Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-06-03
IN THE MOUNTAINS.
WHERE NATURE REVELS IN HER
GRANDEST SOENIC EFFECTS


GRANDEST SCENIC EFFECTS.
Allegheny Hotel, Goshen, Va, June
|2.-Perhaps nowhere in Virginia is pre-
sented u more varied landscape than
the drive from Lexington 10 Goshen,
through tine f1fnCus Gositcft Pass. 4
few miles out from Lexington is Lee
Knoll favorite spot which General
Robert l.. Lee, while a resident of Lex
ington. used frequently to visit, and
from which, seated on his faithful war
horse. Traveller" he delighted to
drink in the beauties of the splendid
panorama before him-a scene of sur
passing beauty, consisting OF rolling hill
and undulating vale, of woodland and
glen, while sparkling through ali flowed
silvery streams and babbling brooks.
Fifteen miles 10 the northwest of the
old historic town lie the North Noun
tains, of the Allegheny system,
through which range the great gorge
known as Goshen Pass cuts its way.
Here are laid bare the secrets of ma
lures grandest and most beautiful
handiwork. From the winding roadway
can be distinctly seen the framework Of
these grand old mountains, even from
the brink of the river as; 1t dashee; from
boulder TO boulder TO the crest of the
highest peaks. The strata of which the
huge pile is buildeu are shown in per
feet distinctness in all their trends and
bends and dips.
1t is interesting to study the forma-
ton thus exposed TO observe the parted
strata on either side of the gorge, and
TO note how the pass was formed eth
er by CONFUSION or erosion, or both.
Here the rocky ribs project towards the
east, there the strata seems to have
been uplifted in nearly n horizontal 10
sition, then again come the inclined lay
erS reaching to the top OF the range.
Careful observation shows lateral press
ure running with the general direction
of the range, while here and there can
be seen loops and dovetailings as If
there had been longitudinal as well as
lateral pressure.
The sublmity OF the scene Is great
~ enhanced at this season of the year
by the gorgeous appearance of the
beautiful mountain laurel which is now
i'll full bloom. There is an indescribable
charm in this stately flower, doomed, as
it were, ito waste its sweetness on the
desert air."
1t thrivcs among the rocks and adds
charm and beauty to the rugged sides
OF the mountain atad-adorns -c@ested
peaks with a coronet of glory. So i'm
pressed was Commodore Maury with
the exquisite loveliness of the scene,
that among his last words was express
ed the following request: Garry me
through the beautiful Goshen Pass
when the mountain laures is in bloom"
Five miles further on we find another
spot where the prodigality of nature is
seen in an unusual degree-at Goshen.
On this site has been erected one of the
most beautiful hostelries in the South
Hotel Alleghany-under the manage
lnent of the genial and accommodating
Mr.. j. b. Wood. Erected at cost OF
$4,000, luXuriously furnished. with
broad acreage of shaded lawns and
sporting srounds.with celebrated min
eral waters-Alum. Iron, Lithia, Sui
phur, and Chalyibeate-th Allegheny is
the ideal summer home. Located on a
commanding site, with a great panora-
ma of mountains that rise and fall in
the distance, with rolling hills and fer
tile valleys. frowning precipices and
lscqucstcrcd Slens, rushing torrents and
silvcry mountain streams. it is indeed
beautiful for situation. Added to the
natural attractions is the charm of con-
genial society. Here are blended all
those indescribablc graces that unite in
making life 1lp1e1nt onJ nceran,l,1,