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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PRESTON. |
 | Historical collections of Virginia |  |
PRESTON.
Preston was formed in 1818, from Monongalia, and named from
James P. Preston, a meritorious officer in the late war with Great
Britain, and governor of Virginia from 1816 to 1819. Its mean
432
through the county. The general face of the country is mountainous,
interspersed, on the eastern and western sides, with large
natural meadows called "glades," which afford support for large
herds of cattle in summer, and in winter also, when it is mown
and cured for food. The glades are destitute of timber, but are
covered in summer with grass and weeds, with frequent projecting
points of timber, low bushes, &c. The bottom grounds are small
but productive, and many of the hill-sides are favorable to grain.
Slate and limestone are common; the county is abundantly supplied
with bituminous coal, and iron ore is often found. Population
in 1840, whites 6,743, slaves 91, free colored 30; total, 6,866.
Kingwood, the county-seat, is 284 miles NW. of Richmond, on a
beautiful and healthy eminence, 2 miles west of Cheat River, 20
from Morgantown, 43 from Clarksburg, and 60 from Beverly. It
contains several stores, and about 30 dwellings. The German
settlement is 18 miles southeasterly from Kingwood.
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