The Washington herald., 1911-07-30

the civil war, but going back to Revo-
lutionary days, 1t was one Of the first
portions of this country to be settled.
Many OF the mansions built in the
Colonial days are still occupied by de-
scendants Of those who came over with
the colonists.
Every true American Is interested In
his own country and delights In visiting
various places Of historical interest.
Motorists are perhaps the most enthus-
iastic in their desire to traverse historical
ground, but they are deferred from going
farther South than WASHINGTON owing
to the poor condition Of the roads. There
is at present but one really good road In
the Old Dominion State. and that is
down the Shenandoah Valley. which is
admitted to equal II not surpass in
scenery the mountains Of Switzerland.
Good roads not only mean better con-
ditions for the people residing in the
community, but they open up the coun-
try to outsiders and aid in its develop
ment. It is only within the last two
years that Virginia has made any de-
termined effort to construct good high
ways.
The soil Of the State Is largely red
clay, which IN dry weather offers a good
roadbed, but after a rain roads are
nearly impossible.
The Virginia State legislature, really
ing the conditions Of their highways, has
appropriated s250,000 for road improve
ment. This sum Is to be divided among
the counties in proportion to the amount
Of taxes which they pay and the money
is to be spent under the direction of
State Highway Commissioner St Julian
Wilson. This money is only a forerun-
ner to the amount which will be set
aside for highway improvement at fu-
N,,rz - IL.
Some Grading IL Done.
In some sections of the State the peo-
pie themselves have assumed the respon-
sibility for road Improvement, and
though they are not macadamizing them,
they are grading and putting the high
ways in much better shape than they
have ever been before.
1t is hoped that at the First National
Good Roads Congress. to be held in
Richmond October 30-S1, and November
!, at which time all Of the State road
officials, as well as those from other
States, will be gathered together for a
conference, much will be done toward en-
couraging the spirit for improved high
ways that is now kindled in the State.
The good roads scouts, who started
out from this city last Monday morning
under the auspices of the American
Highway Association and the Touring
Club of America, to select a route be-
tween this city and Richmond, found
the people enthusiastic at most of the
stops. The route, as tentatively agreed
upon. leads through Fairfax, Warrenton.
Culpeper. Orange. Gordonsville, and
Louisa into Richmond. 1t is not the
shortest way between the two cities,
the one over the old Telegraph road
being but Us miles long, while this way
1t is fifty-seven miles longer.
In bad weather the short route Is i'm
passable, and in good weather 1t Is none
to good, being very rough. For pretty
scenery and good roads the Valley route
is the one to be followed, but it is more
than 200 miles long and the trip cannot
be made under two days.
It is the aim and object Of the Ameri-
can Highway Association to have the
road selected in fair shape by the last
of October, SO that Northern motorists
who plan on making the trip to Rich
mond for the convention and thence on
South, can get through without any
trouble.
Artillery Cut Roads.
AS the road Is at present, 1t is a very
rough and tiresome trip. From Wash
ingten to Fairfax one Of the worst
stretches as far as roughness goes Is
met. The last half Of this trip of
eighteen miles is over the Little River
turnpike, which was q much travelled
highway before and during the period
Of the war. Heavy artillery and sup
ply trains were hauled over 1t then and
cut 1t UP. It does not show that since
that time any Improvement has been
made or even attempted. The old road
bed, with stones sticking up, remains, and
wherever possible the track now leads
to the side. There Is promise Of this
being improved shortly, however, or IL
not a new route through Falls Church,
now under construction. can be taken.
improves slightly. go
At Middleburg nine miles of macadam
pike, which should be an education Fin
itself to those residing IN that commu-
nifty, as far as good roads and their ad-
vantages are concerned, is covered. This
Is as smooth as q billiard table.
Leaving 1t behind at The Plains, a good
dirt road, which, II the bond issue about
to be voted on in that section passes,
will be macadam pike before another
season, leads into Bethel, where the
macadam pike built a year ago by con-
vict labor brings the traveller into War
renton.
From this little Virginia town, known
the United States for its
ersed as far as the Rappahannock River,
the county line. Crossing the river the
bridges are few and far between. In
fords must be crossed Big
stones stick up In the roads. and where
1t runs through the woods, which is for
a good portion Of the way. they are
always muddy. The mud is of red clay, 1
which sticks tighter than glue.
Orange County Making Roads.
Orange County shows a wide-awake |
spirit in the interest they are taking in
good roads A pike is already In exist
ance between that city and GordonsviIle |
and there is FIVE miles OF fine road lead |
Ing into II from Woodberry Forest. From |
to Louisa the road is fair.
and with little expense could be put in
first class shape.
The good roads movement has taken |
Louisa County by storm. They have al |
give them some of THE best highways |
In the State. Present plans are for the |
citizens to each donate q team In their |
particular district for q specified num-
Der Of days and work the roads. In
addition to the labor and materials to |
be given by the people they have small |
State appropriation for this work and |
they plan to make II 60 just as far as
possible. State Highway Commissioner
st. Julian Wilson has agreed to have one |
Of his. aids direct the work.
Below Louisa work 81 now being done
on the roadA and they promise to be In
good condition before fall. For twenty
miles out OF Richmond, from the Ground |
Squirrel Bridge, which IL to be rebuilt |
next mouth. u macadan1 pike.
Good roads through Virginia OF main |
srssry connsesleg ne cities Ct Wasn-