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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PULASKI. |
 | Historical collections of Virginia |  |
PULASKI.
Pulaski was formed in 1839, from Montgomery and Wythe, and
named from Count Pulaski. It is 23 miles long, with a mean
width of 18 miles. New River passes through the eastern part,
and then, curving to the left, with Little River, divides the county
from Montgomery. The face of the country N. and NW. of the C.
H., is generally level and adapted to grain and grazing; S. and
SE. of the C. H., it is more broken; yet on and near New River it is
very fertile and productive in wheat. There is considerable mountain
land in the county. Beef cattle are at this time the great
staple of the county; but horses, swine, sheep, grain, tobacco, and
hemp, could be produced in the greatest abundance. Population
in 1840, whites 2,768, slaves 954, free colored 17; total, 3,739.
Newbern, the county-seat, is on the great stage-route from Baltimore
19 miles from Christiansburg, and 28 from Wytheville. It is
the only village in the county, and one of considerable business
for an inland town: its location is high and airy, giving a fine
view of the neighboring valleys and mountains. It contains 5 mercantile
stores, 1 Presbyterian and 1 Methodist church, and a population
of about 300. Peak Knob, 4 miles south of Newbern, is a
prominent projection in Draper's mountain, rising about 1,000 feet,
and presenting from its summit a delightful and extensive landscape.
Iron ore exists in abundance in this mountain, and also
coal of a good quality. In its vicinity are mineral springs, supposed
to possess valuable medicinal qualities. On the north bank
of New River, near Newbern, there is a bluff called the Glass Windows,
consisting of vertical rocks, nearly 500 feet high, and forming
the immediate bank of the stream for a distance of four miles. They
are considered a great curiosity. The face of these rocks is perforated
by a vast number of cavities, which no doubt lead to caves
or cells within the mountain. Some of these cells have been explored
and found to contain saltpetre, stalactites, and other concretions.
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