■ 
 
 
 Jj ; .»l 
 
 H 
 
 ■ 
 

 •• <0 
 
 
 
 
THE 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 OF 
 
 9 I % 
 
 Pennsylvania, and the Western States. 
 
 ■ ESIGNED AS A 
 
 GUIDE AND POCKET COMPANION, 
 
 FOR 
 
 Travellers and Emigrants, 
 
 TO 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA, OHIO, INDIANA, ILLINOIS, 
 MICHIGAN AND MISSOURI; 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 A GEOGRAPHICAL AND EARLY HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE*E 
 
 SEVERAL STATES, FROM THEIR FIRST SETTLEMExNT 
 
 UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 
 BY I. DANIEL RUPP, ESQ. 
 
 Teacher and Translater. 
 
 HARRISBURG, PA : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JOH N WINEBRENNER, V.D.M. 
 
 1836. 
 
?5\2 
 
 Stttm&, accordiag to an Aet of Congress, in the 
 year 1836, by 
 
 JOHN WINEBRENNER, V. D. M. 
 
 In the Clerk's Offiee of the District Court of the Eastern 
 District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 <Tj \-\), 
 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 That a work like the present is useful and important 
 needs no proof. The author has long been impressed that 
 a Geographical Catechism of Pennsylvania and of the 
 Western States, would be very acceptable and useful ; and 
 has, at the solicitation of some of his friends, (who knew 
 that he had travelled considerably in the "Far West"' 
 some six years ago, and collected much geographical 
 knowledge by making personal observations and enqui- 
 ries from those who resided for years in the several west- 
 ern states,) compiled this work. When he was in the west, 
 in 1829 and 1830, he took accurate notes ; however, on 
 consulting these now, though correct at the time when 
 taken, and comparing them with works recently publish- 
 ed, he found they were of little use—much like a garment 
 made for a young and growing giant, " two short and not 
 long enough," after a few year's growth ; for the changes 
 since that time have been both rapid and wide. Hence in 
 presenting this book, it cannot be expected that he should 
 be so presumptuous as to claim general originality, though 
 he claims accuracy ; for he can assure the public that h& 
 has used every exertion to have the work correct by com- 
 paring it with the latest publications. 
 
 In compiling this work the author had before him Dar- 
 by's and D wights' Gazetteer of the United States; Daven- 
 port's Gazetteer; Gordan's Gazetteer of Pennsylvania • 
 Hazzard's Register; Mrs. Eaton's Geography of Pennsyl- 
 vania ; Flint's Geography ; Goodrick's Geography; Com- 
 
1V PREPACK. 
 
 mercial Atlas; Mitchell's and Himnan's Guide and Com- 
 pendium of Canals and Railroads; Kilbourn's Gazetteer 
 of Ohio; Illinois Gazetteer and Emigrants' Guide by J. 
 M. Peck, A. M. Willet's and Dana's Sketches of the West. 
 As to the plan of the work, the descriptions of each 
 state and the statistical facts, &c, are arranged under two 
 general heads; Physical Geography and Political Geo- 
 graphy. 
 
 The first comprising a description of the boundaries, 
 square miles, acres, mountains, valleys, rivers, harbors,, 
 bays, soil, surface, geology, minerals, mineral and medi- 
 cal springs, caves, natural curiosities, productions, cli- 
 mate, &c. 
 
 The second gives a synopsis of the constitution of each 
 of the states described, population, divisions into counties 
 alphabetically arranged, chief towns, internal improve- 
 ments, viz : bridges, turnpikes, canals and railroads ; agri- 
 culture, commerce, manufactures, education, colleges, 
 academies, common schools, lyceums, religion, maintain- 
 ance of the poor, penitentiary system, banks, revenue, 
 early history, principal stage routes, &.c. 
 
 To avoid the usual marks of quotation, let it suffice to 
 say; that he has availed himself of the above named works, 
 especially Flint's and Peck's works— often used the very 
 words of others when they fully expressed his views bet- 
 ter than he could have hoped to express them himself. 
 
 How far the Author has succeeded in his attempts to 
 render this work useful and acceptable, he can with cheer- 
 fulness rely upon the enlightened candor of the public. 
 
 Those who desire more extensive information, can 
 profitably consult the works cited ; particularly Flint and 
 Peck on the West. 
 
 I. D. R. 
 Rtfuge, near Mechanicsburg, 
 Cumberland County t Pa, 
 
MNWSYIiVANIA. 
 
 4J. Whence is the name Pennsylvania derived? 
 
 A. It is derived from the surname of William Perm, and 
 
 ■sylva, woods ; and means, literally, Perm's zvoods. This 
 
 was a very appropriate name ; for few, if any regions of 
 
 equal extent, and in one continuous body, ever bore, in a 
 
 state of nature, a more dense forest. 
 
 Q. How is Pennsylvania bounded ? 
 
 A. The northwestern corner, for the distance of 39 miles, 
 
 is bounded by lake Erie, and north by New York, for a 
 
 distance of 230 miles ; the Delaware river separating it 
 
 from New York and New Jersey, bounds it on the east 
 
 230 miles ; from the Delaware river, by a circular line, 
 
 around New Castle county, Delaware, to the N. E. limits 
 
 Maryland, 24 miles ; on the S. by Mary- 
 
 nd by Virginia 69 miles ; aud on the west 
 
 s Ohio river, 64 miles ; and by the state 
 
 irie, 91 miles ; having an entire outline of 
 
 | Q. What is the shape of Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. It is almost a perfect parallelogram; three of its sides 
 being marked by parallels of latitude and a meridian. It 
 extends from latitude 39 deg. 43 min. to 43 deg. 16 min. 
 north, and from 2 deg. 20 min. east, to 3 deg. 36 min. west 
 from Washington. Its greatest length is 315 miles ; 
 greatest breadth 176; general breadth 153. 
 
 1 
 
2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What is its area ? 
 
 A. The area of it has been variously stated. Some geog- 
 raphers state 43,950 square miles, others 46,000 square 
 miles. But by comparing the best maps, and from calcu- 
 lating the rhombs„and parts occupied by the State, it in- 
 cludes above 47,000 square miles. 
 
 Q,. How many acres does it contain? 
 
 A. According to the most accurate calculations, it con- 
 tains thirty millions and eighty thousand acres. 
 
 Q. What are the names of the principal mountains? 
 
 A. The South mountain, the Blue mountain, the Kitta- 
 tinny, the Cove mountain, Sideling Hill, Allegheny, Lau- 
 rel Ridge, Chesnut Ridge, Rugged mountains, Great War- 
 rior's mountain, East Will's mountain, Jack's mountain, 
 &c, &c. 
 
 Q. What is the peculiar mountainiu aspect of Pennsyl- 
 vania ? 
 
 A. Pennsylvania has a very peculiar aspect to itself on 
 account of the structure and position of its mountains 
 which greatly modify the features of the state. 
 
 Q. Can you describe the principal mountains and their 
 
 ranges ? 
 
 A. " Without attending to very minute descriptions, the 
 
 mountains are as follow : 
 
 » Though omitted in most maps, a chain enters the 
 south boundary of York county, and cut by the Susque- 
 hanna river, rises in, and traverses Lancaster county be- 
 tween Pequea and Octorara creeks; and between the 
 sources of the Conestoga and Brandywine; separates for 
 a short distance Lancaster and Chester, and is penetrated 
 by the Schuylkill above Pottstown. Rising again," and 
 stretching northeast, it forms first the boundary between 
 Montgomery and Berks; thence between Lehigh and 
 Bucks, and, separating Northampton from Bucks, reaches, 
 the Delaware. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 3 
 
 Northwest from, and nearly parallel to, the preceding 
 chain, another very remarkable ridge traverses New Jersey 
 and Pennsylvania ; and, similar to the former, the latter is 
 unknown in either of these states by any general name. 
 Its continuation in New York, is designated by that of 
 Shawangunk. Between the Susquehanna and Potomac, 
 it is termed relatively the South Mountain, and in Virginia 
 and the Carolinas, it forms the Blue Ridge; aud, entering 
 the northeast part of Georgia, is gradually lost among the 
 sources of Chatahooche river. 
 
 After Mr. Darby, we have adopted or extended the 
 name Blue Ridge into Pennsylvania. This remarkable 
 chain enters the state on. its southern line, and stretching 
 north between Adams and Franklin counties, reaches the 
 southern angle of Cumberland, where it turns to northeast, 
 and extending towards the Susquehanna, separates Cum- 
 berland from Adams and York counties. About six miles 
 below Harrisburg, it is pierced or broken down by the 
 Susquehanna river; again rising below the mouth of the 
 Swatara, it crosses the southern angle of Dauphin; thence 
 known as the Conewago hills, separates Lebanon from 
 Lancaster county, enters Berks, and reaches the Schuyl- 
 kill at Reading. Continuing through Berks, Lehigh, and 
 Northampton counties, passes Allentown, Bethlehem, and 
 Easton, where it is interrupted by the Delaware below 
 the latter town. 
 
 The third, and, in some respects, the most remarkable 
 ^hain of Pennsylvania, is the Kittatinny. Known by di- 
 vers local names, this mountain, in a survey, advancing 
 from southeast to northeast, first rises distinctly in Frank- 
 lin county, and like other chains in the southern margin 
 of the state, ranges a little east of north ; but bending 
 more to the northeast extends to the Susquehanna, sepa- 
 rating Cumberland and Perry counties. Five miles above 
 Harrisburg, the Kittatinny is interrupted by the Susque- 
 
4 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 hanna river. Broken, also, by the Swatara, the Schuyl- 
 kill, the Lehigh, and the Delaware, it enters New Jersey. 
 The general aspect of the Kittatinny is much more con- 
 tinuous than that of any other mountain chain of Penn- 
 sylvania. It is, however, very far from being uniform in 
 elevation, varying from 800 to perhaps 1500 feet above 
 tide water. 
 
 Northwest from Kittatinny, though more elevated, the 
 chains are much less distinctly denned. Between the Kit- 
 tinny mountain, and the north branch of the Susquehanna 
 river, the intermediate country is in a great part compos- 
 e f high, rugged mountains, and narrow, deep, precip- 
 itous Aalleys. This is the most sterile and least improve- 
 able part of Pennsylvania ; but it is the region producing 
 the most immense masses of anthracite coal known on the 
 globe. 
 
 The confusion in the natural arrangement of the anthra- 
 cite section of Pennsylvania, is more apparent than reaL 
 The Kittatinny mountain'and the north branch of the Sus- 
 quehanna lie nearly parallel upwards of 70 miles, distant 
 from each other about 35 miles. The intervening space 
 is filled by lateral chains, rising in many places, far above 
 any part of the Kittatinny, Among these, two are worthy 
 of particular notice, and serve pre-eminently to elucidate 
 the very peculiar topography of interior Pennsylvania. 
 
 Bedford and Franklin counties are separated by a chain 
 here known as the Cove mountain. With a change of name 
 to Tuscarora mountain, the latter chain separates Frank- 
 lin from Huntingdon, and Perry from Mifflin, and reaches 
 the Susquehanna nearly opposite the southern extremity 
 of Northumberland county. Rising again below the Ma- 
 hangtango river, and broken into vast links, the chain 
 divides into nearly equal parts the space between the Kit- 
 tatinny mountains and the main branch of the Susque- 
 hanna river. Broad mountain, passed on the road fjcom. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 5 
 
 Easton and Bethlehem to Berwick, is one of the great links 
 of this central chain. 
 
 More accurate surveys would, it is supposed, identify 
 Sideling hill, of Bedford county, Jack's mountain, of Hun- 
 tingdon and Mifflin, and the central chain of Union, Co- 
 lumbia, and Luzerne counties. 
 
 The chain which rises on both banks of the north 
 branch of the Susquehanna, in Luzerne, is amongst the 
 most interesting features, not only of the United States, 
 but of the world. Below Sunbury a chain commences and 
 is continued up the Susquehanna along its left shore, 
 which is divided by the river above Danville, and again 
 above Catawissa. From the latter place it stretches north- 
 east through Columbia, and enters Luzerne by the name 
 of A T escopeck mountain, mingles with other chains, and 
 terminates in the southern part of Wayne county. Nearly 
 parallel to the Nescopeck, another chain leaves the north 
 branch of the Susquehanna, 16 miles below Wilkesbarre. 
 Skirting the left bank about eight miles, it is again crossed 
 by the river, and continuing its course N. E. passes about 
 two miles from, and opposite Wilkesbarre. Preserving 
 this course, it is for the third and last time crossed by the 
 Susquehanna above the mouth of Lackawannock creek, 
 ten miles above Wilkesbarre, and stretching towards the 
 Delaware is lost in Wayne county. Beyond the main 
 branch of the Susquehanna, to the N.W., the chains lie 
 nearly parallel to those S. E. from the river. The con- 
 struction of the country on both sides of the Susquehanna 
 is nearly the same. 
 
 To the eye, the region included between the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna and the Potomac, bears a 
 strong analogy to that between the west and north 
 branches of the Susquehanna, but a minute scrutiny ex- 
 poses great changes, advancing S.W., towards the bor- 
 ders of Maryland, Soil and vegetation both differ ma? 
 
 1* 
 
6 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 teriaily. The beech, hemlock, and sugar-maple forests, 
 are succeeded in the valleys by oak, hickory, and elm. 
 Thus far the entire drain of Pennsylvania is into the At" 
 lantic ocean. The chain called " Allegheny" forms, in the 
 southern part of the state, the dividing ridge between the 
 Atlantic slope and Ohio valley ; and has probably from 
 this circumstance received its pre-eminence amongst the 
 mountain chains of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 
 Only about sixty miles of its range in the former state, 
 however, does separate the sources of the streams of the 
 two great natural sections, the Atlantic slope and Ohio val- 
 ley. The Allegheny chain, leaving Allegheny county in 
 Maryland, separates Bedford and Somerset counties, and 
 extending in a northerly direction, also separates the 
 northwest part of Bedford, from the southeast part of 
 Cambria county. At the extreme northern angle of Bed- 
 ford, the mountain turns to the northeast, and is thence 
 drained on both sides by the tributary streams of the Sus- 
 quehanna. Discharging the waters of the west branch to 
 the northwest, and those of the Juniata and Bald Eagle 
 rivers to the southeast ; the Allegheny reaches the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna at the mouth of the Bald Eagle 
 rivor. 
 
 What may be the elevation of its summit, the base of the 
 Allegheny chain between Bedford and Somerset, and 
 Cambria counties, constitutes the height of land between 
 the Ohio river and Atlantic tides ; and form also a similar 
 demarcation in Maryland. 
 
 As a mountain chain, it yields in grandeur of scenery 
 and in elevation above its base not only to the Broad 
 mountain, but to many other chains of the Appalachian 
 system. 
 
 Chesnut Ridge is the next chain west of the Allegheny ; 
 the two chains extending nearly parallel, and about twen- 
 ty miles asunder. Though not of the greatest elevation, 
 this is one of the most extended chains of the system to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 7 
 
 which it appertains ; reaching by various local names 
 over Virginia into Tennessee, and most probably into 
 Alabama. As placed on our maps, it enters Pennaylvania 
 at the northwest angle of Maryland, and ranging a little 
 east of north forms the boundary between Fayette and 
 Somerset ; thence between Westmoreland and Somerset, 
 and finally between the northeast angle of Westmoreland 
 and southwest of Cambria county. At the extreme north- 
 east angle of Westmoreland, this ridge reaches the Kiski- 
 minitas river, and as delineated, its termination. So far 
 from being so in nature, this chain preserves its idenity 
 through the state further north than any other chain of 
 the system. 
 
 Laurel Hill is the last chain of the system in Pennsylva- 
 nia. What has already been observed respecting the 
 height of the chains nearest the Atlantic ocean, may be 
 repeated in relation to the Chesnut Ridge and Laurel Hill 
 that though not very elevated, they nevertheless exist as 
 well defined mountain chains. The latter is a very ex- 
 tended branch of the system reaching from the northern 
 part of Pennsylvania in Alabama. Similar to Chesnut 
 Ridge, Laurel Kill is terminated on our maps near the 
 Kiskiminitas, though in reality extending to near the south 
 boundary of New York. 
 
 In addition to the great chains we have been surveying; 
 many of minor importance might be noted ; but we have 
 deemed a view of the most striking parts sufficient. If 
 engrouped into one view the mountains of Pennsylvania 
 exhibit many interesting points of observation. The Ap- 
 palachian system is here upwards of 150 miles wide. The 
 particular chains do not average more than three miles, 
 if so much, in breadth. 
 
 Q. What area do these mountains cover ? 
 A. According to the most accurate estimation, it is sup- 
 posed that the bases of the mountains of Pennsylvania 
 
8. GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 cover about 6,750 square miles, or nearly the one-seventh 
 of the superiices of the state. 
 
 (|. What is the general appearance of the valleys ? 
 
 A. The valleys are generally irregular, especially those 
 of the Susquehanna and its branches, which traverse the 
 whole width of the Appalachian chain of mountains, some 
 times flowing in wide valleys between parallel ranges, for 
 50 and 60 miles in a pretty direct course, and at other 
 times breaking through the mountain ridges. The valleys 
 between the different ranges vary greatly, from 5 to 10, 
 20 and 40 miles, the latter generally with a hilly or broken 
 surface. 
 
 Q. Can you name the principal rivers which drain thi^ 
 state ? 
 
 A. The State is drained by the Delaware, Susquehanna, 
 Ohio, Potomac, and Gennessee, and the extreme A T . West 
 angle by lake Erie. 
 
 Note. — The following tables give the respective area of each, and. 
 also the smaller sections of the Potomac, Gennessee and Erie. 
 
 Delaware, river drains the counties of 
 
 
 Square 
 
 Miles. 
 
 Acres. 
 
 Berks, 
 
 - 
 
 950 
 
 608,000 
 
 Bucks, 
 
 - 
 
 640 
 
 409,600 
 
 Chester 3-4 
 
 - 
 
 550 
 
 352,000 
 
 Deaware, 
 
 - 
 
 180 
 
 115,200 
 
 Lebanon 1-8 
 
 - 
 
 40 
 
 . 25,600 
 
 Lehigh, 
 
 *.. 
 
 230 
 
 360,400 
 
 Luzerne, 
 
 . 
 
 180 
 
 115,200 
 
 ^'"Montgomery, - 
 
 - 
 
 450 
 
 288,000 
 
 Northampton' - 
 
 - 
 
 1,100 
 
 704,000 
 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 - 
 
 220 
 
 76,800 
 
 Pike, 
 
 - 
 
 850 
 
 544,000 
 
 5,420 3,468,800 
 
OF PNWSYLVANIA. 
 
 Brought forward, 
 
 5,420 
 
 3,468,800 
 
 Schuylkill 5-8, 
 
 500 
 
 320,000 
 
 Wayne, - -. 
 
 790 
 6,710 
 
 505,600 
 
 
 4,294,400 
 
 Susquehanna drains the counties of 
 
 ^/^Adams 3-5, 
 
 350 
 
 224,000 
 
 Bedford 3-5, 
 
 1,000 
 
 640,000 
 
 Bradford, - 
 
 1,260 
 
 806,400 
 
 Cambria 2-5, 
 
 330 
 
 211,200 
 
 Centre, - 
 
 1,460 
 
 934,400 
 
 Chester 1-4, 
 
 180 
 
 111,200 
 
 Clearfield 9-10, - 
 
 1,450 
 
 928,000 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 630 
 
 403,200 
 
 Cumberland, 
 
 630 
 
 403,200 
 
 Dauphin, - 
 
 550 
 
 352,550 
 
 Franklin 1-3 
 
 280 
 
 179,200 
 
 Huningdon, 
 
 1,280 
 
 819,000 
 
 Indiana 1-10, 
 
 80 
 
 51,200 
 
 Lebanon 7-8 
 
 280 
 
 179,200 
 
 Luzerne 9-10, 
 
 1,920 
 
 1,328,800 
 
 Lycoming, 
 
 2,610 
 
 1,606,400 
 
 M'Kean 1-4, 
 
 380 
 
 243,200 
 
 Mifflin, 
 
 910 
 
 582,400 
 
 Northumberland, 
 
 500 
 
 320,000 
 
 Perry, - 
 
 550 
 
 352,000 
 
 Potter 5-8, 
 
 750 
 
 480,000 
 
 Schuylkill 3-8, - 
 
 300 
 
 192,000 
 
 Susquehanna, 
 
 910 
 
 582,400 
 
 Tioga, - - - 
 
 1,180 
 
 765,200 
 
 Union, - 
 
 600 
 
 484,000 
 
 ork, 
 
 1,120 
 
 716,800 
 
 21,390 13,685,600 
 
10 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Genessee drains 1 -8 of Potter, 1 50 96,000 
 
 
 Potomac drains 
 
 
 Adams 2-5, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 220 
 
 140,800 
 
 Bedford 2-5, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 630 
 
 403,200 
 
 Franklin 2-3, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 560 
 
 358,400 
 
 Somerset 1-6, 
 
 - 
 
 ~ 
 
 180 
 1,590 
 
 115,200 
 
 
 1,017,600 
 
 Lake Erie drains 
 Erie county 1-2, - 380 243,200 
 
 Ohio river drains the counties of 
 Allegheny, 
 Armstrong, 
 Beaver, - 
 Butler, 
 Cambria 3-5, 
 Clearfield 1-10, - 
 Crawford, 
 Erie 1-2 
 Fayette, - 
 Greene, - 
 Indiana 9-10, 
 Jefferson, 
 M'Kean 3-4, ' - 
 Mercer, - 
 Potter 1-4, 
 Somerset, 
 Venango, 
 Warren, 
 Washington, 
 Westmoreland, 
 
 16,760 10,598,400 
 
 810 
 
 518,400 
 
 1,010 
 
 646,400 
 
 690 
 
 341,600 
 
 860 
 
 544,000 
 
 800 
 
 512,000 
 
 160 
 
 102,400 
 
 1,040 
 
 665,600 
 
 380 
 
 243,200 
 
 900 
 
 576,000 
 
 640 
 
 409,600 
 
 680 
 
 435,200 
 
 1,280 
 
 519,200 
 
 1,140 
 
 729,600 
 
 889 
 
 563,200 
 
 520 
 
 204,800 
 
 800 
 
 512,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 768,000 
 
 900 
 
 576,000 
 
 900 
 
 576,000 
 
 1,180 
 
 755,200 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. n 
 
 
 SUMMARY. 
 
