Evening star., 1936-09-13

Well-known mineral springs are in
the vicinity, including Brunswick,
Basic Lithia and Bakers Springs The
town is the seat of Fairfax Hall for
Girls and Fishburne Military Academy.
During the Civil War the last battle
of any importance in Northern Vir-
ginia was fought here on March 2.
1865. between Gen. Early, protecting
Rockf1sh Gap, and Sheridan. The
latter drove Early out of his position
and captured some !, 500 of his men.
Staunton is the county seat of Au-
gusta County Loyal Virginians will
tell you that from 1898 to ITO Staun-
ton had jurisdiction over all Virginia
west of the Blue Ridge, including the
present States Of West Virginia, Ken
lucky, Ohio, Illinois. Indiana, a part
of Michigan and even as far west as
some of Wisconsin.
Located in a heavily forested coun-
try. 1882 feet above sea level. Staun-
ton. with population of about $4,000,
in the largest city in the Shenandoah
Valley. The town was named in
vi bddy otr1QAtOll, Wl1C Vi IllC
Colonial Governor Gooch in 1748.
During the War Between the States,
Staunton was occupied at two differ
ent times, once in 1864 and later in
1865.
Staunton is a city of beautiful resi-
dences and noted schools. The best
known schools in and near the town
are Staunton Military Academy, Au-
gusta Military Academy, Mary Bald
win Seminary and Stuart Hall-the
last two for girls.
Points Of interest include Trinity
Episcopal Church, the old ivy-covered
church where the Legislature met for
three days in 1871; birthplace of
Woodrow Wilson; the manse of the
First Presbyterian Church, still pri-
vately owned, and Bellefont, just north
east of Staunton, home of John Lewis,
first settler in the region, who came
here from Pennsylvania in 1882. The
building, which was half dwelling,
half fort, is believed to be the oldest
occupied house in the Shenandoah
Valley. Near here is the grave of John
Lewis.
FROM staunton follow Route II
through Greensville (near here
Mccormick invented the reaper), past
Fairfield and Timber Ridge (birth-
place Of Sam Houston, noted Indian
hghter) and into Lexington.
This is a lovely college town situated
between the Blue Ridge and the Ale
gheny Mountains. Dominating the
landscape is House Mountain. Often
Lexington is called the Shrine of the
South" because the two great heroes
of the Confederacy, Robert E. Lee and
Thomas j. (StonewalD Jackson, both
lived here and are buried here.
Two famous educational institu-
tions are situated here. Washington
and Lee University is housed in dig
nif1ed, old, colonaded buildings on a
beautiful campus. Its history dates
back to 1749. At the close of the
Civil War Gen. Lee served as presi-
dent of the college, broadening its
scope and laying the foundation for
the great institution of today.
Then there's Virginia Military In
stitute, often called the West Point
of the South" It Is . State military,
engineering and arts college, founded
in 1889.
From Lexington a pleasant ride
takes you to Natural Bridge As you
drive over the historic Valley Pike
your car will travel right across the
great bridge. Some 215 feet high,
it was worshiped by the Indians.
George Washington once carved his
initials high up on its side. Natural
Bridge is Illuminated at night, making
it a magnificent spectacle If you are
lucky enough to visit it after dark.
You should take Route 240, past
Glasgow, and then fellow sol into
Lynchburg. The city Is picturesquely
situated on high hills, rising above