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Historical collections of Virginia

containing a collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to its history and antiquities, together with geographical and statistical descriptions : to which is appended, an historical and descriptive sketch of the District of Columbia : illustrated by over 100 engravings, giving views of the principal towns, seats of eminent men, public buildings, relics of antiquity, historic localities, natural scenery, etc., etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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MERCER.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

MERCER.

Mercer was formed in 1837, from Giles and Tazewell, and named
from Gen. Hugh Mercer, who fell at Princeton. It is 40 miles long,
with a mean breadth of about 15 miles. It is watered by New
River and its branches; the main stream being its NE. boundary.
It is a wild and thinly settled tract, and much of the surface is
mountainous and hilly. It is principally a stock-raising county;
the woodlands affording a fine range for cattle. Pop., whites 2,127,
slaves 98, free colored 8; total, 2,233.


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Page 379

At the formation of the county there was not a village in it: the
erection of the county buildings has formed the nucleus of a small
village called Princeton, situated 28 miles from Giles C. H., 35
from Tazewell C. H., and 42 from Monroe C. H., and containing 1
Baptist and 1 Methodist church, 1 store, and about a dozen dwellings.