 
 Delaware drains 
 
 - 
 
 6,710 
 
 4,294,409 
 
 Susquehanna, 
 
 - 
 
 21,300 
 
 13,685,600 
 
 Genessee, 
 
 - 
 
 150 
 
 96,000 
 
 Potomac, 
 
 - 
 
 1,590 
 
 1,017,600 
 
 Ohio, 
 
 - 
 
 16,760 
 
 10,598,400 
 
 Lake Erie, - 
 
 
 380 
 
 243,200 
 
 
 46,980 
 
 29,935,200 
 
 Q,. Can yon give a general description of the range of 
 rivers, and what principle may be assumed as a safe one, 
 in describing the rise and course of rivers? 
 
 A. "It may be assumed as a general principle, that the 
 mountain streams particularly, either flow northeast or 
 southwest along the mountain valleys or directly at right 
 angles to that course, through the mountain chains. The 
 conformity of the river courses to the mountains, is in a 
 striking manner obvious in the Delaware and Susque- 
 hanna. The Delaware rises by two branches in the west- 
 ern spurs of the Catsbergs. The Coofcquago to the north- 
 west and Popachton to the southeast, flow from their sour- 
 ces southwest about fifty miles, draining Delaware county 
 in New York. Reaching within about five miles from the 
 northeast angle of Pennsylvania, the Cookquago turns to 
 southeast, and continuing that course five or six miles 
 receives the Popachton. The united streams maintain a 
 southeast course, fifty miles to the mouth of the Nevisink, 
 and northern extremity of New Jersey. The Delaware 
 here touches the northwest foot of the Kittatinny chain, 
 along which it turns to the southwest thirty-five miles to 
 the mouth of Broadhead's creek, from Pike and Northamp- 
 ton counties. Winding to the south below the entrance 
 of Broadhead's creek, it breaks through the Kittatinny 
 and enters the fine valley between that chain and forms 
 a mountain pass, and five miles further down, another 
 
12 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 through the southeast mountain. At the southeast base 
 of the latter chain the river once more assumes a south 
 east course after having meandered through the Kitta- 
 tinny valley about thirty miles. 
 
 At Trenton, thirty-five miles below the southeast moun- 
 tain, the river passes the primitive ledge, and meets the 
 tide; and five miles below, near Bristol and Bordentown. 
 again turns to southwest. Passing along or near the 
 primitive rock, it receives near Philadelphia the Schuylkill 
 from the northwest. Forming its last great bend five or 
 six miles below Newcastle, the bay of Delaware opens in- 
 to the Atlantic ocean in a southeast direction. 
 
 The entire length of the Delaware is by comparative 
 courses from the Catsbergs to the Atlantic ocean, three 
 hundred and ten miles, not quite one-half being tide water. 
 Though rolling over numerous rapids, no cataracts inter- 
 rupt the navigation, which at times of moderately high 
 water, reaches by both constituent branches into New- 
 York. The general course is, with a trifling deviation to 
 the west, south, and north. When viewed on a map, the 
 various sections of this river have the appearance of arti- 
 ficial arrangement ; the two lower bends strongly prove 
 the geological influecne of the mountain system. Though 
 but little elevated above the ordinary surface of the coun- 
 try through which it passes, the great primitive ledge pur- 
 sues a direction remarkably similar to that of the Appala- 
 chian chains. From Bristol to its lowest bend below 
 Newcastle, it flows down the southeast margin of the prim- 
 itive ; separating the sandy shores of New Jersey from 
 the micaceous soil of Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
 
 Like the Susquehanna and the Potomac, the Delaware 
 receives nearly all its large tributary streams from the 
 west. Of these, only two, the Lehigh and Schuylkill are 
 of considerable magnitude. 
 
 From the position of their valleys as channels of inter- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 13 
 
 communication and from the mineral treasures found 
 along their mountain sources, the Schuylkill and Lehigh 
 have become of great importance. The Lehigh rises by- 
 various mountain branches in Northampton, Pike, Wayne 
 and Luzerne counties; uniting below Stoddartsville, 
 and forming a small, but precipitous river current, pour- 
 ing first to the southwest, it gradually turns south and 
 southeast, passes Mauch Chunk village, and winding be- 
 tween mountain masses, finally breaks through the Kitta- 
 tinny, and continuing to the southeast meets the north- 
 west base of the Blue ridge at Allentown. Here it turns 
 to the northeast along the base of the latter chain, and 
 passing Bethlehem, joins the Delaware at Easton. The 
 Lehigh is truly a mountain torrent; there is no other 
 stream of equal length in the United States which presents 
 greater difference of level, between the points of source 
 and discharge. 
 
 In a comparative course, it is about twenty-live miles 
 from Stoddartsville to Mauch Chunk, and the fall in the 
 intermediate distance 845 feet; ten miles in a direct line 
 below Mauch Chunk, it passes the Kittatinny, and falls 
 245 feet in that short space. From the Lehigh Water Gap, 
 or passage through the Kittatinny to its junction with the 
 Delaware it falls 205 feet in a comparative course of thir- 
 ty-five mdes. The entire fall from Stoddartsville to Eas- 
 ton, 1210 feet ; comparative course seventy miles. From 
 the junction of its constituent branches below Stoddarts- 
 ville to its extreme source is about fifteen or twenty miles, 
 giving an entire length of near 100 miles. The fall above 
 Stoddartsville, probably amounts to 500 feet; and if so, 
 this rapid river falls upwards of 1700 feet in 100 miles ; 
 and what may be considered in a peculiar manner remark- 
 able, no actual cataract worthy of notice exists in all its 
 course. Above the water Gap, the bed of the Lehigh lies 
 at the base of steep or precipitous mountains, rising in 
 
 2 
 
14 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 most places from the margin of the stream. The Scenery 
 is in a peculiar manner wild, bold, picturesque and roman- 
 tic. Below the Kittatinny, the features of nature are less 
 grand along the banks ; but still follow in a rich succes- 
 cession of strongly contrasted and elegant landscape. 
 The varied character of its shores is preserved to its final 
 egress into its recipient at Easton. 
 
 The Lehigh is now rendered navigable by dams and 
 pools and connecting canals, for some distance above 
 Matich Chunk. 
 
 The Schuylkill rises in, and drains about five-eights of 
 Schuylkill county : formed, by two branches; which unite 
 immediately above, and pass through the Kittatinny moun- 
 tain, seven miles southeast from Orwigsburg. Below the 
 mountain it turns to nearly south, in which direction it 
 continues through the Blue Ridge at Reading, after hav- 
 ing received Maiden creek from the northeast, and the 
 Tulpehocken above that town from the southwest. Be- 
 low the Blue Ridge, the river again winds to southeast, 
 passes the southeast mountain above Pottstown, and re- 
 ceiving the Perkiomen, and some lesser creeks from the 
 north, crosses the primitive ledges above, and joins the 
 Delaware below Philadelphia. Its entire length, by com- 
 parative courses, is about one hundred miles, twenty above 
 and eighty below the Kittatinny mountains. 
 
 A strong resemblance is perceivable between the 
 Schuylkill and the Lehigh, though the scenery along the 
 former, is less rugged than that which skirts the latter 
 stream. 
 
 The Schuylkill is now navigable by canals and locks to 
 Port Carbon. The Union canal company have completed 
 a connection between the Susquehanna and Schuylkill by 
 the Swatara and Tulpehocken valleys. 
 
 The Susquehanna enters Pennsylvania by two great 
 branches, the Susquehanna proper, and the Chemung or 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. X5 
 
 Tioga. Below their junction at Tioga point, the united 
 streams flow a little south of east, fifteen miles to the foot 
 of the Appalachian system, south of Towanda. Leaving 
 secondary, and entering on the transition formation, it 
 turns southeast and following that general course fifty 
 miles, breaks through several chains and finally, at the 
 mouth of the Lackawannock, nine miles above Wilkesbar- 
 re, enters the Wyoming valley and turns to southwest ; 
 continuing the latter course near seventy miles down 
 the mountain valleys to Northumberland and Sun bury, 
 and to the mouth of the West Branch. In the entire dis- 
 tance from Tioga Point to Sunbury, the Susquehanna 
 receives no tributary stream of forty miles direct length ; 
 the Towanda, Wyalusing, Tunkhannock, Lackawannock, 
 Fishing Creek, and some lesser branches, are mere moun- 
 tain creeks, rapid, but not more than from twenty-five 
 to fifty-five miles in general course. 
 
 Including all its higher northeast branches, the Susque- 
 hanna is peculiar in the structure of its valleys. 
 
 As a navigable stream, the Susquehanna is much less 
 interrupted by rapids or dangerous shoals, than from the 
 tortuous course it pursues through an extensive mountain 
 system, could be expected. It is also remarkable, that 
 where the various branches of this river pass the respec- 
 tive chains, rapids seldom, and perpendicular falls no 
 where exist. The Western branch is in all its extent, a 
 river of Pennsylvania. Rising far within the secondary 
 formation, its extreme western source in Indianna county 
 reaches within less than thirty-five miles of the Allegheny 
 river at Kittanning. Flowing northeast about seventy 
 miles across Clearfield, it receives the Sinnemahoning 
 from the northwest in the southwest angle of Lycoming. 
 Below its junction with the Sinnemahoning it continues 
 northeast fifteen miles, and thence southeast twenty miles 
 to the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, in Centre County. Be- 
 
16 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 low the Bald Eagle, the course is a little north of east, thir- 
 ty-five miles to Pennsborough or Mimcy, receiving in the 
 intermediate distance from the north, Pine creek, Lycom- 
 ing, and Loyalsock. From Pennsborough the course is 
 nearly south, twenty-five miles to the mouth of the North- 
 east branch and thirty-five from thence to that of the Ju- 
 niata. About eight miles below the entrance of Juniata, 
 the Susquehanna, having again assumed a southeastern 
 course, passes the Kittatinny mountains ; and ten miles 
 below that chain, the Blue Ridge. Maintaining the latter 
 course sixty miles below the Ridge, this great river is lost 
 in the tides of the Chesapeake bay. 
 
 Juniata, the southwest branch of Susquehanna rises in, 
 and drains the northern part of Bedford county. The 
 sources of this stream are in the eastern slopes of the Al- 
 legheny chain, and flowing nearly twenty miles east, it 
 passes Bedford, and breaking through several mountain 
 chains, turns abruptly to a course a little east of north, 
 forty miles, and receives the Frankstown branch below 
 and near the borough of Huntingdon county. The gener- 
 al course of Frankstown branch is from northwest to 
 southeast, and below their junction, the united streams 
 follow that course fifteen miles breaking through Jack's 
 mountain. Again inflected to northeast, the Juniata leaves 
 Huntingdon and enters Mifflin county, and pursuing that 
 direction near thirty miles, passes Lewistown, and again 
 winding south and southeast, breaks through Shade moun- 
 tain into Tuscarora valley. Crossing that valley, in a 
 course of ten miles, it reaches the northwest base of Tus- 
 carora mountain down which it flows ten miles, where, 
 near Millerstown, it pierces the latter in Perry coun- 
 ty, over which it flows fifteen miles to the Susquehanna 
 river. 
 
 Like other branches of the Susquehanna, the Juniata, 
 is as remarkable for its rapid course as for its exemption 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 
 
 from perpendicular falls. Though originating in, and hav- 
 ing its entire course amongst craggy mountains, it is nav- 
 igable at high water to near Bedford. 
 
 The Potomac derives but a small portion of its waters 
 from Pennsylvania. It has its sources in nearly the high* 
 est table land of the Appalachian system. 
 
 Like those of the Delaware and Susquehanna, the great 
 confluents of the Potomac, are from the right bank. 
 
 Savage river and Will's creek from Allegheny, Cone- 
 cocheague from Washington, and Monocacy from Fred- 
 erick county in Maryland, are comparatively trivial, when 
 compared with the branches of Potomac derived from Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 At Cumberland, the Potomac reaches within five, and 
 at Hancock's within two miles of the south boundary of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Leaving the Atlantic slope, we perceive a great river 
 valley stretching from Pocahontas county, Virginia, over 
 western Pennsylvnnia into New- York. This valley ex- 
 tends nearly due north and south St an angle of about 
 forty-five degrees, to the range of the Appalachian moun- 
 tains, and reaches from North Latitude, 38° 30 to North 
 Latitude 42° 20. The extremes giving sources to two 
 rivers that of the north to the Allegheny, and that of the 
 south to the Monongahela. These streams flowing di- 
 rectly towards each other meet at Pittsburg very nearly 
 at the middle point of the valley. Their united waters ta- 
 king the name of Ohio turns to the west, or rather north- 
 west, as for as the entrance of Big Beaver river. With a 
 very partial exception, western Pennsylvania is drained 
 by the Allegheny and Monongahela. 
 
 Having its source in Potter county in Pennsylvania, and 
 
 interlocking with the head branches of the Susquehanna 
 
 and Genessee, the Allegheny flows northwest about fifty 
 
 miles into Cataraugus county, New- York. Abrubtly 
 
 *2 
 
18 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 turning to southwest and preserving that general course 
 One hundred miles, and receiving French creek from the 
 northeast, it thence bends to southeast forty miles, to the 
 mouth of Mahoning. About the middle of the latter course, 
 Clarion river and Red Bank creek, two large branches, en- 
 ter from the northeast. From Mahoning to Pittsburg, the 
 general course is again southwest about fifty miles.* 
 
 Kiskiminitas, a very considerable accessory stream of 
 the Allegheny river, rises in the mountain valley, between 
 the Allegheny and Chesnut Ridge chains, and flowing 
 northwest, breaks through Chesnut and Laurel Hill, and 
 after a comparative course of seventy-five miles, unites 
 with the Allegheny, near midway between the mouth of 
 Mahoning and Pittsburg. From the mouth of this river ? 
 the state canal extends along its valley, and that of the 
 Conemaugh (another name for the sume stream) to Johns- 
 town, a distance of about 70 miles. 
 
 Mahoning and Red Bank creeks have their sources in 
 Chesnut Ridge, and with each a course of about thirty- 
 five miles, the former northwest and the latter southwest, 
 join the Allegheny in Armstrong county. Toby's creek, 
 or Clarion river, has interlocking sources with those of 
 Sinnemahoning and the Allegheny river. The Red Bank 
 rises in the same region with Clarion river and Sinne- 
 mahoning ; and Mahoning with Red Bank, and the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna. 
 
 In point of surface drained, Kiskiminitas is the largest 
 cofluent of the Allegheny, and it has interlocking sources 
 with those of the west branch of the Susquehanna, Juniata 
 and Youghiogheny. 
 
 *The state canal runs along the west bank of the river from oppo- 
 site the mouth of the Kiskiminitas to Pittsburg, somewhat more 
 than 30 miles. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 
 
 Allegheny river receives but two considerable tributa- 
 ries from the right, French and Conewango creeks. The 
 latter rises in Chataque county, New York, by three 
 branches ; the Chataque, Casadauga, and Conewango, 
 which unite in New York, and forming a navigable 
 stream, assume a south course, enter Warren county, 
 Pennsylvania, and fall into the Allegheny, at the town of 
 Warren, after a comparative course of about forty-four 
 miles. 
 
 French creek has its source in the extreme southwest 
 angle of New York, and increased by numerous branches 
 from Erie and Crawford counties, Pennsylvania, forms a 
 navigable river at Meadville. Flowing to the southeast 
 from Meadville 25 miles, it unites with the Allegheny river 
 at Franklin in Venango county. The entire comparative 
 course of French creek is about eighty miles. Along this 
 stream the state canal has been finished about thirty 
 miles towards the mouth. 
 
 There is no other feature in the hydrography of the 
 United States more remarkable than the country from 
 which Chatauque and French creeks have their sources. 
 The extreme north west waters of the former flow from 
 within three, and of the latter, from within five miles of 
 the margin of Lake Erie. 
 
 The Allegheny and its branches are the recipients of 
 the nerthern part of the great western basin of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and are but little impeded by falls, though their cur- 
 rent is rapid. 
 
 The Monongahela, formed by two branches, the Mo- 
 nongahela proper, and Cheat river, which rise in Pocahon- 
 tas, Randolph, Harrison, Lewis, Monongahela and Pres- 
 ton counties of Virginia, and unite, two miles within the 
 south boundary of Pennsylvania. Their general length 
 above Pennsylvania, is about one hundred miles, nearly 
 a north course. Preserving the latter direction sixty miles 
 
20 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 in Pennsylvania, and receiving the Youghiogheny from 
 the southeast, the Monongahela mingles with the Alle- 
 gheny at Pittsburgh, and forms the Ohio. 
 
 The ^various branches of the Monongahela which de- 
 rive their sources from the western chains of the Appala- 
 chain system similar to the Potomac, claim a more than 
 ordinary share of attention, as forming the proposed 
 link in a great line of canal improvement. 
 
 Cheat river flows from the northwestern slope of the 
 Allegheny mountain, and draining the easternpart of Ran- 
 dolph county, passes Chesnut Ridge, enters Preston Co., 
 and forms there a navigable stream, continues north, to 
 within five miles of the south boundary of Pennsylvania. 
 Turning to the west, it crosses the south line of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and unites with the Monongahela. 
 
 Youghiogheny rises in the extreme southwestern angle 
 of Maryland, bet we -n the sources of the Potomac and 
 Cheat rivers. Pursuing a northern course into Pennsyl- 
 vania, and augmented by Castleman's river, its northern 
 branch, it turns to northwest, and breaking through Ches- 
 nut Ridge and Laurel Hill, joins the Monongahela at 
 M'Keesport, eighteen miles above Pittsburg. This is afine 
 mountain stream which in all seasons, except in periods of 
 long drought, contains more than sufficient water for a 
 supply of the most capacious canal ; general comparative 
 course about one hundred miles— thirty in Maryland, and 
 and seventy in Pennsylvania. 
 
 The Youghiogheny heads with the Cheat branch of Mo- 
 nongahela, with the north branch of Potomac, and by 
 Castleman's river, with Juniata and Kiskiminitas. 
 
 At Pittsburg, the Ohio is formed by the confluence of 
 the Allegheny and Monongahela. The former is the 
 principal stream. From Pittsburg to Beaver river, the 
 Ohio pursues a northwest course twenty-five miles ; 
 thence winding to the west twenty miles, in which it 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 
 
 leaves Pennsylvania, and enters into Ohio. Within the 
 latter state, the Ohio river inflects to a course a little west 
 of south, seventy miles ; reaching in that direction, nearly 
 the same latitude with the south boundary of Pennsylva- 
 nia. 
 
