The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-04-27
LIKE ROME on
SEVEN Hills
SEAUT1Ea AND MEMORIES OF
vrRoIN1A's CAPITAL.
Graphic Picture Of Richmond AZ It
Was and as It Is-one Of the Queen
Cities Of the New south--Fine
rArks statuary, Homes, Public
Buildings and commerce-one Of
tho Finest Of American Hotels.

Special Correspondence Of The Tribune.
Southern Pines. N. c., March 13.
1.-THE CITY Of Richmond, with its
wealth of historic memories or
= three great wars, is well worth a
visit, especially from those who are
interested in national greatness ana
take pride in the achievements OF all
Americans, north and south alike.
Space is too limited for a detailed his
torical description of the city from the
days of Captain John Smith and Poca-
hontas in 1907 up to the present time,
but when we consider that within q
radius of one hundred miles of Rich
mond the first permanent settlements
OF the new world were effected, the
political and military history of the
Revolution practically begun and end
ed, and the most tragic and decisive
battles of the dreadful drama Of the
civil war enacted, it will be readily
seen tina. there is no spot on the con-
tinent 80 full Of interest to travellers.
Within less area are the battlefields
of Jamestown, Williamsburg. York
town, Stersburg, Fredericksburg.
Mapnasa. and AppomattoX and other
historic places of the late war, while
~
cemeteries, monuments and relics that
speak forcibly of the fierce conflict that
seems to have been necessary for the
preservation of the worlds mightiest
nation-this great American republic.
EARLY HISTORY.
will only recount a little of early
history. The visitor in overlooking the
scenes in and around the city today
takes in the very spot trOd by the
first white settlers of the country 1t
Is on the present site of Richmond that
an exploring party under Newport and
Captain John Smith on May q. 1907,
landed at the foot of the rapids on
James river. which furnishes the
present water system for the
city. Attempted settlements re-
suited in a series of dis
asters. eliminating in 1922 in general
massacre of the white settlers by the
Indians. In 1887 the town was laid out
and called Richmond. In 1879 it was
made the seat of government of the
state of Virginia with a population
OF only 700 souls. In 11S1 1t was occu-
pied by British troops under Benedict
Arnold. when many public and private
buildings were destroyed
After the war of 1872 the city was
strongly fortified and soon assumed a
leading position among southern cities
in wealth. commerce. literature and
social life. which has never been
wrested from her. During the terri
ble days of the civil war it was the
political and military headquarters,
the strategic point aimed at by the
Union troops. and resolutely defended
a., -, ,c +,
ern secession and last &c fall Rich
mond was the capital of the southern
Confederacy during the terrible days
following 1861. and the vortex of the
strife, from which she only emerged
sadly crippled battle-scarred, her bus
mess territory of 100 acres in ashes
and with an impoverished population
of only 10000.
With spirit undaunted, however, her
people set to work repairing the havoc
wrought. and the city has been re-
built and happily regained it's former
prosperity, as her fine public buildings,
her elegant residences. her busy marts
of trade, and her numero,is industries
will best testify. And today Richmond
is second only to Atlanta and New
Orleans among all her southern sisters
in wealth, commerce and manufacture
ing, with population of 125,000 souls.
ON SEVEN HILLS.
The city is picturesquely located on
seven hills, which are virtually solid
rock, overlooking the waters of the |
James river, with a gradual descent, |
quite remindful of San Francisco and |
Vicksburg. 1t is one hundred and |
twenty-five miles from the ocean and |
the head of tide water on the James |
river navigable for steamers drawing
nineteen feet of water which permits |
direct water communication with all |
parts of the world, and two lines OF |
steamers, the Old Dominion and the |
Clyde line. make regular trips to New |
York and Philadelphia, while a third |
line plies between Richmond and Nor |
folk.
Within the borders of Richmond run |
the lines of seven railroads. The con-
solidation of the Seaboard Air Line has |
been the event of prime Importance |
during the year. Each one Of these has
carried more passengers during /
the year 1900 than even before,
also transported more freight and it's |
net receipts have been greater than
ever before in it's history. Railway
connections to all points are almost
perfect. / might say with the near
completion of the New Union depot for
the joint use of the Chesapeake and
Ohio and the Seaboard Air Line rail-
ways, Richmond will be abreast of any
city of its size. The C. and o. during
the past two years have spent nearly
$2,00O,O00 on magnificent double track
iron viaduct, three miles long, to afford
better connections with the James
river and peninsular divisions.