The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-01-01
THE WORLDS PRIZE.
ANOTHER EXCELLENT CONTRIBU.
TIOy ON The RESOURCES OF
MARTIssSSBitlRR66.
THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
OF MARTINsBURG-H PROS
pEcrS xEyER PRICHrER

OE MA n IN > u LIZ AsVc-
Poets NEVER BRIGHTER.
Martinsburg occupies a splendid To-
cation in the North Eastern partof w.
Va. We are translated to the year
1860 when it possessed few thousand
inhabitants and few factories and
business houses. Then. as now tbut
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
cozv farm houses dotted here and
there over 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
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. SO 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-
features and trade, and those, which
with immense resources still open to
hon, che 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 will ex-
claim.
Whose are these gilded tents which line
the way
Where all was waste and silent yester-
dayg'
But what is more probable, will ex-
press their wonder in the homely Ian
guage of every day life for well
built busting city while very crafty
ing to the beholder, is not usually con-
ducive to continent
The smoke rises from numerous fac
tories humming with noise and tenn
ing with busy workmen.
The attention of strangers has been
attracted by its health-giving waters,
pure, invigorating atmosphere and a
above all 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
l. 4 IA, II
vantage Of being not too far from
deep water.
Martinsburg is only "a miles from
the National Capitol, 100 miles from
Baltimore and or hours ride from
Philadelphia and New York. The B &
O. shops located here employ hundreds
of hands the monthly pay rollamount-
ing to from $50, 900 to 100000. The
water supply is by the Holly system
and furnished from a never failing
spring capable Of supplying seven or
eight times its present number of in
habitants, which the last census emu
merates at a round S000 In addition
to this and other springs of lime and
various minerals, there is the famous
Bedington Sulpher Spring within a
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 a Baptist, Episcopaian 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 handsome public
building to include a U. S. Court
House, Post Office, 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 a century.
Owing to the effective work of our
perfectly equipped fire company, ex
cellent engine &C.. destructive confia-
grations are of the rarest occurrence.
The G.. " r. r. runs to our town
and fine depot building has been
erected. The w. " Central R. r. is
anxious to extend its line to deep wa
bCE duQ Is .sitllOSb DOtiltl W Ault lilOuS Ii
Martinsburg. The tide water finds an
outlet in the c.. & @. Canal and this is
of inestimable value to the county.
We have the Hannis Distlllery, one
of the largest in the world, giving en-
ployment to hundreds of hands.
We have large boiler works and iron
foundrys, machine shops, a large ho-
siery factory employing upwards OF
two hundred girls and men, and three
immense -four mills, making -four from
native wheat for home consumption
and export. Among other industries
may be mentioned, wagon works, three
carriage factories, four cigar factories,
numerous wholesale houses, conspicu-
GUS among which is large tobacco
factory, brick works, three sash and
blind factories, lumber yards, spoke