 The peculiar courses of the Monongahela and Ohio, 
 form one of the most remarkable intermediate peninsulas 
 presented by the topography of the United States. The 
 two streams flow in very nearly opposite directions, the 
 intervening space being from thirty-five to forty miles 
 wide, with a mean length of sixty miles. Though hilly , 
 rather than mountainous, this peninsula is elevated to from 
 six hundred to one thousand feet in the dividing line of its 
 waters, above the adjacent rivers. A number of creeks, 
 none of which can exceed a comparative course of twen- 
 ty-five miles, are poured from the interior spine into the 
 respective recipients. The dividing ridge is evidently 
 continued north of the Ohio river, broken by that stream 
 a few miles below Pittsburg. The northern section is con- 
 tinued, inflecting between the western sources of the 
 Allegheny, and the eastern sources of Big Beaver river, 
 and is finally lost on the southeastern shores of lake 
 Erie ; the southern, stretching between the confluents of 
 the Ohio and Monongahela rivers, mingles with the Appa- 
 lachian chains between the sources of the latter and the 
 little Kenhawa. This ridge is the western buttress of the 
 upper basin of Ohio, and affords a very striking example 
 of the real difference between a chain of hills and one of 
 mountains. The ascent by the rivers to the western ridge 
 of Pennsylvania is so gradual, and the hills scattered in 
 such promiscuous windings through the sources of the 
 streams, that an ascent of six or seven hundred feet, in a 
 few miles, is imperceptible ; on the contrary, the mountain 
 chains extend in regular lines, uninfluenced in their direc- 
 tion by the water courses, and are abrupt and steep in 
 
22 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 their declivities. The mountain seems to have existed pre- 
 vious to the rivers, whilst the hills appear to have been 
 formed by the abrasion of water. 
 
 Big Beaver, the first river which enters the Ohio, pours 
 its current from the north, and falls into its recipient, 
 twenty-five miles below the confluence of the Allegheny 
 and Monongahela : Big Beaver is formed by the Mahon- 
 ing, Shenango, Neshannock and Conequenessing creeks. 
 The Shenango rises in Ashtabula county of Ohio, and 
 Crawford of Pennsylvania, within twelve miles of the 
 southeast shore of Lake Erie, interlocking sources with 
 those of Grand river, Conneaut, and French creek, and 
 pursuing a nearly south course of Mercer, receives the 
 Conequenessing from the northeast, and entering Beaver 
 county, unites with the Mahoning and forms Big Beaver. 
 The Mahoning is, in reality, the main branch ; rising in 
 Columbiana, Stark, Trumbull and Portage counties, Ohio, 
 its course is first nearly north thirty miles to near War- 
 ren, in Trumbull county. Winding to southeast, it pur- 
 sues that course thirty-five miles, entering Pennsylvania 
 in the southwest angle of Mercer, and joining the She- 
 nango at north latitude 41 degrees, about two miles within 
 Beaver county. Below the junction of the Mahoning and 
 Shenango, Big Beaver flows a little east of south, twenty 
 miles into the Ohio river. Conequenessing is the eastern 
 constituent stream of Beaver, draining the peninsula be- 
 tween the Allegheny, Ohio, Big Beaver and Shenango ri- 
 vers. The state canal follows this stream to the town 
 of Newcastle, twenty-four miles and three quarters from 
 its mouth, and thence towards Lake Erie. 
 
 The valley of Big Beaver is nearly circular, and about 
 seventy miles in diameter ; area, 3850 square miles. It is 
 worthy of remark, that the general courses are nearly on 
 a direct northwest line; of the Youghiogheny below the 
 mouth of Castleman's river, Monongahela and Ohio, from 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 
 
 the mouth of Youghiogheny to that of Big Beaver ; and 
 the latter, and Mahoning, to about three miles above War- 
 ren. This range of navigable water is from one hundred 
 and eighty to two hundred miles, following the sinuosities 
 of the streams. 
 
 The sources of the Mahoning interlock with those of 
 the Tuscarawas branch of Muskingum, and Cuyahoga and 
 Grand river of lake Erie." 
 
 Q. Are there any good harbors in this state ? 
 
 A. Thirty-nine miles of the northwest border of this 
 state lie upon lake Erie; this extent contains the harbor of 
 Presque Isle, or Erie, which affords a good haven for small 
 vessels. 
 
 Q. How is the soil in this state ? 
 
 A. No state in the Union is richer in agriculture than 
 this. Its soil is emphatically adapted to raise grain, for it 
 contains a greater proportion of good land, than either of 
 the Atlantic states. This arises from its peculiar geological 
 arrangement, as the greater part of the state consists of 
 transition and secondary formation, in which the soil is 
 generally richer and more productive. 
 
 The land, bordering on the rivers, in the primitive for- 
 mation, is of a superior quality, but generally the soil in 
 this division is light. 
 
 The small portion of the primitive, in the southeast cor- 
 ner of the state, is exceeded by a vast extent of transi- 
 tion, seventy miles in width, terminating, as we have. seen, 
 near the summit of the Allegheny mountain. In this for- 
 mation is found much land which is rich and productive. 
 That portion which extends through Chester, Lancaster 
 and York, is eminently productive. Here limestone and 
 marble of a superior quality, are found. Between the 
 Blue Ridge and Kittatinny mountain is the Cumberland 
 valley, sometimes called the Great Limestone valley. It 
 is between fifteen and twenty miles in width, bending 
 
24 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 with the mountains. The southern part is formed of tran- 
 sition limestone, the northern of clay slate ; the line of 
 demarcation being nearly in the centre. The whc le ex- 
 tent, within the state, is about one hundred and sixty miles. 
 
 The limestone section is rather level, having a most pro- 
 ductive soil. Planted with towns and villages, highly 
 cultivated, and thickly populated, the inhabitants, pursuing 
 the business of agriculture, enjoy, in rich profusion, the 
 bounties of Providence. In all limestone countries, great 
 inconveniencies result from the unequal distribution of 
 water. While some portions are well supplied, others are 
 so destitute, that the inhabitants are not able to procure 
 enough for domestic purposes. The slate region is more 
 hilly, and the soil less prolific. 
 
 In the remainder of the transition, the soil is greatly di- 
 diversified. It is good or bad, according as limestone is 
 more or less prevalent. Throughout the region of anthra- 
 cite coal, the country is unproductive, and may be pro- 
 nounced sterile. 
 
 The exceptions are, the alluvials, on the Delaware, Sus- 
 quehanna, and their principal tributaries. Limited by the 
 Susquehanna river on the east, and the Kittatinny moun- 
 tain on the south, is a large tract of country, which seems 
 to be foimded on limestone. Wherever it mingles with 
 the soil, it produces great fertility, but, like all limestone 
 countries, is subjected to the inconvenience of a very par- 
 tial supply of water. 
 
 The vegetable productions of the transition are greatly 
 diversified. The forests abound with all the varieties of 
 timber indigenous to the soil ; and the scenery is diver- 
 sified by every variety, from the ripling rill, and shady 
 grove, to the spreading vale, the towering mountain, and 
 descending cataract. 
 
 " The river navigation of the primitive and transition 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 25 
 
 formations, agreeable to their general character, is ob- 
 structed by many rapids and falls ; and is liable to the 
 freshets of mountain torrents, breaking through narrow 
 and rocky passages, with all the extremes and inconve- 
 niences of too much or too little water. 
 
 " The secondary formation, extending from a line run- 
 ning on or near the Allegheny mountain, may be stated 
 as generally fertile ; for though the soil may be sandy on 
 the hills, where the sand-stone prevails, it is uniformly rich 
 in the valleys. In approaching the Allegheny from the 
 eastward, it presents a bold and precipitous front ; and 
 from two to five miles will bring the traveller to the sum- 
 mit, whence the descent westward is scarcely percepti- 
 ble. The Laurel Ridge is so steep, precipitous, and rug- 
 ged, that it cannot be cultivated. Its scenery is wild, and 
 aspect very forbidding. The Chesnut Ridge is, compara- 
 tively, low, its appearance less savage, and its soil less 
 forbidding. 
 
 " The whole of Western Pennsylvania may be charac- 
 terized as table land. The soil of the mountain valleys 
 is well watered, and excellent. Leaving the mountains, 
 the country consists of arable hills, or as it is commonly 
 called, the rolling ground. Near the water courses, the 
 hills are sometimes too steep for cultivation, although pos- 
 sessing a fine soil, and clothed with a luxuriant growth of 
 timber. 
 
 " The general, nay, almost universal, fertility of Western 
 Pennsylvania, must, of course, be ascribed to the constit- 
 uents of the soil, which is a loam, having, in various pro- 
 portions, limestone, slate, coal, gypsum, salt, and vegeta- 
 ble and animal remains. Coal is often used as ma- 
 nure." 
 
26 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What is the Geological formation of this state ? 
 
 A. Geologists divide Pennsylvania into three great sec- 
 tions, primitive, transition, and secondar) r . Though these 
 divisions are strongly marked by the rocks which charac 
 tesize them, they are, nevertheless, mixed with strata be- 
 longing to other formations, as may be perceived from the 
 Pennsylvania Gazetteer. 
 
 "But none of these divisions, (primitive, transition, 
 and secondary,) though composed, chiefly, of the rocks 
 which characterize them, are unmixed with strata which 
 Certain to some one of the other divisions. The secondary 
 perhaps is the most uniform. 
 
 The southeastern portion of the state is classed with the 
 primitive formation; to which classification the small 
 portion of alluvial, overlaying the primitive rock, should 
 not be deemed an exception. 
 
 The rocks of this formation, are Granite, Gneis, Mica 
 Slate, Clay Slate, Primitive Limestone, Primitive Trap, 
 Serpentine, Porphyry, Sienite, Topaz Rock, Quartz Rock, 
 Primitive Flinty Slate, Primitive Gypsum, White Stone. 
 The strata of these rocks run from a north and south, to a 
 northeast and southwest direction, and dip generally to 
 the southeast at an angle of more than forty-five degrees 
 from the horizon ; the highest elevation is towards the 
 northwestern limits, which gradually descends to the 
 southeast, where it is covered by the alluvials ; and the 
 greatest mass, as well as the highest mountains, are 
 found towards the northern and southern extremities of 
 the northwestern boundaries. The outline of the moun- 
 tain of this formation, generally consists of circular, wav- 
 ing, detached masses, with rounded flat tops ; or coni- 
 cally waving in small pyramidal tops. 
 
 Within the limits prescribed to the primitive, there 
 are portions of transition and secondary formations. A 
 
OF PEXXSYLVANIA 27 
 
 range of the latter passes three miles west of York by 
 Hanover. 
 
 This secondary appears to belong to the oldest red sand 
 stone formation ; though in some places about Leesburg, 
 Reading, &c, the red sand stone only seems as a cement 
 to a pudding formed transition limestone, and other tran- 
 sition pebbles, with some quartz pebbles, large beds of 
 green stone trap, and wacke of different kinds, which 
 leaves in many places this sand stone formation, and forms 
 the small hills or long ridges that occur so frequently in 
 it. The stratification, in most places, runs from an east 
 and west, to a northeast and southwest course, and dips 
 generally to the northwest, at an angle most irequently 
 under twenty-five degrees from the horizon, covering 
 both the primitive and transition formation at every place 
 where their junction could be examined. In the red sand 
 stone formation, copper pyrites, blend, and galena, have 
 been found on the Perkiomen creek, running nearly south 
 and north, across the east and west direction of the red 
 sand stone ; and a small bed from a half to three inches 
 thick, of brown or red copper ore, is interspersed, and 
 follows the circular form of the iron bed at Grubb's 
 mines. 
 
 There is also within the prescribed limits of the primi- 
 tive, a bed of transition rock, running nearly southwest 
 from the Delaware to the Yadkin river, dipping generally 
 to the southeast, 25 or more degrees, in width from two to 
 fifteen miles. It runs from the west of Morrisville to the 
 east of Morristown, passes Lancaster, York, Hanover, 
 Frederickcity, Bull run mountain, Milton, foot of Pig 
 river, Martinsville, and finishes near Mount Pilot on the 
 Yadkin river. 
 
 This vein is called secondary, by Mr. Darby. It is nar- 
 row between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, but 
 widening southwest from the latter, embraces the central 
 
28 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 parts of Chester, Lancaster, and York counties. It con* 
 sists of beds of blue, grey, red and white, small grained 
 transition lime stone, alternating with beds of greywacke 
 and greywacke slate, quartzy granular rocks, and a 
 great variety of transition rocks. Much of the limestone 
 is intermixed with greywacke slate ; parts of it contain 
 so great a quantity of small grained sand as to resemble 
 the dolomite, and, in many places, marble ■ of various co- 
 lours and quantities, some of which is in grained and 
 white, fit for the statuary, occurs. 
 
 Granite in large masses is not found in the state. The. 
 principal rock is Gneis, which includes considerable beds, 
 in places, of a very large grained granite, which run and 
 dip as the Gneis does. In these beds, emeralds, phosphate 
 of lime, tourmaline, garnet, cymophane, octahedral iron 
 ore, graphic granite, &c. are found. These beds are mix- 
 ed, and alternate occasionally in the same Gneis, with 
 the primitive lime stone, hornblende, and hornblende slate, 
 serpentine, magnetic iron ore and feldspar rocks. In some 
 places the Gneis runs into the mica slate; in others, large 
 nodules of quartz or feldspar, and in others, hornblende 
 takes the place of mica; and probably all the primitive 
 rocks may be found in the Gneis formation. The mineral 
 substances found in the primitive, are garnets in the gra- 
 nite and micate slate, from the size of a pin's head to ma- 
 ny inches in diameter ; staurotide, andalusite, epidote, in 
 vast variety and abundance, tremolite, all the varieties of 
 magnesian rocks, emerald, &c. &c. And it is probable 
 that almost every mineral discovered in similar situations 
 on the ancient continent of Europe will be found on this. 
 The metals in this formation are various ; such as iron in 
 various forms, black lead, native and grey copper ore, mo- 
 lybdena, arsenical pyrites, red oxide of zinc, gold to the 
 south, manganese, north and south, white ore of Cobalt in 
 Connecticut and New Jersey, &c. &c. These metallic re- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 
 
 positories appear in beds, disseminated, or lying in masses. 
 Veins to any great extent have not yet been discovered in 
 this formation. 
 
 The transition formation is limited on the southeast 
 side, by the northwest boundary prescribed to the primi- 
 tive rocks, and on the northwest by the southeast edge of 
 the great secondary formation, on a line that passes con- 
 siderably to the westward of the ridge, which divides the 
 eastern and western waters, in Georgia and North Caro- 
 lina, and part of Virginia ; and runs near it in the north- 
 ern part of that state, and in the state of Pennsylvania 
 and New Jersey. 
 
 The line of demarcation runs between the Alabama and 
 Tombigbee rivers to the northwestward of the north 
 fork of the Holstein, till it joins the^AUegheny moun- 
 tains, near the Sulphur Springs, along that dividing ridge 
 to Bedford in Pennsylvania, and from thence northeast to 
 Fort Ann, near lake Champlain. The separation of this 
 from the secondary formation, is not so regularly and dis- 
 tintly traced as in the other formations ; many large val- 
 leys are found of horizontal secondary limestone, full of 
 shells, whilst the ridges on each side consist of transition 
 rocks. The two formations interlock and are mixed in 
 many places so as to require much time and atten- 
 tion to reduce them to their regular and proper limits. It 
 is however probable, that to the northwest of the line here 
 described, little or no transition will be found, although 
 to the south of it, partial formations of secondary may 
 occur. 
 
 " The transition formation is generally broadest, where 
 the primitive is narrowest, and vice versa; and runs from 
 twenty to one hundred miles broad; the stratifaction 
 bears from a north and south, to a northeast and 
 southwest direction, dipping generally to the northwest, 
 at an angle in most places under 45° from the horizon.' 1 — 
 3* 
 
30 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 " The outline of the mountains of this formation, is almost 
 a straight line, with few interruptions bounding long par- 
 allel ridges of nearly the same height, declining gently to- 
 wards the side where the stratification dips from the hori- 
 zon, and more precipitous on the oposite side, where the 
 edge of the stratum breaks out to the day." 
 
 " This formation is composed of the following rocks, 
 viz: a small grained transition limestone of all the shades 
 of color from a white to a dark blue, and in some places 
 intimately mixed with a stratum of greywacke slate, in 
 many places an intermixture of small grained particles, 
 having the appearance of a sand stone with excess of 
 lime cement. This occurs in beds from fifty to five thou- 
 sand feet in width, alternating with greywacke and grey- 
 wacke slate. Near the borders of the primitive is found 
 a silicious aggregate, having particles of a light blue col- 
 or, from the size of a pin's head to an egg, disseminated in 
 some places in a cement of slaty texture, and in others in 
 quartzose cement ; fine sand stone cemented witn quartz 
 in large masses, often of a slaty structure, with sir^H de- 
 tached scales of mica intervening ; a rock not far from the 
 borders of the primitive, partaking both of the porphyry 
 and the greywacke, having both feldspar crystals and 
 rounded pebbles in it, with a cement of a kind of dull 
 chlorite slate in excess ; another, through rarer, with peb- 
 bles and feldspar crystals in a compact petrosilicious ce- 
 ment ; and a great variety of other rocks, which from 
 their composition and situation, cannot be classed but with 
 the transition." 
 
 "The limestone, greywacke, and grey wacke slate, gen- 
 erally occupy the valleys, and the quartzy aggregates, the 
 ridges : amongst which is what is called the country burr 
 stone, or mill stone grit; which must not be confounded 
 with another rock, likewise denominated mill stone grit, 
 which is a small grained granite, with much quartz, found 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31 
 
 in the primitive formation. There are many and exten- 
 sive caves in the limestone of this formation, where the 
 bones of various animals are found." 
 
 "Beds of Coalblende or Anthracite accompanied by al- 
 umslate, and black chalk, have been discovered in this 
 formation, in Rhode Island, and in immense quantities on 
 and near the Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna rivers ; 
 and a large body of alumslate, on Jackson's river Virginia 
 and in several places in Pennsylvania ; many considera- 
 ble veins of the sulphate of barytes cross it in different 
 places. Iron and lead are the principal metals found in 
 this formation ; the lead, in the form of Galena, in clusters; 
 the iron, disseminated in pyrites, hematitic and magnetic 
 iron, or in beds; and considerable quantities of the spar- 
 ry iron ore in beds, and disseminated in the limestone." 
 
 The Southeast limit of the secondary formation is 
 bounded by the irregular and ill defined border of the 
 transition, from between the Alabama and Tombigbee 
 rivers to Fort Ann, near Lake Champlain. On the north- 
 \ve? f ~ide, it follows the shores of the great lakes and loses 
 itself in the alluvial of the great Basin of the Mississippi 
 from two hundred to five hundred miles in bredth, and 
 extending probably on the west of that river, to the foot 
 of the stony mountains. 
 
 Immense beds of secondary limestone, of all the shades 
 from a light blue to a black, interrupted in some places by 
 extensive tracts of sand stone, and other secondary aggre- 
 gates appear to constitute the foundation of this formation 
 on which reposes the great and valuable coal formation 
 extending from^the head waters of the Ohio in Pennsyl- 
 vania, with some interruption, all the way to the waters 
 of the Tombigbee, accompanied by the usual attendants,, 
 slaty clay, and freestone with vegetable impressions, &c. 
 but in no instance covered by, or alternative with, any 
 
32 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 rock, resembling basalt, or indeed any of those called the 
 newest floetz trap formation." 
 
 " Along the southeast boundaries not far from the transi- 
 tion, a rock salt, and gypsum formation has been found." 
 And in western Pennsylvania, salt has been discovered 
 between the Allegheny mountain and the Ohio, in very 
 many places, and may perhaps be obtained in that district 
 at the distance of from 500 to 750 feet from the surface. 
 
 Metallic substances, heretofore found in this formation, 
 are ironpyrites, disseminated both in the coal and lime- 
 stone ; iron ores, consisting principally of brown, sparry, 
 and clay iron stone in beds ; galena, but whether in beds 
 or veins has not been ascertained." 
 
 Large detached masses of granite, are found lying on 
 this formation from Harmony to Erie, and from thence by 
 the Genessee country to Fort Ann ; though in many pla- 
 ces, no granite of this kind has been found in places near- 
 er than two hundred miles, at the falls of the Mohawk, or 
 perhaps on the north side of the lakes. 
 
