Historical collections of Virginia :: :: University of Virginia Library

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.

Howe, Henry (1816-1893)

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

OUTLINE HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.

AMHERST.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Errata.

Collapse All | Expand All expand section

AMHERST.

Amherst was formed in 1761, from Albemarle. It is about 22
miles long, and 19 wide. The James River forms its SW. and SE.
boundary, and the Blue Ridge its northwest. The James River
Canal passes through the SE. part of the county. The soil is
naturally fertile, and of a dark, rich, red hue, and the scenery

176

beautifully diversified. Pop. in 1830, 12,072; in 1840, whites
6,426, slaves 5,577, free colored 373; total, 12,576.

Amherst C. H., on the road from Lynchburg to Charlottesville,
about 15 miles N. of the former, and New Glasgow, are small
villages.

Pass of the James River through the Blue Ridge.

The pass of the James River through the Blue Ridge, is on the
line of this and the county of Rockbridge. There a canal, seven
miles in length, has been constructed around Balcony Falls, which
will form the bed of the James River Canal, whenever that work
is continued westward. The stage road from Lynchburg to the
Natural Bridge winds along the side of the mountain, through
wild and romantic scenery, which, to the lowlander accustomed
only to the flatlands and pine-barrens of eastern Virginia, is
striking. As he enters the gap from the east, the road gradually

177

follows its tortuous course up the mountain's side, until it gains
an elevation of hundreds of feet above the river, which it appears
to nearly overhang. Gigantic mountains hem him in on every
side; while far, from the dark ravine below, comes up the roar of
the rapids. A little mountain rivulet, from amid the primeval
forest, dashes across his path, and, leaping from rock to rock, hurries
on to swell the stream below. Emerging from the pass, a
beautiful and fertile country opens before him, and still westward
the blue outlines of distant mountains in Rockbridge meet his
view.