PREFACE.
The primary object of the following pages is to narrate the most prominent
events in the history of Virginia, and to give a geographical and statistical view
of her present condition. Similar volumes[1]
have appeared on Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. The favorable reception
of these in their respective states, has led to the opinion that one upon Virginia
—the mother of states and statesmen, the "Old Dominion," so rich in historic
lore—would meet not only the approval of Virginians, but be favorably received
by others.
Early in the year 1843 we commenced travelling over the state, collecting materials
and taking sketches for illustrations. Every section of the commonwealth
was visited. The better to effect our purpose, we occasionally journeyed hundreds
of miles on foot, often sharing alike the hospitality of the planter and the
mountaineer, and cheered onward by pleasant interviews with some of her most
intelligent citizens. Much valuable information has been thus obtained, by observation
and inquiry, and interesting but scattered details of her history and antiquities
collected in a form to ensure their preservation. Written communications,
moreover, have been received, embodying facts enhancing the value of this publication,
and placing us under lasting obligation to their authors.
This work has three departments. The first—an outline, or general history—
comprises an abstract of leading events from the first settlement of Virginia to the
present time; the first five chapters of which are from the admirably written historical
sketch in Martin's Gazettcer,[2]
and the last by a gentleman personally
familiar with most of the events related. The second consists of miscellanies,
intended to throw light upon the past and present condition of the commonwealth.
The third and principal department, is arranged in counties, in alphabetical order,
where each is successively described. In this are the descriptions of towns, literary
institutions, historic localities, seats and memoirs of eminent Virginians,
antique structures, natural scenery, anecdotes, local history, and events but glanced
at in the outline sketch, fully detailed.
Thus the volume comprehends a history and a gazetteer. Its advantages over
formal histories are, that the events and their localities are given together, serving
more strongly to impress the memory; the past and present are in juxtaposition,
and many events given which regular history, in her stately march, does not step
aside to notice—events usually considered of minor importance, but forming the
undercurrent of history, and useful in illustrating the advancement and condition
of society.
Written history forms but a small part of occurrences. The vicissitudes of war
have been considered more worthy of narration, than those things promoting the
wellbeing of man. Says an eminent essayist: "The perfect historian considers
no anecdote, no peculiarity of manner, no familiar saying, as too insignificant for
his notice, which is not too insignificant to illustrate the operation of laws, of religion,
and of education, and to mark the progress of the human mind."
The great variety of subjects presented, and the almost impossibility of producing
such a publication without errors and imperfections, has created a degree
of diffidence in submitting it to the public. It will doubtless come before many
possesing better means of information, and more knowledge on some subjects
introduced, than could reasonably be expected in us.
Besides drawing largely from a great variety of publications, we are enabled to
present much not previously published, as well as that inaccessible to the mass of
readers. We do not, however, consider ourselves responsible for every sentiment
introduced in these pages. In order to form a correct judgment, it is useful to
hear the opinions of those who differ from us in their religious or political sentiments.
The drawings for the numerous engravings were, with a few exceptions only,
taken by us on the spot. We trust they have an honest look, and faithfully represent
their originals. Some biographical sketches are doubtless omitted, not less
important than many inserted, while others have not due prominence. In some
few cases we have supposed the reader to be familiar with them, while in others
it arises from the extreme difficulty of obtaining the desired information.
The history of Virginia is of deep interest; but one imperfectly chronicled.
Much is left to the investigation of the antiquarian, and many a thrilling episode
is lost in the lapse of generations. Yet enough remains to stimulate to the loftiest
patriotism; while the memory of her illustrious sons is cherished with just pride
by our common country.