 The great mineral treasures of Pennsylvania, are coal 
 iron, and salt ; all these are abundant, and with her agri- 
 culture will form the principal sources of her future pros- 
 perity. The Anthracite coal is found in the transition for- 
 mation, and with some inconsiderable exceptions in that 
 which is east of the Susquehanna river. Its present known 
 limit on the north, is in the Tunkhannock mountain, on 
 the sources of the Lackawanna river and on the confines 
 of Susquehanna, Wayne and Luzerne counties. It ex- 
 tends thence, along the valley of that stream to the Wyo- 
 ming valley ; thence through the Wyoming valley to the 
 hills near Berwick, on the Susquehanna river, making to- 
 gether a distance of eighty miles. This coal tract is from 
 half a mile to five miles wide, and is estimated at an aver- 
 age width of two miles; through the whole of which, coal 
 is found in strata of from five to fifty feet thick. Estima- 
 
OF P.EJM*M:ri\AraA. 33 
 
 ting the average thickness of the stratum ol coal at twelve 
 feet, (which is said to be less than the truth) this field con- 
 tains 1,395,870,000 tons«of coal, which with all the appli- 
 ances which could reasonably be given, could not be ex- 
 hausted in ten thousand years.* 
 
 Another coal field is know to exist, embracing the south 
 eastern section of Luzerne county, and a portion of 
 the southwestern part of Northampton county, and ex- 
 tending thence westward to the Susquehanna river, by 
 Bucks and Cattawissa mountains, the probable northern 
 boundary of the field, and along Spring mountain, and 
 the Mahony mountains, the probable southern boundary 
 through Schuylkill, Columbia and Northumberland coun- 
 ties, also to the Susquehanna river. This field has not 
 been thoroughly explored, its width may be more than 
 seven miles, and its length from the Lehigh to the Susque- 
 hanna rivers more than sixty miles. At Beaver Meadow, 
 north of the Spring mountain in Northampton county, 
 and at many places along the valley of the Mahony, coal 
 in great abundance and of excellent quality, is found in 
 strata of perhaps 50 feet in thickness, has been opened to 
 the day, and efforts are makeing to bring it from these 
 points to market. 
 
 Another very extensive coal measure, if another it may 
 be called, commences on the right bank of the Lehigh 
 river, at the Mauch Chunk mountain, in Northampton 
 county, and extends thence through Schuylkill and Dau- 
 phin counties to the Susquehanna, a distance of not 
 less than 75 miles. This measure is bounded on the 
 southwest by a mountain chain, which we believe bears 
 the name of Mahoning, near the Lehigh, Sharp mountain 
 from its configuration, in Schuylkill county, and from its 
 
 * View of Judge Scott. 
 
34 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 relative position, is the third mountain in Dauphin coun- 
 ty. On the northwest its Jimit may be the Broad mountain, 
 which has a continuous course by*that name across, and 
 from the Lehigh river through Schuylkill county, and ends 
 in. Lyken's township, Dauphin county, where it is called 
 the Short mountain. The width of this tract is variable, av- 
 eraging about six miles. It embraces the mines of the Nes- 
 quihoning, Mauch Chunk, Tamaqua, the Schuylkill, of 
 Potts grove and its vicinity, of the West Branch of the 
 Schuylkill, of Pine Grove, and Swatara, and of Stony 
 Creek, Bear Meadow, and other places of Dauphin coun- 
 ty. We have said, in conformity with an opinion gener- 
 ally expressed, that the Sharp mountain, forms the south- 
 east boundary of the coal region throughout its whole ex- 
 tent. But, this is disproved by the fact, that anthracite 
 has been discovered in all the ridges, in greater or less 
 quantities, north of the Kittatinny mountain, in Dauphin 
 county. The northwestern limit of the region generally, 
 is along the Susquehanna river, but the coal basin of Luz- 
 erne county, runs under that stream, and the coal is seen 
 in the bed of the river, and in the Shawnee mountain on the 
 northwest of the river. And we have been informed that 
 it has been discovered, some miles more to the southwest. 
 Coal has not yet been discovered in Pennsylvania north- 
 east of the Lehigh river ; but as it is an unexplored region 
 of the same geological character, as the anthracite district, 
 it may yet be discovered in that direction. 
 
 With the exception of a vein of anthracite, said to have 
 been recently discovered in the Delaware water Gap, that 
 mineral is not known to occur, within ten miles of the 
 Kittatinny mountain, or of the Shawangunk, a part of the 
 same chain which presents similar rocks. 
 
 The anthracite region is in a great measure covered by 
 mountains running parallel with the Kittatinny, often 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. ] 35 
 
 broad, with table land summits, and rising generally about 
 1500 feet above the ocean. 
 
 The beds and veins of anthracite range from northeast 
 to southwest, and may often be traced for a considerable 
 distance by the compass. The veins have the inclination 
 of the adjacent strata of greywacke, with which they often 
 alternate, usuallybetween 20 and 45 degrees. In some 
 places they are horizontal, in others vertical, in others in 
 basins ; and the strata of particular mines generally have 
 the form of the upper surface, immediately over them : 
 and are therefore sometimes curved, or irregular, or sad- 
 dle, or mantle shaped, and some times dome shaped. The 
 beds and veins of coal have commonly narrow strata, of 
 dark colored, fine grained argillaceous slate, for roof 
 and floor ; which generally contains sulpharet of iron, and 
 disingerates on exposure to the air. The sulphates of iron 
 & alumine are often observed in this schist, and it frequent- 
 ly presents impressions of plants, and sometimes marine 
 shells. Impure pulverulent coal is generally connected 
 with this slate. The quality of the coal varies in different 
 parts of this region, density and inflammability. It is in 
 many places injurously affected by the admixture of slate ; 
 others it has so little coherence, that it cannot be profita- 
 bly transported. That upon the Lehigh is said to be pur- 
 er than that in the vicinity of the Schuylkill ; but if this be 
 true, the defect is perhaps overbalanced by the superior 
 inflammability of the latter. That in Dauphin county is 
 reported to possess so much inflamable matter, that it has 
 been mistaken for bituminous coal. 
 
 The bituminous coal region of the state is almost, per- 
 haps wholly, within the secondary formation. If such be 
 the fact, that formation extends, in the southern part of 
 the state, much farther east of the great Allegheny chain, 
 since bituminous coal is found abundantly east of the 
 Kaystown branch of the Juniata river in Huntingdon and 
 

 36 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Bedford counties. West of that mountain, it is found al- 
 most every where from the northern to the southern 
 boundary of the state, and if wanting any where, it is in 
 the northwest corner. It has been traced from Bedford 
 and Tioga counties, to Maryland, and may be found in 
 every hill on the western line from Crawford county south- 
 ward. It occurs on the Allegheny mountain, at a consid- 
 erable elevation, and elsewhere, in nearly a horizontal po- 
 sition, alternating with grey sand stone, which is often mi- 
 caceous, and bordered by argillaceous schist. The veins 
 are generally shallow, varying from one inch to six feet in 
 thickness. The mean depth is about five feet. The beds 
 most proximate to the eastern market are Lycoming and 
 Clearfield counties : to reach those of the former, was a 
 principal inducement for making the state canal along the 
 west branch of the Susquehanna river, to the mouth of 
 the Bald Eagle creek. 
 
 Iron ore occurs in various parts of Pennsylvania. — 
 But it is found in the greatest abundance, and of the 
 best quality, in the extensive calcerous valleys situ- 
 ated between the ridges of the Appalachian mountains, 
 particularly in the counties of Centre, Huntingdon, and 
 Mifflin. It is mostly raised from beds of argillaceous 
 earth, resting on limestone. The best ores of iron in 
 this country exist in or adjacent to calcareous districts. 
 The iron manufactured in the above named counties, un- 
 der the name of Juniata iron, is distinguished for tenacity, 
 malleability, and other valuable qualities. About fifty per 
 centum of iron in pigs is extracted from the Juniata ore, 
 and it loses one-third in passing from the bloom to the 
 bar iron. In western Pennsylvania, iron ore is much less 
 abundant than coal, and it is also very extensively manu- 
 factured; but soft bar iron, we understand, cannot be 
 made from ores west of the Allegheny mountain. Upon 
 the east of the Susquehanna, in the transition region, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 iron and anthracite coal are rarely found contigtioi 
 each other. 
 
 We have already observed, that rock salt pervaded 
 extensively, the whole of the great secondarj' formation,? 
 Salt springs are common in various parts of westc: 
 sylvania. The water is generally weak near the s-t 
 but it is very strong when produced from the 
 three hundred and fifty to seven hundred feet. One . : : 
 containing as much salt as the waters of SaHna, h i 
 discovered by boring, about 20 miles from Montr; 
 Susquehanna county, bordering on the state of Nc ;/ York 
 Salt springs are found on several of the tributar 
 west branch of the Susquehanna, as on the Loyalse 
 Lycoming county, and on the Sinnemahoning in < 
 field county ; on the Clarion river or Toby's ere I 
 Armstrong and Venango counties ; on the sources 
 Conneautte creek in Crawford count} ; on the L 
 Conequenessing creeks, in Butler county ; on 1 
 creek, in Beaver county, and very frequently in 
 ern counties, as far east as Bedford county. Bu 
 productive saline springs of Pennsylvania, are oii 
 banks of the Conemaugh, Kiskiminitas, and 
 rivers; and upon the last, about 30 miles above I 
 burg. 
 
 In considering the adaptation of the soils of Pen 
 for agriculture, the geological divisions furni.so the 
 convenient form of classification. Wc have see 
 state consists principally of the transition and seco; 
 formations, having a small quantity of primitive, e 
 the mountains ; and from these causes, it contains the 
 greater quantity of good lands, in proportion to its sur- 
 face, of any of the Atlantic states. The primitive does 
 not extend more than 25 miles N. W. from the S. E. bor- 
 der of the state. The soil is light and indifferent wfeere 
 the Gneis, granite or serpentine prevails, The limestone 
 
 4 
 
39 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 may form a tolerable soil, as the country, though brokes, 
 is not hilly, and has nothing that can be called a moun- 
 tain. 
 
 The extensive transition formation which succeeds the 
 primitive, occupies nearly seventy miles in breadth to the 
 top of the dividing ridge between the western and the 
 eastern waters, which forms the summit of the Allegheny 
 mountains. In this place the transition is wider than in 
 any other part of our range of mountains, and is only 
 interrupted for about 20 or 30 miles between Norristown 
 and Reading, by being covered with the oldest red sand- 
 stone formation. The soil through the whole of this tract, 
 when level, is tolerably good ; where formed by the allu- 
 vial of the rivers, it is generally rich and fertile ; but the 
 quartzy and silicious aggregates, which most frequently 
 occupy the mountains, decompose into light sandy soil, 
 though the valleys between the mountains are rich and 
 productive. 
 
 The vein, S. E. of the old red sandstone called by .Mr, 
 Maclure transition, and by Mr. Darby secondary, is nar- 
 row between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, but wi- 
 dens S. W. from the latter, comprehending the central 
 parts of Chester, Lancaster, and York counties. Lime- 
 stone and marble, of very superior quality, abound in 
 this formation, and consequently the soil is very produc- 
 tive ; of which the Great Valley of Chester county affords 
 the most delightful and satisfactory testimony. In the 
 primitive, S. E. of this valley in Chester county, we are 
 informed that small beds of limestone are found, which 
 add much to the strength of the neighboring soils. 
 
 The valley between the Blue Ridge and the Kittatinny 
 mountain, sometimes called the Kittatinny valley, and also 
 known as the great limestone valley of Pennsylvania, is 
 from 15 to 20 miles wide, inflecting with the mountains. 
 It is nearly equally divided between the limestone an^ 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 39 
 
 -slate formations, its whole length. The section within the 
 state is about 160 miles in length, and covers an area of 
 near 3000 square miles. The S. E. part is formed of tran- 
 sition limestone, the N. W. of clay slate. On the Lehigh, 
 the limestone and slate touch at a place called the Slates, 
 seven or eight miles above Allentown. Thence the line of 
 separation extends S. W., through Berks county; leaving 
 Kutztown on the limestone, crosses the Schuylkill nearly 
 midway between Reading and Hamburg, and the Tulpe- 
 hocken N. E. of Womelsdorff, leaving the latter upon the 
 limestone ; thence through Lebanon county, leaving the 
 borough of Lebanon upon the limestone, and reaching the 
 Swatara near the mouth of the Q,uitapahilla. From the 
 latter creek to Hummelstown, in Dauphin county, the 
 Swatara forms the boundary, generally. That village and 
 its immediate vicinity is based on limestone, and imme- 
 diately at the bridge over the Swatara, on the road to 
 Harrisburg, the Swatara leaves the slate and pursues the 
 residue of its course to the Susquehanna, over limestone. 
 -Tne division line between limestone and slate, follows a 
 S. W. course from Hummelstown to the mouth of Paxton 
 creek, near the borough of Harrisburg, which rests on the 
 alluvial deposite, partly on the slate, and partly on the 
 limestone. S. W. of this point, on the Susquehanna, to 
 the Maryland boundary, the demarcation between the 
 limestone and slate, curves with the contiguous mountains, 
 leaving on the former rock in Cumberland county, Car- 
 lisle and Shippensburg, and in Franklin county, Cham- 
 bersburg and Greencastle, — and it quits Pennsylvania 
 nearly with the Conecocheaque creek. 
 
 This limestone section is comparatively level, with a 
 very superior soil, — studded with towns and villages, ex- 
 tremely well cultivated, and inhabited by a large popula- 
 tion, enjoying in profusion the comforts of life — pursuing 
 
GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 -tie exception, the business of agriculture. As in 
 
 e countries, spring water reaches the 
 
 earth at distant points, and in very unequal 
 
 ties, leaving intermediate spaces so deficient, as to 
 
 ssing to the inhabitants. The slate region is more 
 
 le limestone, and its soil of inferior quality; 
 
 ome measure compensated, by the great 
 
 bichit may be cultivated, and when the lime 
 
 ;e soil shall be extended, it. is probable 
 
 ■roduct of the slate will equal that of the lime- 
 
 .lets. Water is more equally diffused over the 
 
 he latter. In respect to forest timber, nc 
 
 ing difference is observable. 
 
 sr of the transition formation N. W. of the 
 tiany mountain, varies considerably in agricultural 
 , winch seems to be determined pretty much by the 
 tity of limestone which blends with the soil. East 
 e north branch of the Susquehanna river, throughout 
 racite region, the whole country may be pro- 
 ved sterile, with the exception of the alluvia] fa*£ of 
 the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, and their greater 
 ttaries. West of the Susquehanha river, and north 
 of the Kittatinny mountain, the country would seem to be 
 fersafly based on limestone; it fills most of the prim 
 valleys, and is believed to underlay the mountains. 
 /ever it degenerates into soil, that soil is fertile, but 
 frequently subjected to the inconvenience we have already 
 -ioned, the unequal distribution of water. The 
 mountains, composed of slate and sand stone, are gene- 
 rally barren. There are valleys, however, where the lime- 
 stone does not appear, which are rendered very fertile by 
 the alluvion from the mountains. 
 
 The river navigation of the primitive and transition 
 formations, agreeable to their general character, is ob- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 41 
 
 structed by many rapids and falls"; and is liable to the 
 freshets of mountain torrents, breaking through narrow 
 and rocky passages, with all the extremes and inconve- 
 nience of too much or too little water. 
 
 The secondary formation^ extending from a line run- 
 ning on or near the Allegheny mountain, may be stated 
 as generally fertile ; for though the soil may be sandy on 
 the hills where the sand stone prevails, it is uniformly 
 rich in the valleys. It loses little of the vegetable mould 
 by washing, owing to its general horizontal position ; 
 and the accumulation of such vegetable manure is in 
 proportion to the time the trees have been growing on 
 the soil. 
 
 That portion of the surface of this district between 
 the Allegheny mountain and the Chesnut Ridge, contains 
 all of it that is mountainous ; but these mountains par- 
 take of the character of the formation in the position of 
 the strata, and character of the soil. 
 
 In approaching the Allegheny from, the eastward, it 
 presents a bold and precipitous front ; and from two . to 
 five miles will bring the traveller to the summit, whence 
 the descent westward is scarcely perceptible; Much of 
 it might be called table land, for even on the summit, 
 tracts of level, and frequently excellent land extend for 
 miles, in which are many fine farms, the soil of which . 
 though somewhat cold, repays the labor of cultivation. 
 The Laurel Hill, next west c f the Allegheny, is little be- 
 low the latter in height. It is so steep, rugged, and pre- 
 cipitous that it cannot be cultivated. Its scenery is wild, 
 and its aspect very forbidding. 
 
 The whole of western Pennsylvania might be charac- 
 terized as table land ; low water mark at Pittsburg is one 
 hundred and fifty-two feet above Lake Erie; seven 
 hundred and twenty-seven above the Hudson at Albany, 
 4* 
 
42 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISxH 
 
 and seven hundred and fifty-six feet above the Atlantic 
 ocean at Cape May. The apices of the highest range 
 of hills are about twelve hundred feet above tide water 
 level in the Chesapeake. The soil of the mountain val- 
 leys is well watered and excellent. 
 
 Leaving the mountains, the country consists of ara- 
 ble hills, or, as it is commonly called, rolling ground. 
 Near the water courses, the hills are sometimes too 
 steep for cultivation, although possessing a fine soil, and 
 clothed with a luxuriant growth of timber. This de- 
 scription embraces the greater part of Westmoreland, 
 the western part of Fayette, Washington, Allegheny, 
 Beaver, and Indiana. The three first named counties 
 have the finest land; and Washington is placed first in 
 rank. Mercer, Crawford, and Erie, have large bodies of 
 level land of excellent quality ; better adapted to grass 
 than grain. Butler, Armstrong, Venango, and Warren, 
 have soils so various, that it is difficult to give them a 
 general character. Whilst large bodies might be pro- 
 nounced almost worthless, and others deemed valuable 
 only for their timber, there are extensive tracts which 
 will not suffer comparison with any land in Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 ,. Q. What are the minerals of this state t 
 
 A. The most important are iron ore, Anthracite, Bk 
 'tuminous and some Kennel coal, the latter lately discov- 
 ered by Prof. Rogers. In no part of the world is coal so 
 plentifully found as in Pennsylvania. The western part 
 is abundantly supplied with bituminous, and the eastern 
 part with anthracite, this district containing this is princi- 
 pally occupied by mountains running parallel to the blue 
 ridge, often very broad, with table summits, and rising 
 -generally from 1200 to 1500 feet above the ocean, and that 
 iis found on the rivers Conemaugh, Allegheny, Mononga 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 43 
 
 hela, Ohio, and in numerous places, west of the Allegheny 
 ridge — it is found in Huntingdon and Bediord county east 
 of the Raystown branch of the Juniata. 
 
 The following extract from Hazard's Register will show 
 the importance of the coal trade of Pennsylvania. 
 
 " The coal trade of Pennsylvania, recently and suddenly 
 starting into existence, now constitutes one of the main 
 branches of our domestic industry, and an important por- 
 tion of the commerce of the state and the Union. It has 
 given a new stimulus to individual, as well as national en- 
 terprise, and affords active and profitable employment for 
 numerous and various classes of the community. It has 
 introduced a spirit of improvement, interspersing the coun- 
 try with canals and Rail-roads, which by connecting the 
 distant parts together, promote the convenience and pros- 
 perity of the people, while they add to the strength, and 
 elevate the character of the state. It has raised up, in our 
 formerly barren and uninhabited districts, an intelligent 
 permanent population, and converted the mountains into 
 theatres of busy life, and our hitherto waste and valueless 
 lands into sites for flourishing and populous villages. It 
 has opened a new field for the investment of capital, the 
 expenditure of labor, and the persuit of all the purposes 
 of civilization and society. Its benefits are not alone con- 
 fined to those engaged immediately in the trade, but are 
 becoming general and universal. Possessing all the varie- 
 ties of their species, anthracite and bituminous, furnish- 
 ing a cheap and preferable article of fuel; and affording 
 new facilities to the manufacturer. The mineral coal of 
 Pennsylvania now exerts an influence on every other 
 branch of trade, affording the means of rearing, and per- 
 manently supporting on this side the Atlantic, all the me- 
 chanical arts and handicrafts of the old world." 
 
 Q. Is iron ore abundant and of a good quality ? 
 
 A. It is abundant and of a good quality,, there are about 
 
44 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 60,000 tons of iron manufactured anually. The best iron 
 ore is found in abundance in the calcerous valley between 
 the ridges of the Appalachian mountains, particularly in 
 Huntingdon, Centre and Mifflin counties. — A good quality 
 is also found in many other counties, indeed in almost 
 every county in the state, in Cumberland, Perry. &c. 
 &c. There are about seventy-five furnaces in Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 , Q. Are there any other important minerals ? 
 
 A. Copper ore, in a variety of combinations, is found in 
 many places among the mountains. — there is some in Ad- 
 ams county, at Perkiomen Montgomery county. And I 
 have seen a good quality obtained in Berks county. There 
 is also an abundance of lead in some parts of the state. 
 There is a lead mine at Perkiomen. " There is some Zinc 
 molybdena, titanum, &c, Sulphate of baryta has been 
 found in Bucks county, and recently explored to some 
 extent. Gypsum and hydraulic cement exist in immense 
 quantities.*" White and variagated marble abound in 
 Chester and Montgomery, and other building stones, as 
 the common limestone, free-stone, granite and gneis rocks, 
 slate, &c. There are quarries of slate in York, Lancas- 
 ter and Wayne counties. Rock slate is found very 
 extensively in the western part of this state. Alum also 
 abounds. 
 
