Historical Collections of Virginia / History of Rockbridge County / History of Natural Bridge

1845. Early days in the City of Lexington and the County of Rockbridge, Virginia -- which encompasses the present and/or past communities of Brownsburg, Fairfield, Glasgow, Goshen, Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge Station, Raphine, Rockbridge Baths, and Vesuvius -- are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this NEW 34 page booklet, comprised of excerpts from three rare vintage books: Historical Collections of Virginia by Henry Howe (1845); New Roads in Old Virginia by Agnes Rothery (1929); and Virginia, a Guide to the Old Dominion, a WPA Writer's Program publication (1940). The spiral-bound booklet is printed single-sided, with the print enlarged to fit the 8 1/2 x 11" 60# paper. The front cover is a parchtex card stock, protected with a vinyl sheet. The excerpt from the Howe history takes an 1845 look at the area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes and sightseeing possibilities. Rothery's contribution shows a depth of knowledge, an understanding of the character of the people, and a love of Virginia. Among the many subjects discussed are: Beginnings of the county; John Lewis, John Mackey and other Early Settlers, where they came from, and the character of the people; Puritanical Morality and Churches; the University of Washington and Lee (formerly Washington College) and early student life; The Virginia Military Institute; Feuding between the two schools; Lee Memorial Chapel, burial site of Gen. Robert E. Lee; General Stonewall Jackson's home and gravesite; Alum Springs mineral baths; the Strange adventures of John Salling; Governor Gooch's strange pet; Devotion to the Cause of Liberty; a Plucky Irish girl named Polly Mullhollin; Sam Houston and other prominent residents; Early Roads and Landmarks; an Early description of the county's scenery; Early impressions of The Natural Bridge; Reactions of Jefferson and Washington to the bridge; Account of James Piper's climbing to the top of the Natural Bridge; a Revolutionary War anecdote about the Rev. William Graham;James Ethan Allen Gibbs, inventor; James McDowell home; Matthew Fontaine Maury, who mapped the world's oceans and enabled the laying of the first Atlantic Cable; Cyrus Hall McCormick, inventor of the world-changing mechanical reaper; and other interesting bits of history and trivia. Illustrations (from the 1845 book) include Washington College at Lexington (full page), Alum Springs, the Natural Bridge (full page) and (from the 1929 book) a sketch of Stonewall Jackson's House. . Limited Edition Reprint. Spiral/Comb . New/No Jacket. Illus. by Henry Howe. 8.5" x 11". Private Press.