Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-13

NlrglnlaiS scenery more attractive, neI
history more fascinating than at any
other period.
The tour outlined on the map en-
braces a section richer in historic ira
dition and more gorgeous with natural
beauty than any jaunt within a days
trip of the Capital.
Leaving the city, one rides through
historic Georgetown to Canal road and
follows the historic old canal which al
one time was the principal means OF
transportation between Washington and
the West. At one time the chief Joy
of Washingtonians was to take the
steam packet to Great Falls or other
points on the canal and to enjoy pic
mic in the cool quiet of some wooded
retreat
The canal is still interesting with the
rottening canal boats along It's banks
and its picturesque lock keepers homes
but with the coming Of the railroad and
the trucks her Importance has passed
One crosses old Chain Bridge. giving
as it does its glimpses of the high pail
sades of the Potomac, the rapids and
the wild appearance of some deSolate
spot miles from civilization.
Old Tavern Is Recalled.
Just across the bridge once stood a
famous old tavern. rumored to have
once held hundred-foot bar and noted
as the rendezvous for the men who
mined the gold at the old mine near
Great Falls.
Travelling through the rolling hills
and wooded countryside of Virginia one
travels on road surveyed by George
Washington.
Fairfax Courthouse itself is interest
ing for its contains the will of George
Washington and many other documents
throwing interesting sidelights on early
Americana The will of Martha Wash
ington is also probated in this old fash
toned courthouse. During the War Be-
tween the States, the will of Martha
Washington was stolen by Union SOL
der but the State of Virginia sued for
its recovery, finally taking the matter
to the Supreme Court and eventually
recovering the document.
One of the most interesting things In
Fairfax is monument to the first man
killed in the War Between the States.
After passing through Fairfax one
comes to the forks of the road where
the Lee-Jackson Highway leaves the
Northwestern Turnpike, going to the
Valley at New Market, while the North
western Turnpike continues on to Win
chester and the West. 1t was here that
the soldiers of Mcdowell turned off en-
route to the first battle OF Bull Run.
Travelled BY Wagon Trains.
What is now known as u S. Number
30 or the Northwestern Turnpike was
once known as the Little River Turn
pike" Over this road wended creak-
ing wagon trains on their way to the
West or making their way to the port
of Alexandria with the produce of the
northwestern territory, then received at
Winchester.
Continuing westward one passes
through the village Of Chantilly. One
wonders what French patriot named
the town.
The Northwestern Turnpike then
continues on through Aide. Just after
reaching Aldie is one of the markers
showing the site of the home of John
Champe, a Continental soldier who de-
serted from the American forces and
enlisted in the army of the Redcoats
for the purpose of capturing Benedict
Arnold. Failing in this, he again en-
listed In the army of his native State.
Oak Hill, the mansion of President
Monroe, is located in Aide and also
several other Colonial nanors.
During the War Between the States
Gen. j. E. B. Stuart attacked the
Union forces of Gen. Bayard, forcing
him to make night retreat to Chan
tilly. This was only one of several
battles which were fought in the tiny
village during the four years Of war
fare
At the western entrance to Aldie is
another marker showing where Brad
dock turned northeast to Smokers Gap
in 1855. Braddock assembled his wagon
trains at Winchester before moving TO
Fort Duquesne during the French and
Indian War.
Stuart Surprised at MiddIeburg.
One next comes into Middleburg.
where fierce engagements took place
during the Civil War. The most strik-
ing of these skirmishes was when Jeb
Stuart was surprised by the Union
Cavalry under Duff1e and forced to
beat a hasty retreat. The same eve
ming he returned and in a surprise
attack defeated the larger Union force,
driving them out of Aldie.
The region from Aide westward is
noted for its fine saddle horses. The
Kentucky blue grass itself must look
TO its laurels when this section of Viz
ginia is mentioned. If one is fortunate
enough one may have the pleasure Of
seeing fox hunt in full cry. It is a
-to-be-forgotten sight with the
Scurrying fox followed by the pack of
feet hunds and the hunters steeple-
chasing behind on the sleek horses OF
Loudoun County.
At the eastern entrance to Paris is
the spot where Stonewall Jackson'S
men en- route to the first battle OF
Manassas rested without placing pick
cts. JackSon's remark: LET the poor
fellows sleep. I will guard the camp
myself" is one of the things that made
him one Of the best loved leaders that
the world has ever known.
Paris was named by a revolutionary
yk1@ Sc,
named the village in honor of the cap
ital city of his leaders La Belle France.
Today the name of such a peaceful
hamlet is a strange contrast to the
gaiety and life of the French capital.
Famous Houses Nearby.
Close to the town is located the es-
tate of Rose Bank, birthplace and child
hood home Of Gen. Turner Ashby, Con-
federate Cavalry leader. Nearby, too,
was located Happy Creek House, child
hood home Of Chief Justice John Mar
shall, most famous of American jurists.
About two miles past Paris, one
crosses the Shenandoah River. At this
point the river is one of the most beau
tiful to be seen in the eastern half of
the United States. Coming down a
winding hill approaching the river one
is gratif1ed by enhancing views Of the
river and the fertile fields in every di-
rection. The river itself typihes its
name as few places do. The Indian
translation for Shenandoah is "Daugh-
ter of the Stars" Could any river wind
ing through gorgeous countryside be
more aptly named?
Probably when one crosses the river
one will see several men and boys fish
ing. The Shenandoah is one Of the
best streams in the State for small
mouth black bass fishing.
A short distance beyond Paris is an
old home, formerly Ashby's Tavern
AS early as 1853 tavern was at this