 Q. Are there any mineral springs in this state ? 
 I A. There are many of the salt and other mineral springs. 
 The salt springs are productive, and among the most pro- 
 ductive are those near the margins of the Conemaugh Al- 
 legheny and Ohio rivers. 
 
 The resources for the manufacture of salt in Pennsyl- 
 vania seem to be inexhaustable. The capital employed,. 
 
 * Trego's Report. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 45 
 
 cannot be less, at a fair estimate, than 500,000, and the 
 amount of salt annually manufactured, cannot be less 
 than 650 : 000. The cost per bushel does not exceed 13 
 
 cents. 
 
 There are also mineral springs, called medical mineral- 
 springs. The most noted are the Bedford springs, dis- 
 covered in 1804. They arise from a lime stone rock, at 
 the fort of Dunnings moimtain. There are several springs 
 there all said to possess curative powers, efficacious in 
 removing cutaneous and chronic complaints. The princi- 
 pal medical spring is Anderson's ; another is called Fletch- 
 er's or the upper spring ; the limestone spring ; the sul- 
 pher spring, and the Chalybeat spring. The waters are 
 charged with iron, magnesia and lime. There are sever- 
 al other medical springs in this state ; the sulpher springs, 
 near Carlisle; the warm springs Perry county, and the 
 York sulpher springs, Adams county. Another 4 miles 
 from Pittsburg. Dr. Mead recommends the water. 
 
 Q. Are there any caves ? 
 
 A. In £h£ fjSUVSl mountain is one with a very narrow 
 entrance, and various winding pasages, which has been 
 traversed two miles. It is formed of a soft sand stone, 
 and its roof is lined with bats. There is another at Dur- 
 ham Bucks county about 50 miles from Philadelphia. It 
 is vulgarly called the Devil's hole. Three or four per- 
 sons, may enter abreast — the cave is divided into three 
 great apartments, communicating with each other, by 
 steep and rugged passages — it abounds with small pools 
 and rivulets of water. At Carlisle is another, on the 
 banks of the Cannoquoquinet about two miles north of the 
 town. The entrance is by a semicircular archway, seven 
 feet high in a limestone rock, of 20 feet perpendicular ele- 
 vation — it extends about 95 yards — it has several small 
 pools. This cavern is dark and damp, and must be exam- 
 ined by a torch light. Slatactical carbonite of lime a- 
 
46 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 bounds in it. The writer procured some fine specimens in 
 this cave and forwarded them to Philadelphia to exchange 
 at their school lyceum. 
 
 There are several othe£ caves in Cumberland county, 
 to describe which would occupy too much space. There 
 is also a very extensive cave in Mifflin county, called 
 Hanniwal's cave, having a depth of 100 rods. Considera- 
 ble saltpetre has been obtained from it. 
 
 There is another remarkable cave in Franklin county, 
 near the base of the north mountain. It is described as 
 being a very beautiful one and may be regarded as a 
 great curiosity. The following is a brief description of 
 its discovery and its grandeur and beauty : "A gentle- 
 man, living near the mountain, was about to dig for wa- 
 ter. Perceiving a very large spring, issuing out of a rock 
 at the foot of a hill of considerable height, and a kind of 
 sink hole, he there commenced digging, hoping to come 
 on the stream, and proceeded but a few feet, when he 
 could plainly hear the water running, seemingly with 
 great rapidity ; and at the distance of about twenty feet 
 from the surface, he reached it, at the lower extremity of 
 the fissure in the rock, which immediately expanded into 
 a large and beautiful cavern, the entrance of which is 
 partially obstructed *by largs rocks which after advan- 
 cing a little distance, entirely disappear, and instead of 
 scattered rubbish, solid rocks appear enamelled with spar 
 of different colors. In every direction are to be seen the 
 most beautiful icicles, (stalactites) suspended from its no- 
 ble, and in some places, majestic ceiling. Concretions, 
 without number, and of almost every color, size, and di- 
 mension, are seen pointing downwards from the ceiling, 
 and inwards from the sloping walls— some white, some 
 red, some brown, some green, and others transparent as 
 glass, and all solid as marble. They threaten the curious 
 adventurer with being torn to pieces by the craggy points 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 47 
 
 if he attempts penetrating any farther, and indeed, in some 
 places, he is obliged to proceed in a stooping position, in 
 order to avoid them. Continuing up this subterraneous 
 passage, you are obliged to walk in the run nearly all the 
 way. 
 
 Parts of the run are sometimes dry, yet it is evident 
 from its bed, and other visible marks, that at some seasons 
 of the year, the water must flow through the different 
 channels in large quantities. 
 
 There are, in the principal channel, several falls, which 
 might very properly be denominated cataracts. The ex- 
 tent of the cave is, as yet, unknown, as it has been but 
 partially explored ; the greatest distance any person has 
 yet penetrated, is about 800 feet, at which place there 
 was no appearance of its termination. In ascending the 
 cave, the eye is most agreeably struck with its grandeur, 
 At every step new wonders presents themselves. Here, 
 the spar is formed into trees, shrubs, &c. Which makes 
 it have the appearance of a petrified grove. In some pla- 
 ces, the spar is formed into the likeness of men, birds, 
 beasts, organs, &c. And in one place, raised on a pedes- 
 tal, is a striking resemblance of a half-unfurled flag. Be- 
 sides these, there are hundreds of other similitudes, of 
 which I shall not attempt a dercription. When we first 
 saw them, we were only surprised at their diversity and 
 beauty, but on a more minute examination, were struck 
 with amazement, knowing them to be mere productions 
 of nature, which hitherto, in solitary silence, had, in her 
 playful moments, unseen and unheard, dressed the scene, 
 as if for her own amusement." 
 
 There are some others in the state which we cannot no- 
 tice for the want of space. 
 
 Q. What are the forest trees, and natural produc- 
 tions ? 
 A. The most common trees are oak, hickery, chesnut. 
 
43 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 walnut, maple, beech, birch, poplar, cherry, ash, elm, sas- 
 safras, sumach, elder, pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, cedar, 
 locust, laurel, mulberry, cucumber, crabapple, thorn; there 
 are no less than 15 varieties of oak, 6 or 7 of pine. There 
 are also many wild grapes. We shall notice other trees 
 not mentioned here, in the descriptions of the several 
 counties, 
 
 Q. How is the climate ? 
 
 A. It is generally supposed that the climate of this state 
 has undergone, and is still undergoing a very material 
 change — that thunder and lightening are less frequent 
 the cold of our winters, and summers heat, are becoming 
 less uniform — the springs colder and at times more cle- 
 ment ; and that there is less cold in the winter and less 
 heat in the summer than sixty or seventy years ago. Judg- 
 ing, however, from the late past winters, this notion 
 seems not to be well founded. 
 
 The early part of spring is generally changeable, 
 stormy, and cold; in April, and tre early part of May, 
 the atmosphere is damp and cool. But at the close of 
 May all nature smiles to meet the pleasant morning of 
 June — it is then that the country is luxuriantly dressed in 
 its verdant garb and floral trim. While the weather is 
 frequently lustrated by the vivid flashing cloud's rich affu- 
 sion, amid the peals of loud thunder. But when the rich 
 crowned autumn approaches, then we have the most de- 
 lightful season in the year. 
 
 " Early in September, we perceive a gradual diminu- 
 tion of heat, cool evenings and mornings, and an agreea- 
 ble temperature during the day. With a slow, but gradual 
 increase of cold, the weather continues very pleasant till 
 the last of October, or middle of November. About that 
 time, the autumn is generally closed by a succession of 
 rains, which are regarded as the harbingers of winter. It 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49 
 
 ffllist, however, be acknowledged, that all the seasons are 
 subject to great, and very sudden changes. 
 
 It is said, there has been a very considerable diminu- 
 tion of water in Pennsylvania, that some streams, which 
 were formerly good mill seats, are now dry. This is sup- 
 posed to be owing to the removal of the forests, and con- 
 sequent increase of evaporation. 
 
 It is thought that western Pennsylvania, is subject to 
 greater changes, than the eastern part of the state. The 
 extremes of heat and cold are known to be greater. — 
 In the winter, the N. W. wind sweeps over the land 
 with uninterrupted violence, having neither mountains 
 to interrupt its force, nor sea to soften its rigour. The 
 lakes of ice and regions of snow, over which it passes, 
 serve to increase the intensity of cold. The prevailing 
 wind in summer is from the S. W. Coming from the 
 Gulf of Mexico, it follows the great valley of the Mis- 
 sissippi, for nearly two thousand miles, bringing with it 
 an increased temperature. This accounts for the excess 
 of heat and cold, with which this part of the state is 
 visited. The whole of western Pennsylvania is remarka- 
 bly healthy. 
 
 Q. What is the average quantity of water that falls 
 yearly in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. The average quantity of water which falls yearly is 
 from 24 to 26 inches, according to the statement of Dr. 
 Rush. But this would seem much too small, since a table 
 of 20 years, from 1810 to 1829, inclusive, 14 of which were 
 kept by P. Legeaux, Esq., at Spring Mills, and six at the 
 Pennsylvania Hospital, gives 35-16 inches; and a table 
 for ten years ending 1827, kept by Dr. Darlington, of West 
 Chester, gives 49-92 inches. In the first table, the highest 
 was 43-135 inches in 1814, and the lowest 23.354 in 1819 
 
 In the last table, the highest was 54-1 inches in 1824 r 
 the lowes, 39-3, in 1822. 
 
 5 
 
50 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q,. Can you give me a brief account of the Government 
 of this State ? 
 
 A. The existing constitution of Pennsylvania, was a- 
 dopted September 23, 1790. The legislative power is vest- 
 ed in a General Assembly, which consists of a Senate 
 and House of Representatives. No person shall be a rep- 
 resentative, who shall not have attained the age of 21 
 years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the state 
 three years next preceding his election, and the last year 
 thereof an inhabitant of the city or county in which he 
 shall be chosen ; unless he shall have been absent on the 
 public business of the United States or of this state. Rep- 
 resentatives are chosen annually. The senators shall be 
 chosen for four years by the citizens of Philadelphia, and 
 of the several counties, at the same time, in the same man- 
 ner, and at the same place where they shall vote for repre- 
 sentatives. No person shall be a senator who shall not 
 have attained the age of 25 years, and have been a citizen 
 and inhabitant of the state four years next before his 
 election, and the last year thereof an inhabitant of the 
 district for which he shall have been chosen ; unless he 
 shall have been absent on public business of the United 
 States or of this state. The senators shall be chosen in 
 in districts, to be formed by the legislature; each district 
 containing such a number of taxable inhabitants as shall 
 be entitled to elect not more than four senators. When a 
 district is composed of two or more counties, they shall 
 be adjoining. Neither the city of Philadelphia, nor any 
 county, shall be divided in forming a district. In elections 
 by the citizens, every freeman of the age of 21 years, hav- 
 ing resided in the state two years next before the elec- 
 tion, and within that time have paid a state or county tax, 
 which shall have been assessed at least six months before 
 the election, shall enjoy the light of an elector. An enu- 
 meration of the taxable inhabitants shall be made sepa- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA . 5 1 
 
 rately in such manner as shall be directed by law. Such 
 enumerations have been made in 1793, 1800, 1807, &c. up 
 to 1835. The supreme executive power shall be vested 
 in a Governor, who shall be chosen on the second Tues- 
 day of October, by the citizens of the commonwealth, at 
 the place where they shall respectively vote for represen- 
 tatives. The person having the highest number of votes 
 shall be Governor. But, if two or more shall be equal 
 and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Gov- 
 ernor by the joint vote of the members of both houses. 
 The Governor shall hold his office during three years 
 from the third Tuesday of December, next ensuing his 
 election ; and shall not be capable of holding it longer 
 than 9 3^ears in any term of 12 years. He shall be at least 
 30 years of age, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of 
 this state seven years next before his election ; unless he 
 shall have been absent on the public business of the U. 
 States, or of this state. No member of Congress, or 
 person holding any office under the United States or this 
 state, shall exercise the office of Governor. The Governor 
 shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy o^ 
 the commonwealth, and the militia ; except when they 
 shall be called into the actual service of the U. States. — 
 He shall appoint all officers whose offices are established 
 by the constitution of the commonwealth, or are created 
 by law, and whose appointments are not otherwise pro- 
 vided for. He shall have power to remit fine 5 and for- 
 feitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in 
 cases of impeachment. Every bill, which shall have pass- 
 ed both houses of the General Assembly, shall be present- 
 ed to the Governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, but 
 if he shall not approve, he shall return it, with his excep- 
 tions, to the house in which it shall have originated, and 
 must be first examined in that house, and sent to the 
 other, with the Governor's objections. And if the bill be 
 approved by two-thirds of each house, it shall, not with- 
 
[,2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 standing the Governor's exceptions, become a law. Any 
 bill sent to the Governor and not returned in ten days, 
 Sundays excepted, becomes also a law. 
 
 The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, 
 in courts of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail De- 
 livery, in a court of Common Pleas, Orphan's Court, 
 Register's Court, and a court of Quarter Sessions of the 
 peace for each county, in Justices of the Peace, &c. The 
 state is divided into 16 judicial circuits, overeach of which 
 is appointed a President Judge. For the Supreme Court 
 five districts have been formed. The jurisdiction of the 
 Supreme t^ourt extends over the state, and the judges 
 thereof are, by virtue of their offices, justices of Oyer 
 and Terminer and General Jail Delivery, in the several 
 counties. The trial by jury in issues of fact, to remain 
 i inviolate. No person who acknowledges the being of a 
 God, and a future state of rewards and punishments, 
 shail, on account of his religious sentiments, be disquali- 
 fied to hold any office, or place ot trust or profit, in 
 this commonwealth. 
 
 Q. What is the population of Pennsylvania ? 
 A. The following table exhibits the population of Penn- 
 sylvania, according to the late census : 
 
 Of 5 years, and under 10, 188,918 
 Of 10 " 15, 162,462 
 
 Of 15 " 20, 149,089 
 
 Of 20 " 30, 240,992 
 
 Of 30 « 40, 144,776 
 
 Of 40 and upwards, 561,996 
 
 Total, 1,348,233 
 
 Of these, there are 37,930 free colored people, and 403 
 slaves. 
 
 The population of this state is rapidly increasing. In 
 1700, the population was 20,000 ; in 1757, 200,000 ; 1790. 
 
■ OP-PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 53 
 
 439,373, including 3,737 slaves; in 1800, 602,545; in 1810, 
 800,091; in 1820, 1,049,313; in 1830, 1,348,233, and at 
 present, (1836,) not less than 1,600,000. 
 
 What are its civil divisions, &c. 
 
 A. Pennsylvania is divided into 53 counties. The fol- 
 lowing table exhibits at one view, the names of the coun- 
 ties in which they were established, the area in square 
 miles, the population for 1810, 1820, and 1830, and the 
 number of representatives. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 when | 
 estab- 
 ished 1 
 
 Area 
 in sq. 
 
 milts 
 
 POPULATION EY CENSUS. 
 
 1910. 
 
 1320 | 
 
 1833. | No. of rep. 
 
 Philadelphia City 
 
 16S2 
 
 2 
 
 53722 
 
 City & co. 
 
 80408 
 
 7 
 
 Philadelphia Co. 
 
 16S2 
 
 120 
 
 57488 
 
 137037 
 
 1083SI 
 
 8 
 
 Bucks 
 
 1682 
 
 600 
 
 32371 
 
 37812 
 
 45745 
 
 3 
 
 Chesfer 
 
 1SS2 
 
 ,738 
 
 395C-7 
 
 44431 
 
 5C91C 
 
 j. 
 
 Lancaster 
 
 1729 
 
 923 
 
 53927 
 
 63336 
 
 76631 
 
 ( 
 
 YorK 
 
 .1749 
 
 soo 
 
 31933 
 
 33759 
 
 42859 
 
 
 Cumberland 
 
 1750 
 
 545 
 
 86757 
 
 S3SQ6 
 
 29226 
 
 i 
 
 
 1752 
 
 674 
 
 43046 
 
 4 5275 
 
 53152 
 
 i 
 
 Northampton 
 
 1752 
 
 1000 
 
 39145 
 
 SI 763 
 
 33182 
 
 3i 
 
 IJedfer-l 
 
 vn\ 
 
 1520 
 
 1574S 
 
 20243 
 
 21502 
 
 2 
 
 Northumberland 
 
 1772 
 
 457 
 
 363S7 
 
 15124 
 
 IS133 
 
 1 
 
 Westmoreland 
 
 J773 
 
 1004 
 
 2S492 
 
 30510 
 
 SSiOO 
 
 2 
 
 li-gton 
 
 1781 
 
 £93 
 
 3S239 
 
 40038 
 
 42784 
 
 3 
 
 f ayette 
 
 i7S3 
 
 8M 
 
 24714 
 
 £7285 
 
 2S17S 
 
 2 
 
 Franklin 
 
 ::si 
 
 73S 
 
 23173 
 
 31892 
 
 S50S7 
 
 2 
 
 Motgcmery 
 
 :«g4 
 
 '5) 
 
 29SS3 
 
 35793 
 
 39405 
 
 2 
 
 D^'-'phin 
 
 tf?5 
 
 523 
 
 31683 
 
 21653 
 
 23243 
 
 2 
 
 L:r.?rne 
 
 17S3 
 
 1734 
 
 19109 
 
 20027 
 
 Z70 r :3 
 
 o 
 
 Huntingdon 
 
 1787 
 
 1183 
 
 I477S 
 
 20142 
 
 27145 
 
 1 
 
 Allegheny 
 
 1738 
 
 754 
 
 23317 
 
 34921 
 
 50552 
 
 4 
 
 Mifflin 
 
 17«9 
 
 825 
 
 12132 
 
 16618 
 
 216D0 
 
 3t? 
 
 Delaware 
 
 1789 
 
 117 
 
 15734 
 
 14810 
 
 17321 
 
 1 
 
 Lycorhing 
 
 i7?5 
 
 2290 
 
 noos 
 
 13517 
 
 17636 
 
 2c 
 
 ?rse: 
 
 i7So 
 
 IOCS 
 
 11235 
 
 13974 
 
 17762 
 
 94 
 
 G reene 
 
 I7S3 
 
 600 
 
 15541 
 
 15551 
 
 1S028 
 
 2 
 
 .;ne 
 
 17J3 
 
 720 
 
 4125 
 
 4127 
 
 7663 
 
 l e 
 
 ^Adatna 
 
 ..-: j 
 
 523 
 
 15152 
 
 19370 
 
 21378 
 
 3 
 
 . Centre 
 Baaver 
 Butler 
 
 IS 00 
 
 1370 
 785 
 
 1C681 
 
 12168 
 
 * 7347 
 
 13706 
 15340 
 13193 
 
 18879 
 24123 
 14681 
 
 1 
 t 
 
 Mercer 
 Crawford 
 r e 
 
 -» 
 
 830 
 974 
 
 723 
 
 8*77 
 6178 
 
 11681 
 9397 
 8553 
 
 19729 
 
 15030 
 
 rc4i 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
54 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Warren V I"~ 
 
 18CO 
 
 632 
 
 827 
 
 197G 
 
 4667 
 
 1 
 
 Venango 
 
 " 
 
 1111 
 
 SCSI 
 
 4915 
 
 9170 
 
 1 
 
 Arms rong 
 
 " 
 
 911 
 
 6143 
 
 10321 
 
 17S25 
 
 1 
 
 Indiana 
 
 1803 
 
 770 
 
 €214 
 
 8882" 
 
 U252 
 
 1 
 
 Jefferson 
 
 1801 
 
 1200 
 
 1CI 
 
 561 
 
 »25 
 
 
 McKean 
 
 " 
 
 1112 
 
 142 
 
 728 
 
 1139 
 
 
 Clearfield 
 
 P 
 
 14?$ 
 
 673 
 
 2342 
 
 4S03 
 
 
 Potter 
 
 " 
 
 11O0 
 
 2J 
 
 HJfi 
 
 12C5 
 
 -1 
 
 Tioga 
 
 " 
 
 1100 
 
 163T 
 
 4021 
 
 .6578 
 
 
 Cambria 
 
 '* 
 
 670 
 
 2117 
 
 3267 
 
 7076 
 
 
 .Bradford 
 
 mo 
 
 1171 
 
 
 11554 
 
 19746 
 
 1 
 
 Sssquehanna 
 
 1810 
 
 eo) 
 
 
 9960 
 
 16767 
 
 I 
 
 Sthuylkill 
 
 1811 
 
 745 
 
 
 11339 
 
 20711 
 
 1 
 
 Lehigh 
 
 1813 
 
 335 
 
 
 163S5 
 
 22255 
 
 8 
 
 Columbia 
 
 1813 
 
 574 
 
 
 1762 1 
 
 2C059 
 
 1 
 
 Uaion 
 
 1613 
 
 551 
 
 
 16619 
 
 20795 
 
 
 Lebanon 
 
 1813 
 
 £68 
 
 
 16S8J 
 
 20557 
 
 1 
 
 Pike 
 
 1814 
 
 m 
 
 
 $804 
 
 4613 
 
 
 Perry 
 
 1830 
 
 610 
 
 
 113J? 
 
