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.
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.
