MECKLENBURG.
Mecklenburg was created in 1764, from Lunenburg. Its length
is 36, mean width 18 miles. The Meherrin runs on its northern
line, and the Roanoke through its southern portion. On the Roanoke
is much extremely fertile land. The soil of the county is
generally fertile, and although the ridges are thin and poor, yet it
is a free soil, and annually produces about four millions of pounds
of tobacco. Pop., whites 7,754, slaves 11,915, free colored 1,055;
total, 20,724.
Boydton, the county-seat, is 109 miles SW. of Richmond, and 6
from the Roanoke River, on an elevated and healthy site. It contains
4 mercantile stores, 17 mechanic shops, 1 tannery, 1 jeweller,
1 apothecary, 1 Methodist, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Presbyterian church,
and a population of about 400. About a mile from Boydton is
Randolph Macon College, an institution in high repute, established
in 1832, and under the superintendence and patronage of
the Methodist Episcopal church. It has 4 professors and about a
hundred students. L. C. Garland, A. M., is the president. A preparatory
school is attached to the college, under the control and
management of the faculty.
Clarksville is 12 miles SW. of Boydton, at the junction of Dan
and Staunton Rivers. It has increased more in the last ten years
than any other village in Virginia. In 1835 it had but 14 dwellings:
it now contains 10 mercantile stores, 20 mechanic shops, 2
tobacco inspections and warehouses, 1 tannery, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist,
and 1 Presbyterian church, and about 1000 inhabitants.
Over 2000 hogsheads of tobacco are annually inspected here, and
a large number of batteaux are constantly plying on the river,
loaded with the products of the country.