 142S1 
 
 1 
 
 Jur.iata 
 
 1831 
 
 36> 
 
 
 
 ~ 7672 
 
 
 Mcnroe 
 
 IBM 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 :-^r inc'.uding -Monroe ;b including Juniata and Unior; c including Clearfield ; dja- 
 1 tiding Cambria; e including Pike; f including Jeffcrso.i and McKean; g. including 
 Tioga. 
 
 Note, — The following- alphabetical aketch of each county-Tjits 
 boundaries — townships — streams, surfaces, soil, minerals, Sfctyc. 
 has been very carefully collated from tho Pennsylvania Gazetteer, 
 from Hazard's Register o:f Pennsylvania and from other authentic 
 sources. 
 
 '' Q. What are the boundaries, townships, streams &c. of 
 Jldams county ? 
 
 A. Adams county is one of the southern counties ; 
 bounded on the N. by Cumberland, N. E. and E. by York, 
 S. by Frederick county, Maryland }V. by Franklin— It is di- 
 vided into the following township^ Berwick, Cumberland, 
 Conewago, Hamiiton-bar, Hamilton, Huntingdon, Germa- 
 ny, Franklin, MenaHen, Mountjoy* Mountpleasant, Lati- 
 more, Liberty, Reading, Tyrone, Strabane. The surface 
 is much diversified. The soil is of various qualities, 
 from the worst to the best. TJjere are no navigable 
 streams, in the county— «there are however some excellent 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. g§ 
 
 mill streams, as the Conewago, Marsh creek, Rock creek, 
 Wilallo ways, and Piney creek. Population principally 
 Germans and settlers from New Jersey. There are some 
 valuable minerals in this county; particular, iron and cop- 
 per. Gettysburg is the seat of justice ; in 1830, population 
 was 1473. The Theological seminary of the Luthern 
 Church, and the Pennsylvania college, both flourishing in- 
 stitutions are located at this place. Besides these there 
 are other academies and schools. Stores and taverns nu- 
 merous. 
 
 <i. What are the boundaries, &c. of Alleghany county -? 
 
 A. .Alleghany has.- Washington county S. and S. W., 
 Beaver N. W. ; Butler N. ; and Westmoreland E. Length 
 from E. to W. 32 miles, mean breadth 18. It is divided in- 
 to the following townships, Deer, Elizabeth, Fayette, 
 Findlay, Franklin, Indiana, Mifflin, Moon, Ohio, s Pit t, 
 Pine, Plum, , Ross, Robinson, St. Clair, Versailles, 
 i — it also contains several boroughs. The face^pf this 
 county is in a peculiar manner diversified. .. Though 
 not traversed by any mountain chain, the hills are high 
 and swelling. The soil is fertile to the highest summits, 
 and in its natural state covered with a very dense forest. 
 Put it is the rivers and their variegated banks, which 
 iorm the true decoration of this fine county; the Allegha- 
 ,ny enters from the N. E. and the Monongahela from the 
 S. E., and uniting at.,P]ttsburg, form the^Ohio ; (he latter 
 winding to the N. W. traverses, 14 .miles of the western 
 part of the county. To the rivers may be added Chartiers 
 and many other creeks, which contribute to drain and 
 fertilize the fine vales which spread over this beautiful 
 country. 
 
 In its valleys and along the water courses are ash,.su= 
 gar-maple, cherry, elm, different species of oak, walnut and 
 wild grapes. It abounds with bituminous coal — this val- 
 uable mineral is found near the surface along the Allegha- 
 ny and Monongahela rivers. The roads are generally 
 
56 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISE 
 
 well improved. Pittsburg, the great Emporium of the 
 west, is the seat of justice, and the incorporated part alone • 
 contained a population of 12,568 in 1830 and no doubt 
 that Pittsburg with its suburbs contains no less than 30, 
 000 souls at present. ( See Article Pittsburg.) 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries and extent of Armstrong 
 county ? 
 
 A. Armstrong county is bounded on the north by Clar- 
 ion creek which divides it from Venango county, E. by Jef- 
 ferson, and S. E. by Indiana, S. by Kiskiminitas river 
 which separates it from Westmoreland, and W. by But- 
 ler. Length, 45 miles, mean width, 20 miles. It is divided 
 into the following townships: Alleghany, Buffalo, Clarion, 
 Kittaning, Perry, Plumb creek, Redbank, Toby, Sugar- 
 creek, Wayne, Kiskiminitas. The surface is much varie- 
 gated with hill and dale, considerably broken and soil di- 
 versified — large bodies of it nearly worthless. The timber 
 varies according to the soil, — there is black, red, white 
 and rock oak, chesnut, hickory, ash, walnut, sugar-maple, 
 A elm, cherry, some pine and cedar, but not abundant. The 
 county is well watered. The Alleghany river divides it in- 
 to two unequal parts — The principal creeks are, Toby's, 
 Mahoning, Crooked, Cowanshannock, Pine, Piney 
 creek, and Buffalo. Banks of coal are found along 
 Redbank and Mahoning creeks 12 feet thick. Alumine and 
 coppsras are found. Iron ore is abundant every where 
 — Lead ore has been discovered. Several turnpike roads 
 pass through this county. Kittaining is the seat of jus- 
 tice, its population in 1830 was 526. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Bradford county^ 
 -A. Bradford county is one of the northern counties 
 bounded on the N. by N. York, E. by Susquehanna coun- 
 ty and S. E. by Luzerne, S. by Lycoming county, and W. 
 by Tioga county. It is divided into the following town- 
 . ships. Albany/ Asylum, Athens, Burlington, Canton* 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 5'« 
 
 Columbia, Franklin, Litchfield, Monroe, Orwell, Pike, 
 Ridgeberry, Sheshequin, Smithfield, Sprugfield, Troy, To- 
 wanda, Ulster, Warren, Wells, Windham, Wysox, Wy- 
 alusing, Tuscarora. The county is formed by two slopes 
 the western declining rather E. of N. towards the Susque- 
 hanna — the surface of this county is mountainous, though 
 much excellent soil skirts the streams. It has a diversifi- 
 ed surface. The productions are all kind of timber com- 
 mon to Pennsylvania. The staples are grain, flour, whis- 
 key, fruit, salted provisions and lumber. The principal 
 streams are the Susquehanna, the Wepossening creek ; 
 Wysox, Rumnerfield, Wyalusing, Sugar, Duvals creek 
 and Tioga river. Iron ore and coal ore the principal min- 
 erals. The Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike road passes 
 through this county. The seat of justice is Towanda, 
 situated on the W. bank of the Susquehanna river, 128 
 miles N. from Harrisburg — was incorporated in 1828. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Beaver county ? 
 
 A. Beaver county is bounded on the N. by Mercer, E. 
 by Butler, S. E. by Alleghany, S. by Washington, and W. 
 by the state of Ohio. Its greatest length along the state 
 oi Ohio is 36 miles, mean breadth 18 miles. It is divided 
 into the following townships : North Beaver, Big Beaver, 
 Little Beaver, South Beaver, Brighton, Chippewa, Falls- 
 town, Greene, Economy, Hanover, Hopewell, Moon, Ohio, 
 Shenango, New Sewickly, North Sewickly. This county 
 belongs to the secondary geological formation; the 
 strata throughout lying horizontal, and preserving that 
 uniformity which distinguishes the great valley west of 
 the Alleghany mountains. The portion of the county S. 
 of the Ohio, and the district extending 10 miles N. of that 
 river, have generally a hilly surface, interspersed with 
 fine bottoms, and large tracts of level and rolling land, 
 admirably adapted for grain and grazing farms ; and par- 
 
58 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ticularly for raising sheep. Besides the different species of 
 oak, and other timber common to the N. West part of 
 Pennsylvania, as ash, sugar maple, walnut, and sycamore, 
 the vine and mulberry grow luxuriously and sponta- 
 neously. This county is well watered. The Ohio river 
 enters it about 14 miles below Pittsburg, and in its on- 
 ward course in this county, receives the Big Heaver creek, 
 Big Sewickly, Raccoon creek, Mahoning and Shenangc 
 rivers; the Slippery Rock and the Conequenessing creeks 
 are the principal streams. Iron ore of various kinds has 
 been found in many parts ; and sulphur and iron in va- 
 rious states of combination. Limestone and bituminous 
 coal are abundant. There are several salt water wells in 
 this county. Roads and other similar improvements are 
 beginning to be numerous. The seat ot justice is Beaver, 
 which contains a population of 1,000 or 1,200, and is a 
 place of considerable business. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Bedford county ? 
 ''A. Bedford county is bounded on the N. and'N. E. by 
 Huntingdon, E. by Franklin, S. Maryland, W. by Somer- 
 set. Greatest length from the Maryland line to the north- 
 ern angle, 52 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships: Aair, Bedford, Belfast, Bethel, Colerain, Cumber- 
 land Valley, Dublin, Greenfield, Hopewell, Londonderry, 
 Napier, Providence, Southampton, St. Clair, Woodbury. 
 The surface of the county is very mountainous. The 
 Cove and Tuscorara mountains are on the E. ; proceed- 
 ing thence W. we cross Scrub Hill, Sideling Hill, Town 
 Hill, Clear Ridge, Warrior's Ridge, Tassey's Mountain, 
 Denning's Mountain, Will's Mountain, and Buffalo Ridge. 
 Though the country is generally broken, still there are 
 some fine limestone farms, well cultivated, especially those 
 near M'Connellstown, Friends' cove, and Morrison's cove- 
 The timber is chjefly white oak,jchesnut, hickory, pine 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA* 59 
 
 and sugar maple. This county is wholly of transition 
 formation, and abounds in mineral wealth, as bituminous 
 coal and iron ore are in abundance. Wheat, rye, and oats, 
 are their universal crops. Bedford is the seat of justice', 
 on the great road leading from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. 
 In 1830, it contained 879 inhabitants. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries «&c. of Berks county ? 
 
 A. Berks is bounded by Lehigh county on the N. E., 
 Montgomery on the E., Chester on the S. E., Lancaster on 
 the S., Lebanon on the S.W., and the Kittatinny mountain 
 on the W. and N. W., separating it from Schuylkill. — 
 Mean length, 34 miles ; breadth, 30 miles. It is divided 
 into the following townships : Amity, Alsace, Albany, 
 Bethel, Breckneck, Caernaroon, Cumru, Colebrookdale, 
 Douglass, Earl, East District, Exeter, Greenwich, Heidle- 
 berg, Hereford, Longswamp, Lower Bern, Maiden creek, 
 Maxatawney, Oley, Pike, Richmond, Robeson, Ruscomb, 
 Rockland, Manor, Tulpehocken, Union, Upper^ Bern, 
 Windsor, Upper Tulpehocken. 
 
 The face of this fine country is greatly diversified ; 
 bounded on the N. W. by the Kittatinny, and S. E. by 
 the S. E. chain of mountains, it contains part of. two 
 mountain valleys. The general slope is to the southeast- 
 ward, and is traversed in that direction by the Schuylkill 
 river, which breaks through the Blue Ridge at Reading. 
 The latter chain traverses Berks in a southwestern di- 
 rection, dividing the county into two unequal valley sec- 
 tions. The lower and lesser, lies between the Blue 
 Ridge and Southeast mountain, and widens from N. E. 
 to S. W. from three to fifteen miles. The section above 
 the Blue Ridge has a nearly equal breadth of eighteen 
 miles, something more than a third of which is on the 
 great limestone strata which flanks the Blue Ridge on 
 the northwestern side.. The limestone tract is the most 
 fertile, but the general character of the soif'of the county 
 
50 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 is that of productiveness, and the staples are numerous 
 and valuable. The mean level of the arable soil of Berks 
 is about three hundred feet above the level of tide water 
 in the Delaware river. The seasons of inflorescence, fo- 
 liage, and of harvest, are sensibly different above and be- 
 low the Blue Ridge. 
 
 There are all kinds of timber usually common to this 
 part of Pennsylvania. This county is well watered; — 
 the Schuylkill river divides it into almost two equal parts. 
 In its course in this county, the Schuylkill receives from 
 the W. Irish, North Kill, Little North Kill, Tulpenhocken, 
 Spring, Cacoosing Wymissing, Angelica, Allegheny, Hay 
 and Mill creeks, and from the E. Maiden, Dry, Roush, Ma- 
 nokesy, and Manatawney creeks. Some of the head wa- 
 ters of the Lehigh and Swatara have their sources in 
 this county. There is a vast quantity of iron manufac- 
 tured in this county. In three years time, eleven fur- 
 naces have produced 14,411 tons of pig iron, and 3,587 
 tons of casting. I have seen some fine specimens of 
 copper ore brought from this county. Roads and other 
 public improvements are numerous. Reading is the seat 
 of justice; in 1830 it contained 6631 souls. (See descrip- 
 tion of Reading.) 
 
 What are the boundaries &c. of Bucks county ? 
 
 A. Bucks county is bounded by Philadelphia county S, 
 Montgomery's. W., Lehigh and Northampton counties 
 N. W. Delaware river separating it from New Jersey 
 Greatest length 42 miles mean breadth 1 3 miles. It is di 
 vided into the following townships, Bristol, Bensalem 
 Bedminster, Buckingham, Doylestown, Durham, FaMs 
 Haycock, Hilltown, Lower Makefield, Upper Makefield 
 Middletown, Milford, Newtown, New Britain, Northamp 
 ton, Nockanixon, Plumstead, Richland, RockhiU, Solebu 
 ry, Southampton, Springfield, Tinicum, Warminster; 
 Warrington, Warwick, Wrightstown. The surface is 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. q\ 
 
 pleasantly broken into hill and dale, and the northwes- 
 tern border formed, by one of the minor chains of the Ap- 
 palachian system. Of the large creeks which rise and 
 terminate in this county, the principal are the Neshamony 
 in the southern, and Tohicken in the northern part. The 
 limestone region and alluvial flats on the Delaware, pro- 
 duce very fine crops of wheat. It is well watered — the 
 principal streams are the Delaware, Neshamony, Perkio- 
 men and Tohicken creek, and Jugham's spring. * There 
 is a valuable mine of plumbago, at blackhead, in this county 
 which is very productive. It is on the summit of a hill 
 in Southampton township, and has been perforated to the 
 depth of 100 feet. By the aid of two pumps, one horse, 
 and 6 workmen, 25,000 dollars worth has been, raised 
 within the space of three years. The plumbago of this 
 mine is said to be of a superior quality, and the best yet 
 discovered, excepting that of one mine in England. It is 
 sold, for from fifteen, to forty-five cents per pound. 
 
 Doylestown is the seat of justice — the population in 1830, 
 was 1,777. There are rising of 100 dwelling houses, 5 
 stores and 6 taverns in it. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Butler county ? 
 
 A. Butler county, is bounded by Alleghany S., Beaver, 
 W., Mercer N. W., Venango N., and Armstong E., length 
 35, mean breadth 23 miles — is divided into the following 
 townships, Butler, Buffalo, Centre, Clearfield, Conequeh- 
 essing, Cranberry, Donegal, Mercer, Middlesex, Muddy- 
 creek, Parker, Slippery Rock, Venango. The face of the 
 country is generally favorably disposed for agriculture. 
 The timber consists of white, black, and other oaks, beech, 
 maple, blackash, sugar maple, cherry, &c. It is w T ell wa- 
 tered. The Alleghany river touches its N. E., and S. E-. 
 boundaries, and receives from it Lowry's, Crawford's, Re- 
 dick's, and Jones' runs, Bear creek, several branches of 
 Big Buffalo creek, and the Little Buffalo creek. West* 
 
 6 
 
£2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISxH 
 
 ward, it is drained by Slippery Rock creek and its several 
 "branches, Muddy creek, Conequenessing and Brush 
 creeks, tributaries of the Big Beaver ; and by a branch 
 of the Big Sewickly creek, which flows into the Ohio; 
 
 This county, like many others in Pennsylvania, ha? 
 been the residence of the mammoth. In 1819, whilst dig- 
 ging the well at the salt-works, about one and a half mile 
 N. E. of the town of Butler, the grinder of one of these 
 huge animals was found, four feet below the surface of 
 the rock, among several fragments of much decayed bones. 
 Its weight was five pounds, length seven inches. 
 
 Butler is the seat of justice — the population in 1830, was 
 580. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, «fec. of Cambria county ? 
 
 A. Cambria is bounded E. by the Alleghany chain which 
 separates it from Bedford and Huntingdon, N., by Clear- 
 field, W., by Laurel Hill, separating it from Indiana, and 
 Westmoreland, and S., by Somerset. Length from S. to 
 N. 36 miles, mean breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the 
 following townships, Alleghany, Cambria, Clearfield. 
 Conemaugh, Jackson, Munster, Loretto, Summerhill, Sus- 
 quehanna. The surface is hilly, rocky, and in part moun- 
 tainous, with a soil of middling quality. Almost ev- 
 ery species of timber abounds on the mountains, except 
 the white oak — some of the trees grow to a large size. It 
 is well watered, by the Conemaugh, Stony creek, Clear- 
 field and Blacklick creeks. There is iron ore here, and 
 coal is abundantly found in various parts, but more par- 
 ticularly in the southern division. The turnpike road 
 from Huntingdon to Pittsburg passes through this county, 
 Ebensburg is the seat of justice ; in 1830 the population 
 was 270. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Centre County ? 
 
 A. Centre county is bounded N. and W., by Lycoming. 
 W. branch of the Susquehanna, which separates it from 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 6- 
 
 Clearfield and Lycoming W. and N. W., by Huntingdon 
 and Mifflin, S., and by Union, E., Length 58, breadth 3*3 
 s. It is divided into the following townships; Bald 
 Eagle, Eoggs, Ferguson, Gregg, Hains, Howard, Half- 
 moon, Logan, Lamar. Miles, Potter, Rush, Patton, Spring. 
 Walker. It is mountainous and rocky, though the soil 
 is good in many places, — the mountains abound with fine 
 umber. It is not well watered. The mineral resources 
 are good. There are several turnpikes running through 
 it. Bellefonte is the seat of justice: population in 1830, 
 was 699. 
 
 Q. "What are the boundaries; &c. of Chester county ; 
 
 A. Chester county is bounded by Lancaster county W.. 
 Berks. N. W., Schuylkill river, which separates it from 
 Montgomery, N. E., Delaware county E., Newcastle coun- 
 ty in the state of Delaware S. E., and Cecil county, Mary- 
 land S. Length 44 miles, mean breadth 18 miles. It is di- 
 vided into the following townships, Bradford W., Brad- 
 lord, E., Birmingham, Brandywine, Cain E., Cain W., 
 estown, Coventry, Eastown, Fallowfield E., Fallow- 
 field W., Goshen E., Goshen W., Honeybrooke, Kennet, 
 London Grove, London Britain, Oxford Upper, Oxford 
 Lower, Marlborough E., Marlborough W., Newlin, New 
 Garden, New London, Nottingham E,, Nottingham W.» 
 Londonderry, Penn, Nantmeal E., Nantmeal W., Pike- 
 land, Pennsbury, Sadsbury, Schuylkill, Tredyffrin, Thorn- 
 bury, Uwchlan, Vincent, Whiteland E., Whiteland W., 
 Willistown, West-Town. The surface is very diver- 
 sified; the eastern part rolling, rather than hilly, 
 and in some places level, but the central and west- 
 ern part hilly, and in many places very mountainous. 
 The soil is generally varied from rocky and sterile to 
 highly fertile; more than 600,000 bushels of lime are annu- 
 
£4 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ally used in this county, for manure. The timber is nor 
 so very strong. The principal streams are Brandy wine 
 and French creek. 
 
 Chester county presents to the mineralogist a rich field 
 for investigation. Her limestone, serpentine and gneis f 
 the predominant rocks, contain inexhaustible beds of in- 
 teresting minerals, and the many quarries in operation 
 greatly facilitate the means of procuring them. These 
 circumstances, with the polite attention manifested to stran- 
 gers by the inhabitants, and the admirable hospitality 
 which characterizes them,- furnish strong inducements to 
 the mineralogist to visit the county. 
 
 The roads are generally good and traverse the county 
 in all directions. West Chester is the seat of justice; pop- 
 ulation in 1830, was 1,258 (See description of West Chester.) 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clearfield county ? 
 
