Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1903-01-22
From the b. & O Book of the Royal Blue.l
SHEPHERDSTOWN.
BY RAPHAEL s. PAYNE.

|
the location Of new line which is to
touch at Shepherdstown, symptoms OF
an awakening have been manifesting
themselves in that tranquil West Vlr-
ginia village, which enjoys the pres
tige of being the oldest and one of the
most cultured communities in the
State.
AS harbinger of animation and
progress an electric light plant has re-
Gently been put in, which promises to
light the way to other improvements
and enterprises.
Situated on the Potomac, in the
midst of fertile agricultural country
with exceptional natural advantages
in the way of water power, smooth
roads, salubrious climate and pic
turesque scenery, there is every rea-
son to believe that with proper out
let for its products and given quick
communication with Washington and
Baltimore, that this entire region will
make a big bound along industrial
lines and in time become one Of the
most attractive summer and autumn
resorts adjacent to the national capi-
tai.
Shepherdstown i, a happy town
Its name denotes repose, and yet the
spirit of sociability, the penchant for
outdoor sport, together with the ver-
satility and natural courtesy which
characterize the inhabitants, serve to
give the place tone which Sistln-
guishes it from most West Virginia
towns.
The customs, manners and domestic
traits which prevail, all have that
quality that partakes of the Old Do
minion.
Traditions are cherished aid per-
petuated, the old-fashioned amenities
obtain, and taste for the graces OF
life seems to flourish like the wild rose
amid it's cliffs and yield local color.
Politene.s is spontaneous with these
people. Indeed, it is so instructive
and comes so easy that strangers find
it contagious.
One of the charms Of this quaint
old town, which will soon feel the
pulse of innovation, finds expression
in its lovely children, whose gaiety
simplicity and sweet manners capti'
vate all who come within their range
and make you wish that Eugene Field
was still alive, that he might walk
among them as he would garden O.
fragrant flowers and delight their pa
rents with another chapter on child
hood.
The most striking features and or
naments of Shepherdstown are the
handsome new State Normal Schoo
which has just been completed, anc
the Episcopal Church, graceful spec
linen of the Gothic order-the latter
situated in the heart of the town anc
surrounded by a beautifully shaded
lawn, captures the eye like a gem with
an effective setting.
That which makes Shepherdstowr
so attractive to the traveller and prom
ises to be potent card in introducing
it to the outside Is the fact that it il
within easy driving distance of Sc
many points of interest, which can b'
reached over fine roads through
stretches of country that offer many
beautiful mountain and water pros
poets.
Within a short distance is Ante
tam's famous battle ground, the scene
of one of the fercest and most spec
tacular engagements Of the civil war
which has been handsomely embel
lished by the government with mode
pixies, shade trees, bridges, monu
ments, an observation tower and tab
let's at every turn which tell in detail
the story Of that memorable struggle
which impartial military critics clas'
as "a drawn battle" Near at hand il
Sharpsburg, which rivals in neatnes
the villages of New England in th'
DAYS of the Puritans. Farther on Il
Boonsboro, bright little town with
church and doctor for every 100 o
its population. 1t was here tha
Stonewall Jackson was saved from
capture by squad of the gallan
Black Horse Troop of Virginia.
In another direction, merging int
the magnificent valley Of the Saenan
doah, is Charlestown, noted for it
pretty homes and the intellectualit.
and refinement of its people. Thel
there are South Mountain and Har
per's Ferry, both beautiful scenic spot