Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-06-13

Washington during the civil war, on the high
hill in 'front.' while Fairfax Seminary shows 10
advantage OF TO the right. Hunting creek,
with lake-hke contour and fringed with green
on either side, makes pretty picture. At the
north end Of the bridge Ia boat house. where
row and sail boats can be hired, il one feels
ike taking al outing; Gu the pleasant waters Of
the creek.
At high tide the caaseway at the southern
approach TO the Hunting Creek bridge is COW
ered with water, but it can be forded easily.
Moving across the old rickety structure, and
looking to the left, Jones Point light is dscov-
cred The southern OF initial corner of the
original ten miles square which formed the
Oh District OF Columbia was at this point,
where on the 18th OF April. 179i, the commits
sioners appointed by Congress to make pur-
chase OF the land and define boundaries laid
the corner stone amid great enthusiasm. Bat
terry Rodgers stood here during the civil war.
IL stands twenty-eight feet above high water
and Is nearly seven miles from Washington.
Ihe dome of the Capitol-on II direct line as
the bird aies-will be understood as the point
from which all distances from Washington are
calculated when not otherwise expressed.
Reaching the southern end of the eausewav
River road is taken to the left Gravel road be-
ing passed on the right. About O mile from
here ON the right the parapets of old Fort VIII
lard 1.-THE extreme left of the fortifications form
ing the defenses of Washington and eight miles
from the city of Washington are visible. Wa
ter-box Hill $50 named from tank Of running
spring water by the roadside) is presently
reached. From this point. which ia two and a
half miles south CT Alexandria, fine view of
the country north and east is obtained. The
Washington monument looms up grandly in
the distance, while Fort Foote on the opposite
side of the river is conspicuous.
A mile further on, at a b.acksmiths shop,
the road forks with the Accotink turnpike.
Leaving the River road here the turnpike Is
taken to the right.
Paul Spring branch is crossed half a mils
west Of River road.
THE OLD MOUNT VERNON ROAD.
Arriving at Gum Spring Church, some two
miles from River road, the route turns sharply
to the right over the old Mount Vernon road.
The church, which is plain wooden structure
belonging to the colored Baptists, stands in
the southwest angle formed by the junction Of
the roads and Is about three miles north Of
Mount Vernon. 1t takes its name from a
spring quarter of mile down the road,
which at one time enjoyed considerable local
fame. The old Mount Vernon road, which is
now taken to the right contains some at
tractive scenery. well as fond historic men,
ories. Associations vi u hundred years ago
make this old road especially interesting. 1t
was the chief highway of this section in WASH
lngtons time and was Travelled by him regu-
larry when visiting Alexandria and George
town. Alexandria at that time was the chief
town Of Virginia. The gallant Lafayette on his
in 1924 to the tomb OF Washington
fact 1t WAS the only road to Mount Vernon in
the old days and was travelled by all the celeb
rites who visited Gen. Washington. What
hauowed memories surround the old road
though now neglected and almost abandoned
as a thorOughfare.