Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-11-07

nere path a good part of the way in and beyond
the valley of the stream. In the vicinity of
Sheriff road II Is pretty good. This road is
about mile and a half long. At Lincolnville,
which is quite elevated, as well ms at Deanwood,
on the opposite side of Watts valley, far
reaching views of the country around pre-
sented. Old Fort Mahan, to the westward and
the historic old Benning mansion to the north
ward, are conspicuous. Lincolnvlle is a negro
village, as is also its neighbor Burrville.
Continuing along Central avenue the grass
covered works of old Fort Mahen will be no.
ticed i'll front to the right on an emiTence 40
feet above the level of the Anacostia. This
emlncnce. which was formerl known as Pros
pect Hill" is now called Sheridan Heights.
The handsome residence o. Mrs. Manning &C.
cupies the summit of the hill.
DIR. Manning, the owner of this property at
the outbreak of the great rebellion. cast his
fortunes with the secessionists and went south
His vile, who was native of Vermont
pluckily held on to the place. When it was
selected for the site of Fort Mahan she stub
bornly opposed the scheme, but the officers
compromised with her by allowing the old
house TO be moved a little to the rear. Here
she remained all through the war literally
holding the fort"
FORT sEDGEwIcK.
As you advance the earthworks Of old Fort
Sedgewick Originally Fort Chaplin) on the
high hill Immediately in front, become con-
spicuous. Before the war this hill was known
as Carnegie Heights. 1t is 100 feet above the
level of the river and from its summit magnifi-
cent views are obtained in every direction. ex-
tending far into Virginia and Maryland. 1t &C.
cupies part of the old Scaggs' estate, which
was known by the name Of Fortune En-
larged" in the original grant
ROMANCE.
The old frame house that stands little east
Of the fort was built by Mr.. Selby B. Scaggs
nearly half a century ago. Forty years ago it
was the residence of a couple who gained con-
siderable notoriety on account of romantic
episode connected with their lives. Late in the
forties n beautiful, accomplished Russian prin-
cess eloped with a serf of her country. They
fled to this country and about the year 1852
rented this house. which was then an attractive
building. 1t was surrounded by q dense forest
and in this secluded retreat the couple hoped
to elude friends and foes alike. The lady in
the case. now a widow, is a respected resident
OF Washington and an accomplished artist.
Mr.. A. j. Curtis is the present owner of this
property, which he has christened Villa May
in honor of his wife. East Capitol street. when
extended will pass between the old house and
barn. Forty-thiri street east will also pass
through the premises close to the residence.
Now entering East Benning road follow it to
the right, as 1t winds Its course along the
southern base of Sheridan Heights.
The large frame house (painted light green)
which Is passed on the right as You enter the
outskirts of Benning is a colored public school,
nearly opposite which is visible one of the
batteries of Fort Chaplin. Adjoining the
school building on the west is another small
frame used as a public hall by the colored
folks, which bears this ponderous legend on its
front: Sons and Daughters OF Liberty" A
little way back of the school also stands small
colored Methodist church.
The houses along this section of the road IL
largely occupied by colored people.
Advancing short distance west you get
good view o: the dome of the Capitol. the
Monument and Southeast Washington. as well
as glimpse of the mouth of the Anacostia
You are presently in old Benning and the
opportunity of visiting the pleasant southern
quarter OF the town is presented. Therefore,
moving to the left along Anacostia road, past
the Hotel de Jennings, the union stock yards
are on the right, while many comfortable look.
ing residences are passed on the left
An eighth OF mile brings you to Golden
Rod brook. The earthworks of old Fort Cra-
ven, which is now locally known as Fort
Scaggs." are visible to the left. The latter
designation is derived from tho fact that the