 A. Clearfield county is bounded by Cambria S., Indiana 
 S. W., Jefferson W. and N. W., M'Kean N., Lycoming N. 
 E., the west branch of the Susquehanna river E., separat- 
 ing it from Centre, and Mushannon creek S. E., separating 
 it from the southwestern part of Centre. Length from 
 S. to N. 45 miles, mean breadth 32. It is divided into the 
 following townships: Brady, Bradford, Beccaria, Chest, 
 Covington, Decatur, Fox, Gibson, Lawrence, Pike. Its 
 surface is broken and hilly — even mountainous; but the 
 mountains do not form regular chains or ridges, but are- 
 broken and turned in all directions. The soils are as va- 
 rious as the surface. The limestone and alluvial lands o^ 
 the valleys are excellent. The timber is of all the varie- 
 ties indigenous to the country. The county is extremely 
 well watered. Bituminous coal and iron ore abound. — 
 Several turnpike roads pass through it. Clearfield is the 
 seat of justice, having in 1830 six hundred and seventeen 
 of a population. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 
 
 ! Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Columbia county ? 
 
 A. Columbia county is bounded by Northumberland 
 W., Lycoming N. W., Luzerne N. E., Susquehanna S. E., 
 and Northumberland S. and S. W. Length from S. to N. 
 35, mean breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the following 
 townships : Greenwood, Madison, Hemlock, Brown, Briar 
 creek, Liberty, Sugarloaf, Mountpleasant, Mifflin, Lime- 
 stone, Derry, Catawissa, Mahoning, Fishing creek. The 
 surface is uneven, and diversified by mountain, hill, and 
 valley. The soil of the alluvial bottom of the Susque- 
 hanna is good, and there is considerable limestone in 
 this county. It is well watered. It abounds in mineral 
 wealth. The anthracite coal and iron ore found in it, are 
 of an excellent quality. Roads and other improvements 
 are not wanting. Danville is the seat of justice, its popu- 
 lation in 1830 was about 700. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 
 
 A. Crawford county is bounded by Erie N., Warren E., 
 Venango S. E., Mercer S., and by Ohio W. and S. W. 
 Length 43 miles, mean width 22. It is divided into the 
 following townships: Meadville, Randolph, Oil creek, 
 Troy, Athens, Rome, Sparta, Richmond, Bloomfield, Rock- 
 dale, Woodcock, Venango, Cussawago, Spring, Beaver, 
 Conneaut, Hayfield, Vernon, Sadsbury, North Shenango, 
 South Shenango, Fallowfleld, Greenwood, Fairfield, Som- 
 merhill. 
 
 The surface of the county is undulating, and the soil 
 generally of a good quality, and there is little or none 
 worthless in the county. It is well watered and timber- 
 ed. The principal streams are French creek, Oil, Muddy, 
 Woodcock, Big and Little Sugar and Cussawago creeks, 
 tributaries of French creek. The principal minerals are 
 iron and salt. There is another production found in this 
 county called Seneca Oil. Hollow places are made in 
 the low spongy ground, bordering on the creek, which 
 
 6* 
 
qq GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 being filled with water, the oil swims on the top, ana 
 is taken off and used for lamps arid various other pur- 
 poses. Considerable quantities are annually sent to the 
 eastern markets. Meadyille is the seat of justice. Popu- 
 lation in 1830, 1094; at present 1600. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cumberland coun- 
 ty? 
 
 A. Cumberland county is bounded N. W. and N. by 
 the Kittatiany, or as there locally named, North mountain, 
 which separates it from Perry, Susquehanna river sepa- 
 rating it from Dauphin, E., York county S. E., Adams S., 
 Franklin S. W. Length 34 miles, mean breadth 16, and 
 area 544 square miles. It is divided into the following 
 townships: Allen, Dickenson, East Pennsborough, Frank- 
 ford, Hopewell, Mifflin, Monroe, Newton, North Middje- 
 ton, Silverspring, Southampton, South Middleton, West 
 Pennsborough. This county, from its peculiar situation, 
 belongs in part to the great central transition formation 
 of the state, and partakes of the singular structure which 
 distinguishes this valley in its whole course; the S. eastern 
 half is composed of limestone, and the N. western of alu- 
 minous slate. The surface of the country is determined 
 by the nature of its base. The limestone country is ge- 
 nerally level, and the soil much superior to that of the 
 slate. The water is also more regularly distributed in 
 the slate than in the limestone formation. The several 
 streams that water the interior of it are the Conodoquinet, 
 Greenspring, Bigspring, Silverspring, Cedarspring, Le- 
 tartspring, and the Yellow Breeches creek on the S. E. 
 We might here also notice the Sulphur Spring at the 
 foot of the Blue mountain. We have iron ore, and it 
 chiefly abounds, if not wholly, in the limestone forma- 
 tion. The turnpike road from Harrisburg to Chambers- 
 burg, crosses the county S. W. by the borough of Car- 
 lisle ; and another road directed towards Baltimore, runs 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67 
 
 from Carlisle S. E. by Petersburg and Abbottstown, in 
 Adams county, and by Hanover into York county, to 
 the state line. Carlisle is the seat of justice. Here is 
 Dickinson College, under the auspices of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, — at present it is in a flourishing condi- 
 tion. The population of Carlisle in 1830 was 3710. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Dauphin county ? 
 
 A. Dauphin county is bounded by Mahantango creek, 
 which divides it from Northumberland N., by Schuylkill 
 N. E.; Lebanon E., Conewago creek, which separates it 
 from Lancaster S., and by the Susquehanna river, which 
 separates it from York S. W., and from Cumberland and 
 Perry W. Length 38 miles, mean breadth 16. It is di. 
 vided into the following townships: Lykens, Mifflin, Up- 
 per Paxton, Halifax, Jackson, Rush, Middle Paxton, Sus- 
 quehanna, Lower Paxton, Hanover, Swatara, Derry, 
 Londonderry. The surface of this county varies much 
 in fertility ; one-fourth may be estimated mountainous,, 
 and altogether unfit for cultivation. It is well watered ; 
 the principal streams are the Swatara, Paxton, Clark's, 
 Armstrong's and Wiconisco creeks; and the west is wa- 
 tered by the Susquehanna river. Anthracite coal is abun- 
 dant in this county. There are three turnpike road com- 
 panies. (See article, Turnpikes.) Harrisburg is the seat 
 of justice. Population in 1830, 4312. (See article Har* 
 risburg.) 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 
 
 A. Delaware county is bounded by Chester county W. 
 and N. W., Montgomery N. E., Philadelphia county E. y 
 Delaware river, separating it from Gloucester county, N,. 
 Jersey, S. E., and New Castle county, S. Length 20 miles, 
 mean breadth 11. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships: Aston, Bethel, Birmingham, Chester, Concord, Up- 
 per Chichester, Lower Chichester, Darby, Upper Provi- 
 dence, Nether Providence, Marple, Springfield, Newtown, 
 
QS GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Middletown, Tinicum, Upper Darby, Ridley, Haveriord, 
 Thornbury, and Radnor. This county, with the excep- 
 tion of a narrow margin of alluvion, along the Delaware, 
 pertains to the primitive formation. The soil is good, 
 and under the care of its industrious inhabitants is 
 scarce surpassed in fertility by any in the state. The 
 surface of the country above the alluvion is rolling, and 
 becomes somewhat hilly towards the west. The princi- 
 pal streams are Cobb's, Darby, Crum, Ridley, Chester, 
 Hook, Muskinipates, and Brandywine creeks ; these all 
 flow into the Delaware. A mine of copper ore has been 
 opened on Chester creek, about a mile above the town 
 of Chester. The ore is said to contain 53 per cent, of 
 copper, 48 ounces of silver in every 100 pounds, and one 
 grain of gold in each ounce of the ore. The sulphuret 
 of molybdena is also found here in large quantities. — 
 Chester is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 was 
 848. 
 j. Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Erie county ? 
 
 A. Erie county is bounded by Ashtabula county, O., W-, 
 Lake Erie W. and N., Chataque county, N. Y.,N.E, War- 
 ren county, E., Crawford county S. 
 
 Greatest length along Crawford county, forty-five 
 miles, mean breadth 17; area 765 square miles. It is di- 
 vided into the following townships : Amity, Beaver Dam, 
 Conneaut, Conneautte, Concord, Elk Creek, Fairview, 
 Greenfield, Harbor Creek, Le Bouef, McKean, Mill Creek, 
 North East, Springfield, Union, Wayne, Waterford, Ve- 
 nango. The surface is undulating, its soil sandy loam, 
 clay, gravel, and tolerably productive, but better adapted 
 for grass than grain. The principal streams flow into 
 Lake Erie. These are the different " mile' 11 creeks, Wal- 
 nut, Elk, Crooked and Raccoon creeks, &c, Erie is the 
 seat of justice, population in 1830, 1465. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 69 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 
 
 A. Fayette county is bounded by Alleghany county. 
 Md., S. E., Preston and Monongalia counties, Va., S., by 
 Mononghahela river, which separates it from Greene 
 county, W., and Washington N. W., by Westmoreland N. 
 and Somerset, E. It approaches a square of 28 miles 
 each side. It is divided into the following townships : 
 Connellsville, Bullskin, Dunbar, Franklin, George, Ger- 
 man, Henry Clay, Luzerne, Menallen, Redstone, Saltlick? 
 Springhill, Tyrone, Union, Washington, and Wharton. 
 The county lies partly in the central position, and partly 
 in the secondary formation. Its surface, from the centre 
 E. is mountainous, and every where hilly. The soil is 
 various ; that of the east part, on the mountains, is of slate 
 and gravel, in the western part it consists of loam. Lime- 
 stone is found near the surface in some places, and in 
 others it lies deep. 
 
 It is well watered. The Mononghahela, with a rather 
 crooked channel, winds a navigable stream along the 
 western border. The Youghioghany, after piercing a 
 chain of mountains, enters Fayette from the S. E., and 
 breaking through hills and mountains, traverses it flow- 
 ing to the N. W. The channel of the Youghioghany is 
 part of the projected route of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
 Canal. Iron ore abounds. The seat of justice is Union- 
 Its population in 1830 was 1352. 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin couuty ? 
 A. Franklin is bounded by Bedford W., Huntingdon 
 N. W., Mifflin N., Perry and Cumberland N. E., Adams E., 
 and Washington, Md., S. It is divided into the follow- 
 ing townships: Antrim, Fannet, Franklin,. Greene, Guil- 
 ford, Hamilton, Letterkenny, Lurgan, Metal, Montgom- 
 ery, Peters, Southampton, St. Thomas, Warren, Wash- 
 ington. 
 The valley between the mountains affords much diver- 
 
70 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 sity of aspect and soil. The greater part is limestone 
 land of good quality, well watered by springs, and in a 
 high state of cultivation. The general character of the 
 land, is undulating, very little hilly or broken that may 
 not be subjected to the plough. The prevailing forest 
 trees are white, black, red, swamp and chesnut oak, 
 chesnut, poplar, elm, black and white walnut, hickory, 
 acacia or locust, maple, sycamore, &c. The principal 
 streams of the county have their sources in the moun- 
 tains not far from their summits, whence they flow to- 
 wards the middle of the valley, and nearly all unite in 
 forming the Conecocheague creek, a large stream which 
 empties into the Potomac at Williamsport, in Maryland. 
 The Antietam creek rises in the South mountain and 
 parts contiguous, and flows southward also into Mary- 
 land. The Conedoquinet creek springs from the North 
 mountain, and runs northward for several miles, whilst 
 west Conecocheague on the west of the intervening moun- 
 tain, has an opposite, though nearly a parallel course. — 
 These main trunks and their tributary branches, inter- 
 sect the country in all directions, and furnish a supply 
 of water not only for agricultural, but for manufactur- 
 ing purposes, to a great extent. Iron ore of the best 
 quality abounds. A tradition from the first white settlers 
 reports, that the Indians obtained lead from these hills, 
 but it has not yet been discovered. Several turnpikes 
 pass through this county. Chambersburg is the seat of 
 justice. Population in 1830, 2794. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 
 A. Greene county is bounded by Washington county 
 N., by Mononghahela river separating it from Fayette, E., 
 by Monongalia county, Va. S., Tyler county, Va. S. W., 
 and Ohio county, Va. W. Length from E. to W. 32 miles, 
 mean breadth 18. It is divided into the following town, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71 
 
 ships: Aleppo, Cumberland, Centre, Duhkard, Franklin, 
 Greene, Jefferson, Morgan, Morris, Mononghahela, Rich 
 Hill, Wayne, and Whiteley. 
 
 The surface of the county is greatly diversified by hills 
 and dales, and the soil varies from the richest river bottoms 
 to the poorest gravel ridges. The county is very well wa- 
 tered ; the principal streams are Dunkard, Big Whitely, 
 Little Whitely, Muddy and Ten Mile creeks, all of which 
 fiow eastward into the Mononghahela river. VvHieeling 
 and Fish creeks rise by several branches and flow west- 
 ward to the Ohio ; their sources are not distant from each 
 other. The valleys of these streams are among the most 
 delightful of Pennsylvania, rich, and where the axe has 
 not done its work, covered with every variety of timber 
 indigenous to the west, of the largest growth. This 
 .county has a due proportion of the three minerals, coal 
 iron, and salt, which abound in western Pennsylvania. — 
 Waynesburg is the seat of justice ; the population not ex- 
 ceeding 700. 
 
 Q. What are the bouudaries &c. of Huntingdon coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Huntingdon county is bounded S. W., by Bedford, 
 N. W., by Alleghany mountains, separating it from Cam- 
 bria, N. by Centre, N. B., by Mifflin, and S. E., by Tusca- 
 rora mountains separating it from Franklin. Length, di- 
 agonally from S. E. to N. W., 58 miles, mean breadth 22. 
 It is divided into the following townships : Alleghany, An- 
 tes, Barre, Dublin, Franklin, Frankstown, Hopewell, Hen- 
 derson, Morris, Porter, Shirley, Springfield, Tell, Tyrone^ 
 Union, Warriormark, West Township, Petersburg, Wood- 
 berry, Walker. This county is wholly within the transi- 
 tion region of the state, and in one of the most mountain- 
 ous parts. The soil partakes of all the shades of quality, 
 from the prolific limestone to the barren decomposition of 
 the conglomerate. The county is abundantly watered 
 
 
72 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 by the Juniata river, and its tributaries ; the Frankstowu 
 and Raystown branches, the Aughwick and Tuscarora 
 creek. The most important minerals are iron, lead, bitu- 
 minous coal, salt and alum. The best kind of iron, are 
 pipe ore, rock ore, and needle ore ; there is also nest and 
 top ore, as the miners call it. Huntingdon is the seat of 
 justice ; population in 1830, was about 900. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Indiana county ? 
 
 A. Indiana county is bounded by Armstrong W., and 
 N. W., by Jefferson N., Clearfield N. E., Cambria E. and 
 S. E., and by Conemaugh river, separating it S. from 
 Westmoreland. Length 35 miles, mean width 23. It is 
 divided into the following townships, Wheatfield, Arm- 
 strong, Blacklick, Centre, Conemaugh, Greene, Ma- 
 honing, Washington, Young. Lying in the great western 
 secondary geological formation, the county has the sur- 
 face common to the greater portion of Pennsylvania. The 
 hill table land, originally level, is cut in every direction 
 by the streams which traverse it, and by occasional and 
 temporary floods, and its general surface is therefore hilly. 
 The soil is loam, varied by a common mixture with sand, 
 gravel, and clay ; with these, vegetable mould is blended in 
 the valleys, in various proportions, producing in many 
 places exuberant fertility. Coal and salt are abundant. 
 Indiana is the seat of justice; population in 1830, was 433. 
 , Q. What aie the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 
 
 A. Jefferson county is bounded by Indiana S. Arm- 
 strong and Venango W., McKean N. E., and Clearfield E. 
 and S. E. Length 46 miles, mean breadth 26. It is divi- 
 ded into the following townships, Perry, Pine creek, Rose, 
 Ridgeway, Young. Like the rest of the N. W. part of 
 Pennsylvania, the country is hilly — some of the valleys 
 are fertile ; but the soil is for the most part only ordina- 
 ry. It is abundantly watered. Iron ore and coal abound, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 73 
 
 Centre is the seat of justice ; population not exceeding 
 500. 
 
 II. AVhat are the boundaries, &c. of Juniata county ? 
 
 A. Juniata county is bounded by Perry S., Huntingdon 
 S. W. and W., Mifflin N. W. and N., and the Susquehanna 
 river separating it from Dauphin county E. Length 50 
 miles, mean breadth 14. It is divided into the following 
 townships, Fermanagh, Greenwood, Milford, Turbett, 
 Lack, Tuscarora. In this county we find barren moun- 
 tains, underlayed by limestone,"with intervening fertile val- 
 leys. It is well watered. There is iron ore in this county. 
 Mifflin is the seat of justice ; population not exceeding 
 500. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of liebanon county ? 
 
 A. Lebanon county is bounded by Dauphin W, and N. 
 W., Schuykill N., Berks N. E. and Lancaster S. E. The 
 greatest length of Lebanon is diagonal by 29 miles from the 
 eastern to the western angle; mean width 12. It is divi- 
 ded into the following townships, Londonderry, Annville, 
 Jackson, Lebanon, East Hanover, Heidleberg, Bethel, Swa- 
 tara. The whole county is included in the fine valley of 
 Kittatinny, and similar to other parts of this physical re- 
 gion, the side next the Blue Ridge is based on limestone, 
 and that towards the Kittatinny on clay slate. Soil gen- 
 erally excellent. The surface though bounded by the Kit- 
 tatinny N. W., and Blue Ridge S. E. is not even very hil- 
 ly, some part is very level. The principal streams are 
 the Great and Little Swatara, which flow westerly to the 
 Susquehanna, and the Tulpehocken, which by an easterly 
 course seeks the Schuylkill. On the south, the Conewago, 
 Great and Little Chiques, Hammer and Seglock creeks 
 have their sources in the hills. The southern hills have 
 great abundance of iron ore. The county is traversed in 
 every direction by good roads. Lebanon is the seat of 
 justice; population in 1830, was 1,826. 
 
 7 
 
74 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lancaster county ? 
 
 A. Lancaster county is bounded by the eastern Con~ 
 ewago creek separating it from Dauphin N. W., by Leba- 
 non county N., Berks N. E., Chester E., Cecil county of 
 Maryland S., and Susquehanna river separating it from 
 York county S. W. Lines drawn over this county from 
 its S. E. angle on Octarara creek a little W. of N. to its 
 extreme northern angle on Lebanon and Berks, or N. W. 
 parallel to Susquehanna river, to its extreme western an- 
 gle at the mouth of the Conewago, are very nearly equal 
 and 43 miles in length, and the area being within a trifle 
 of 1,000 square miles, the mean width will be about 23 
 miles. It is divided into the following townships, Breck- 
 nock, Bart, Cocalico, Colerain, Caernarvon, Conestoga, 
 E. & W. Donegal, Dromore, Earl, Elizabeth, West Hemp- 
 field, East Hempfield, Little Britain, Lancaster, Lampeter, 
 Leacock, Manheim, Mount Joy, Manor, Martick, Raphoe, 
 Sadsbury, Salisbury, Strasburg, Warwick. Lancaster 
 county is intersected by three ranges of hills, Mine ridge, 
 EpLrata ridge, and Conewago ridge. 
 
 The surface is undulating, under a very high state of 
 cultivation, interspersed with some elegant country seats. 
 When travelling the rail-road in the spring, we are con- 
 stantly delighted with scattered flowers, and trees either 
 in blossom, or beginning to shoot forth the tender 
 fruit, meandering streams, and wide spreading fields 
 of verdure, promising a rich reward to the waiting 
 husbandman. The beauties of this charming region of 
 cultivation, are, apparently, not a little increased by the 
 intervening cliffs, which extend along the road ; the rich 
 landscape now opening, and now again receding from 
 view. In some places the road is excavated through mas- 
 sy rocks, to a great depth, in others, through deep hills of 
 gravel. Some of the beautiful bridges we pass are over 
 streams, and some over deep and extensive vales. Roads 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 
 
 are frequently carried over our heads, and we are often 
 carried over the roads. 
 
 Its geological features are strongly marked, the south- 
 ern part is underlaid by limestone, while the northern is 3 
 covered by transition red sand stone. The limestone of 
 the southern half furnishes the inhabitants with an abund- 
 ance of manure, with materials for buildings, and beautiful 
 marble for ornamental purposes. This portion also produ- 
 ces great quantities of the materials from which Epsom 
 salts are made. A very large quantity of this article, is 
 annually made in this county. Iron ore is found in 
 abundance. 
 
