pimmit run by neat modern iron brids-
This il the eastern end of the Leesburc turn
pike, and few steps bring you to the south
err approach of the famous Chain bridge.
from which a grand view of Little Falls-a
wonderful exhibition of rugged nature-is OBJ
tanned. Ths only building at this end Of the
bridge 10 a small frame. which is used as a sa-
loon. This bridge. which is three miles from
Geor yetown. has history older than any
other structure OF the kind in the District of
Columbia IL has had many vicissitudes.
IL was first constructed IN 1871 BY the George
town Bridge Company. and was a toll bridge
II was made Of WOOD and was held by large
chains stretched from pier to pier. Hence
the origin OF the name "Chain bridge"
In February. 1911. il was destroyed. but was
Immediately rebuilt. 1t continued as a toll
bridge until 1888. when the United States pur-
chased and rebuilt il at a cost OF Sl5G. 600 II
then became a free bridge. but was again car
risd away by the freshet OF 1910. wooden
structure, costing Sl3,5 500. was soon built.
which was destroyed by the ice gorge of 1852
but IL was afterNard rebuilt. Eighteen years
later, IN 1870, ii was again partially DESTROYED.
The present bridge was erected by the gov
ernment IN 1874 at a cost Of about 800, OO0
lss plaaking was covered by water by the I'M
prsceeentediy heavy freshet Of June, 1859 but
i stood the severe test well and Was not mate
rally damaged.
Ihs bridge has eight spans, two o. 160 feet
and SIX OF liz feet each, and is l. $50 feet (or
little more than quarter Of . mile) long.
Ihs fishing grounds in the vicinity Of the
bridge are famous.
Extensive improvements are under way in
this vicinity
which the Hon. Dwight VI. Sabin OF Minnesota
- president have commenced the construction
q hotel on top of the high hill southwest OF
sne era OF the bridge, and an electric power
mouse IL TO be erected at the month Of Pimmit
run. An electrlc railroad is projected to con-
meet the place with the city Poles for this
Porpose are being erected along Canal road
Ihs excursion Is now resumed with Waiksr'.
Church, at the junction of Chain bridge and
WALKERS Church roads, as the newt objective
point This point can be reached by eitber Of
Swo routes. VIZ: First, by retracing your stem.
through Fort Ethan Allen by vsy Of Chain
Bridge road, or second, by the Leesburg and
Walkers Church roads.
Although the roads are bad nv the latte,
route IL has compromising attractions in the
way % new scenes, &c II it is taken Won will
move up the pike for three-qusrters Of n mills
TO Walkers Church road. which follow 10 the
ist to Cham Bridge road at Walkers Church.
There is bad ford at the crossing of Pimmit
run, which must be well nigh impossible for
vehicles when the stream is swollen. A swing
Ing plank affords pedestrians ample facilities
for crossing. This road is hilly and rough
and u but little used at present, but il makes
rather a pleasant walk. 1t was built by the
army IN 1861 a means OF communica hon be-
tween Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy.
THE SCENE or FAMOUS DUEL
a famous duel was fought in this vicinity
nxty-hVe years sgo. Henry Clay and the sccen-
Uric John Randolph Of Roanoke being the
principals The trouble between the eminent
ssntiemsn grew out of the presidential election
OF ls24- 1t will be remembered that there wal
no election by the people on that occasion
1here were four candidates-Andrew jackson
john Quincy Adams, Henry Clay and
William H. Crawford. Neither had q
majority o. the votes OF >he cleo
torsi college. and the matter W. thrown
into the House Of Representatives, where Mr.
Adams was successful Mr.. Clay. seeing nc
hops Of success for himself and being bitterly
opposed TO Jackson, used his great influence in
behalf Of Adams. with the result just stated.
Cay vas rswsrdsd With the portfolio Of State.