SMYTH.
Smyth was formed in 1831, from Washington and Wythe, and
named from Gen. Alexander Smyth, an officer of the late war, and
a M. C. from 1817 to 1825, and 1827 to 1830. It is 30 miles long,
with a mean width of 22 miles. It has three valleys; the north,
south, and middle forks of the Holston running parallel with each.
The mountains are lofty, the bottom lands rich and productive.
There are three quarries of gypsum, of the best quality, on the N.
fork of the Holston, and several other quarries on Cove creek. It
is now extensively and advantageously used in agriculture. About
60,000 pounds of maple sugar are annually produced. Pop., whites
5,539, slaves 838, free colored 145; total, 6,522.
Marion, the county-seat, is a recently established village, near
the centre of the county; 275 miles SW. of Richmond, 29 NE. of
Abingdon, and 26 SW. of Wytheville, on the great turnpike from
Baltimore to Nashville, Tenn. It is a small, but neat town, containing
3 mercantile stores, and about 30 dwellings. The Chilhowee
Sulphur Springs are on, or near the great turnpike, within
18 miles of Abingdon. The settlement called Saltville, derives its
name from the justly celebrated salt-works of Preston and King,
which are on the line of this and Washington counties, in a narrow
plain between the Rich Valley and the north fork of the Holston.
There are two wells here, and the salt manufactured from them is
of an excellent quality. About 100 persons are employed at these
works. The only fossil salt yet discovered in the Union, is found
at this place.
