Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1922-11-16

told me that he has in his possession
pot OF war paint that was found
only few years ago at this ford just
after hard rain or high water which
had undermined the bank, thus ex-
posing trophy Of war placed there.
very likely, before the white man en-
tered the Valley.
Morgan, the first white man to build
his home in Jefferson county. crossed
the Pack Horse Ford, and the small
stone house he erected is still stand
ing on High street, and tenanted BY
Miss Texana Lucas. All early pio-
neers and early settlers used the
crossing, and thus it became the gate
way OF the Valley, and famous in In
dian and pioneer days, long before
colonial times. II not only accommo-
dated Indian warriors, but Braddock's
army crossed here Several armies
used it during the Revolution, and
Lee and his Line of Grey" crossed
and recrossed before and after the
battle Of Antietam. II the Potomac
had no other historical significance,
Pack Horse Ford alone could make il
famous
Just above this ford is the site of
the old cement mill, lately removed to
be rebuilt into the National Highway
Garage in Shepherdstown. OF this
old mill much could be said; but |
hasten on. A little over mile above
the Pack Horse Ford stands the
beautiful and lofty shaft commemo-
rating the successful trip of Rum
sey's steamboat, the first steamboat
ever built, feel that much credit
is due, and should be given to the
members Of the Rumseyan Society
who were instrumental in placing the
memorial upon the beautiful site on
Potomac's banks, where many specta-
tors once gathered to witness Cray"
RumSey's invention. This was Decem-
Der 3, 1887 Among the spectators
were General Horatio Gates, General
Darke and Mrs. Rumsey. The only
lady passenger was Mrs. Ann Baker,
feat requiring more genuine nerve
than a trip in a flying machine today
Much could be said of this one his
torical event, but | leave that to an
other to enlarge upon, simply adding
that the dust of James Rumsey rests
in st. Margaret's, in Westminster Abb
hey, the only West Virginian thus
honored. This one fact proclaims that
England considers Rumsey the worlds
first benefactor in steam, even if some
of our historians try to place the hon.
or elsewhere.
All these historic spots are on the
Potomac's banks, and yet there re-
mains one other must mention before
| leave the noted rivers and their
history, which is Shepherdstown, the
Oldest town in West Virginia, but
shall consider that under the "town
group"
The old town run, passing through
Shepherdstown, has been splendidly
treated in the Shepherdstown Register
of recent date; and the many old in
dustrles, long since ceased, make it
one of historic interest, especially to
"home folks" Even leagues run,
about three-quarters of a mile below
Shepherdstown, has legend that up
the "spooky" hollow, about one quar-
ter of mile from its mouth, famous
duel was once fought. OF this | am
not certain, but as child and a school
girl going to Shepherd College it's
gloomy depths always reminded me of
"hoot owls and haunts."
Rattlesnake run and Elk Branch
run are two of the longest, believe,
In the county, and in olden days gave
the power for busy mills, where ruins
may be seen today as monuments to
activities of a century or more ago.
.Morgan's Spring, the head-water of
the old town run, has the unique dis
tlnction of having had companies of
soldiers formed there and started out
for three different wars-Revolution.
Mexican and Civil. Charles McIlvaine
has immortalized this spring in his
poem, "Morgan's Spring, l775-lS25."
When the weary horse and rider
crossed Pack Horse Ford, proclaim
ing the opening fire in Boston in IT'S.
'Morgan's Minute Men" responded and
made their famous Bee line march"
to join Washington's army, the very
first to go from below the Potomac.
Legend tells us they made a vow, these