 Crossing the county from E. to W., S. of the parallel of 
 of Lancaster, we have Octorara creek, which separates it 
 from Chester, the N. and W. branches of that stream, the 
 Cone win go creek, Fishing creek, Tucquean creek, the 
 Pecquea, which runs S. W. over the county, receiving 
 Beaver creek, and Little Beaver creek, and many small- 
 er streams — the Conestoga creek, which, rising in Ches- 
 ter county, flows by a western course into Warwick 
 township, and thence S. W. by the city of Lancaster 
 to the Susquehanna river, being the recipient of many ex- 
 cellent streams which increase its waters from either 
 hand, the chief of which are the E. Branch, Cocalico, Trout, 
 Middle and Hammer creeks, and the Little Conestoga 
 creeks ; a slack water navigation has been made on the 
 Conestoga creek — the Big and Little Chiques and the 
 Conewago creek, which separates Lancaster from Dau- 
 phin county. All these streams afford advantageous mill 
 sites, and are generally and usefully improved. Iron ore 
 abounds ; copper ore has been discovered in mine hill. 
 
 We cannot conclude this article, imperfect as it is, with- 
 out noticing Litiz. This is a Moravian settlement eight 
 miles north of Lancaster. It contains 80 or 90 dwelling 
 Rouses, a Male Seminary well conducted, under the aus* 
 
76 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 pices of Mr. John Beck, an able instructor ; a Female Sem- 
 inary, a brothers and sister's house, &c. 
 
 Lancaster is the seat of justice; population in 1830 was 
 7,704. (See Article Lancaster.) 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lehigh county ? 
 A. Lehigh county is bounded by Schuylkill eounty W. 
 by Northampton N. W., N. and N. E., and by Bucks S. E. 
 Length 28 miles, mean width 13. It is divided into the 
 following townships, Hanover, Heidleberg, Lowhill, Linn, 
 Macungee, Northampton, N. Whitehall, Salisbury, S. 
 Whitehall, Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Weissenberg. 
 The surface of this county is highly picturesque and vari- 
 ed. Except the 3 southeastern townships, Upper Milford, 
 and Upper and Lower Saucon, the residue of the county 
 lies in the valley between the South mountain, and the 
 Blue or Kittatinny mountain. The valley section is nearly 
 equally divided between the limestone and the clay slate 
 formation. The soil, particularly on the limestone tracts 
 is excellent. The county is well watered, the principal 
 streams are, Lehigh river, Trout, Antelauny, Coplay, Jor- 
 dan, Cedar, Saucon creeks. One of the branches of Per- 
 kiomen rises in this county. There is iron ore in this 
 county. Northampton or (Allentown) is the seat of jus- 
 tice ; population in 1830, was 1,544. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Luzerne county ? 
 A. Luzerne county is bounded by Columbia S.W., Ly- 
 coming W., Bradford N. W., Susquehanna N., Wayne N. 
 E., Pike E., Northampton S. E., and Schuylkill county S, 
 Length from S. to N. 50 miles, mean breadth 36. It *is di- 
 vided into the following townships, Abington, Braintrim, 
 Blakely, Covington, Dallas, Eaton, Exeter, Falls, Green- 
 field, Hanover, Huntingdon, Kingston, Nicholson, Newport, 
 Nescopeck, Northmoreland, Pitts town, Plymouth, Provi- 
 dence, Salem, Sugarloaf, Union, Wilksbarre, Windham. 
 Tunkhannock, Lebmen, Carbondale. The county per* 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77 
 
 tains wholly to the great central formation of the state. 
 The soil is so various in its quality, as to be not easily re- 
 ducible to any general character. The valleys are com- 
 monly rich, arable land, yet differing much in their fertili- 
 ty-- and the mountains invariably sterile, and unsuscepti- 
 ble, of cultivation. The surface is very mountainous, and 
 the ridges run parallel to each other, from S. W. to N. E, 
 like all the Atlantic chains of the continent. The interven- 
 ing valleys, which vary much in width, are finely impro- 
 ved. 
 
 The principal streams are the Susquehanna and its tri- 
 butaries — Mahoopenny, Bowman's, Lackawannock, 
 Wapwallopen, Nescopeck, creeks. Iron ore and anthra- 
 cite coal are the principal minerals. Wilkesbarre is the 
 seat of justice ; population in 1830, was 2,232. Note — "No 
 portion of the state recals more interesting historical re- 
 collections, than Luzerne county. Its beautiful and rich 
 valleys have been a favorite resort of the aborigines, for 
 which they have contended among themselves, and with 
 the white man. It was early and duly appreciated by 
 the Connecticut settlers, who moistended the soil with 
 their blood in maintenance of their possessions, though 
 founded on a mistaken title. It has been the seat of the 
 only civil war, which stains the annals of our colonial his- 
 tory, and has displayed as much heroism as any portion 
 of the commonwealth, and suffered more than any other 
 in support of the revolution. Pa.Gaz. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Lycoming county ? 
 A. Lycoming county is bounded by Clearfield south 
 west, McKean west, Potter northwest, Columbia south 
 east, and Union and Centre south. Length from east to 
 west 106 miles, and the area being 2,332, the mean breadth 
 must be 22 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships: Adams, Bald Eagle, Brown, Chapman, Cherry, Clin- 
 ton, Dunstable, Elkland, Fairfield, Franklin, Hepburn* 
 
7 8 GEOR APGHIC AL CATECHISM 
 
 Jackson, Loyalsock, Lycoming, Muncy Creek, Mifflin, 
 Muncy, Moreland, Nippenose, Pine Creek, Penn, Shrews- 
 bury, Washington, Wayne. The face of this county is 
 very broken, and similar to Luzerne, traversed by sever- 
 al mountain chains stretching from southwest to north- 
 east. Though the general slope is eastward, the western 
 part of Luzerne actually declines towards the Appala- 
 chian system. In general features the resemblance is ve- 
 ry strong between Luzerne and Lycoming ; the arable 
 part of both being narrow river, or mountain valleys. 
 The proportion of good soil in Lycoming is perhaps rather 
 more, comparatively, than in Luzerne. 
 
 The principal streams are the Susquehanna river, Mun- 
 cy, Loyalsock, Lycoming, Pine, Kettle, Sinnemahoning, 
 Cooks, Lony, Q,ueenshohoque creeks, &c. Iron ore and 
 coal are the principal minerals. Williamsport is the 
 seat of justice; population in 1830, not exceeding 600. 
 Q. What are the boundaries of M'Kean county ? 
 A. M'Kean county is bounded by Potter E., Lycoming 
 S.E., Clearfield S., Jefferson S. W., Warren W., Cattarau- 
 gus county, New York, N. f and Alleghany county of New 
 York, N. E. Length 42 miles, mean width 32. It is divided 
 into the following townships : Burlington, Ceres, Cooper, 
 Ogden, Sergeant, Shippen, Walker, Keating, and Liberty. 
 The surface is hilly, in part it is mountainous, and the 
 soil generally of middling quality. The principal streams 
 are the head waters of the Alleghany river, Potatoe creek, 
 Willow, Sugar, and Kinjua creeks, and several branches 
 of Teonista creek. It abounds with coal, iron ore, and 
 salt. Smethport is the seat of justice, and contains about 
 50 dwellings. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Mercer county } 
 A. Mercer county is bounded N. by Crawford, N. E- 
 by Venango, S. E. by Butler, S. by Beaver, and W. by 
 Trumbull county, Ohio. Length from S. to N. 34 miles, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 79 
 
 mean width 25. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Cool Spring, Delaware, French Creek, Lackawan- 
 nock, Mercer, Mahoning, Neshannock, Pymatuning, Sa- 
 lem, West Salem, Sandy Lake, Shenango, Slippery Rock, 
 Sandy Creek, Wolf Creek, Springfield. 
 
 The geological structure of the county belongs to the 
 secondary formation ; the horizontal strata of which have 
 been cut by the streams to a considerable depth in various 
 directions, and the plain has thus been converted into a 
 rolling surface, and in many places assumes a hilly char- 
 acter. The county is well watered by the Shenango, 
 Crooked, Lackawannock, and other creeks. Bituminous 
 coal is found in abundance in every township in the coun- 
 ty ;*we have not learned whether its usual concomitants, 
 iron and salt, in this region, attend it. Copperas is found 
 in great quantities near the town of Mercer. 
 
 Mercer is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
 was 656. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Mifiliu county ? 
 
 A. Mifflin county is bounded by Centre north, Union 
 N. E , Juniata county E. and S. E., and Huntingdon S. 
 W. and S. W. Length from S. W. to N. E., 42 miles, 
 mean breadth 12. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Derry, Armagh, Union, Wayne, Decatur, and 
 Walker. 
 
 This county is near the centre of the great transition 
 formation of the state. It is surrounded by mountains, 
 and traversed by several ranges of lofty hills. Crossing 
 it from the south, we have Black Log mountain and Blue 
 ridge, north of which flows the Juniata river, through Ju- 
 niata valley, bounded northward by Limestone ridge, 
 Jack's mountain, and Path Valley mountain. The whole 
 of this mountainous region is underlaid with limestone, 
 which being near and on the surface in the valleys, ren- 
 ders them highly fertile. It is not as well watered as ma* 
 
 
i 
 
 8 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ny of the other counties are. Iron ore abounds in many 
 parts of the county, but more particularly in Union, Der- 
 ry, and Wayne townships. Its quality is that well known 
 and highly appreciated, as Juniata iron. In the limestone 
 valleys, there are some caves such as are common in 
 limestone countries. That in Wayne township, called Han- 
 iwal's cave, is, we believe, the most extensive, having a 
 depth of more than 100 rods. Considerable quantities of 
 Salt petre have been obtained from it at sundry times. 
 
 Lewistown is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
 1480. 
 
 What are the boundaries, <Scc. of Monroe county ? 
 A. No actual survey having been made as yet, we can- 
 not give the exact boundaries, nor any other particular 
 information. The soil, &c, same as described in North- 
 ampton and Pike counties, which see. 
 
 According to an act passed and approved the first day 
 of April, 1836, the townships of Ross, Chesnuthill, Toby- 
 hanna, Pocono, Hamilton, Stroud, and Smithfield, north 
 of the Blue mountain, in Northampton, and Coolbaugh in 
 Pike county, are erected into a county called Monroe. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Montgomery coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Montgomery county is bounded by Philadelphia 
 county S. E., Delaware county S., in part an artificial line 
 and in part the Schuylkill river, separates it from Chester 
 S. W., on the N. W. a range of hills, or rather a minor 
 chain of mountains, separates it from Bucks, and on the 
 N. E. it is bounded by Bucks. This county is nearly a 
 parallelogram of 24 by 16 miles. It is divided into the 
 following townships : Abington, Cheltenham, Douglas, 
 Franconia, Frederick, Gwynedd, Hatfield, Horsham, Lim- 
 erick, Lower Merion, Lower Providence, Lower Salford, 
 Marlborough, Montgomery, Moreland, New Hanover, 
 Norriton, Perkiomen, Plymouth, Pottsgrove, Springfield, 
 Towamensing, Upper Hanover, Upper Dublin, Upper Me- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81 
 
 rion, Upper Providence, Upper Salford, Whitemarsh, 
 Whitpaine, and Worcester. 
 
 There are no mountains, but there are some bold and 
 striking hills on the north and west, and the face of the 
 country is agreeably diversified by hill and dale. The 
 soil is generally of good quality, particularly along the 
 valley of the Schuylkill, and in the townships ol Abington, 
 Upper Dublin, Springfield, Whitemarsh, Plymouth, and 
 Upper Merien, in which the limestone prevails. The or- 
 dinary timber is white and black oak, walnut, hickory, 
 and chesnut. The state of agriculture in the greater part 
 of the county, is equal to that in any part of the United 
 States. 
 
 The county is drained by the various confluents of Per- 
 kiomen and Wissahickon creeks. Among its most valua- 
 ble minerals is the beautiful marble of White Marsh. — 
 Norristown is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
 1,116. This place is quite noted for mechanic industry, 
 and literary societies. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Northumberland 
 county? 
 
 A. Northumberland county is bounded by the Mahan- 
 tango river, separating it from Dauphin S., by the Susque- 
 hanna river, separating it from Union W., and part of Ly- 
 coming N. W., by another part of Lycoming N., Colum- 
 bia N. E. and E., and by Schuylkill S. E. ' Length from 
 S. to N. 40 miles ; and the area being about 440 square 
 miles, the mean breadth will be 1 1 ; but the width is 
 very unequal ; in one place below the east branch it is 24 
 miles wide, and at another about 3 miles ; above the bo- 
 rough of Northumberland, it is confined to a width of less 
 than 4 miles, though at a distance of 16 miles from the 
 northern extremity. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships: Augusta, Shamokin, Rush, Turbut, Chillisquaque, 
 
g2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Point, Little Mahanoy, Upper Mahanoy, and Lower Ma- 
 hanoy. 
 
 The county lies within the great central transition for- 
 mation of the state, and like every other portion of that 
 region, is covered with mountains. The portion on the 
 southeast side of the North branch of the Susquehanna, 
 abounds with anthracite coal, especially the Mahanoy 
 mountain and valley. There are beds of iron ore in Sha- 
 mokin township, near which a furnace and forge are em- 
 ployed in the manufacture of iron. This county is well 
 watered. There are several turnpike roads passing thro' 
 this county. Sunbury is the seat of justice. Population 
 in 1830, 1056. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Northampton coun- 
 ty? 
 
 A. Northampton county is bounded by Bucks county 
 south, Lehigh southwest, Schuylkill west, Luzerne north- 
 west, Pike north, and Delaware separating it from War- 
 ren county New Jersey east. Length diagonally from 
 the extreme southern angle on Bucks, to the extreme 
 northern on Luzerne, 46 miles ; the greatest width west- 
 ward from Delaware river to the western angle on Schuyl- 
 kill and Luzerne, is very near equal to the length. It is 
 divided into the following townships: Allen, Bethlehem, 
 Bushkill, Chesnut Hill, East Penn, Forks, Hanover, Ham- 
 ilton, Lehigh, Lausanne, Lower Nazareth, Lower Saucon, 
 Lower Mt. Bethel, Moore, Plainfield, Pokono, Ross, Stroud, 
 Smithfleld, Towamensing, Upper Mt. Bethel, Upper Naz- 
 areth, Tobyhanna, Mauch Chunk, Williams. The surface, 
 is highly diversified, more so than that of any part of 
 Pennsylvania, or even of the United States. South of the 
 Kittatinny, locally called the Blue Mountain, is a pretty 
 extensive portion of the Kittatinny Valley. The very pe^ 
 culiar formation of limestone and slate, which is found in. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA* 83 
 
 -this valley from the Delaware river to the Susquehanna, 
 is remarkably striking here. The limestone borders on 
 the South Mountain, the slate on the Kittatinny, meeting 
 in the centre of the valley. In the region of the former, 
 we find the most superior soil, in the latter the bolder 
 feature of nature. Both are highly productive in grain, 
 fruits, and pasturage. From many of the higher eminen- 
 ces of the South Mountain, the cultivated regions, in beau- 
 teous prospect, spread before the eye like a vastly exten- 
 sive garden. 
 
 That portion of the county, northwest of the Kittatinny 
 being diversified with mountainous ridges and valleys, 
 varies in fertility. But the soil, north of the Blue Moun- 
 tain, even where susceptible of cultivation, is much inferi- 
 or to that which is south. Indeed, the mountain forms a 
 line of demarkation between two climates. Vegetation 
 is about a fortnight earlier on the south side of the moun- 
 tain than on the north. This part of Northampton, how- 
 ever, is but little improved, and, with few exceptions, may 
 be pronounced an almost unbroken wilderness. About 
 one-fourth of the county is cultivated, — about one-third is 
 susceptible of cultivation. 
 
 The county is well watered by the Delaware, Lehigh, 
 and their tributaries. It is bounded on the east by the 
 Delaware river, which has, for twenty-five miles, a very 
 meandering course through a mountainous country. The 
 Lehigh is emphatically the river of this county, having, 
 within its limits, many of its sources, and the greater part 
 of its course. 
 
 The mineral wealth of this county is great, especially 
 that of iron and coal. Easton its the seat of justice ; pop 
 ulation in 1830, was 3,529. The town is supplied with 
 water, conveyed in iron pipes from a spring about a mile 
 from the borough. 
 
94 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county t 
 
 A. Perry county is bounded by the Kittatinny mourn 
 tains, separating it from Cumberland south, by Franklin 
 southwest, Tuscarora mountain separating it from Juni- 
 ata county northwest and north, and by trie Susquehanna, 
 separating it from Dauphin east. Length 36 miles, mean 
 width 15. It is divided into the following townships : Buf- 
 falo, Greenwood, Juniata, Liverpool, Rye, Saville, Toboy- 
 ne, Tyrone, Wheatfield. This county is mountainous— 
 the valleys are fertile. The principal strea ins are the Juni- 
 ata, Shermans creek, Raccoon creek and a few others. 
 Iron ore is found in various parts of the county. 
 
 There is a warm medicinal spring on the bank of Sher- 
 mans creek, in a romantic and healthy situation about 
 11 miles north of Carlisle, twenty-two west of Harrisburg, 
 eight from Sterret's, and four from Wagoner's gap in the 
 north or Blue mountain, and four from Landisburg. The 
 waters used in bathing are beneficial in cutaneous disor- 
 ders, and taken inwardly, operate gently as a purgative, 
 and powerfully as a diuretic. It rises at the foot of Qua- 
 ker hill, and emits about ninety gallons the minute. Its 
 temperature is nearly that of creek, or river water in the 
 summer season. Mr. John Hippie has erected a commo- 
 dious house here for the entertainment of visitors. . This 
 place is worthy the attention of the invalid, the natura- 
 list and virtuoso. 
 
 Bloomfield, the seat of justice, is situated in the east- 
 ern part of the county, and has had a very rapid growth. 
 In 1832 the number of inhabitants was three hundred and 
 fifty ; and, about nine years before, the place was a clover 
 field without a building upon it. 
 
 Q«3>Vhat are the boundaries, &c. of Philadelphia coun- 
 ty ? i 
 
 A. The following, taken from Darby's & Dwight's U- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 85 
 
 8. Gazetteer, gives a brief, yet satisfactory, answer to this 
 question. 
 
 Philadelphia county is bounded by Delaware county 
 S. W., Montgomery N. W., Bucks N. E., Delaware river 
 separating it from Burlington county, N. Jersey, E., and 
 Gloucester county, N. Jersey, S. Length from S. W. to 
 N. E. 22 miles, mean width 7, and area 154 square miles. 
 Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 52 minutes to 40 
 degrees 8 minutes, and in longitude from 1 degree 47 
 minutes to 2 degrees 8 minutes east from Washington 
 City. Bounded on one side by the Delaware, and tra- 
 versed by the Schuylkill, the confluence of these two 
 streams is made in the southern part of the county. The 
 general declivity is to the south westward, in the direction 
 of the mean course of the Schuylkill, and at right angles 
 to that of the Delaware. Though comparatively confined 
 in extent, the features of this county are very strongly 
 contrasted.- The upper and northern part is beautifully 
 broken by hills and dales, whilst the lower and southern 
 section is composed of recent alluvion, and is an almost 
 dead level. The primitive ledge, on the margin of which 
 the city of Philadelphia is built, traverses the county from 
 S. W. to N. E., arresting the tide of Schuylkill river within 
 the precints of the city. On the Delaware, the scenery is 
 rather tame, but along the Schuylkill and Wissahiccon 
 creek becomes picturesque, and in many places even 
 wild and bold. The variety of sites for country resi- 
 dences in the northern part of the county, adds no little 
 advantage to Philadelphia ; and the inexhaustable masses 
 of gneis, affords more than an ample supply of material 
 for the rougher, more solid, and more durable kinds of 
 architecture. Besides the city of Philadelphia and places 
 adjoining, the county contains the boroughs or towns of 
 Frankford, Germantown, Manayunk, Holmesburg, Bustle- 
 
 8 
 
86 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ton, Smithfield, Richmond, Dyottville, &c. Population, 
 including Philadelphia city and suburbs, 1820, 137,097; 
 3830, 1 £8,961. (See description of Philadelphia City.) 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county ? 
 
 A. Pike county is bounded by Northampton S., the 
 northern branch of the Lehigh separating it from Lu- 
 zerne W., and Wallenpaupack creek separating it from 
 Wayne N. W., Lackawaxen river separating it from 
 Wayne N., Delaware river separating it from Sullivan 
 county, N. York, N. E., and by Delaware river separating 
 it from New Jerse}>-, E., and Warren county, New Jersey. 
 S. E. Length, crossing diagonally from east to west, 48 
 miles; mean breadth 15. The most prominent features 
 of this county, are a rocky, barren soil, covered, in some 
 parts, with valuable timber. The inhabitants depend 
 chiefly on their forests for support. Along the borders of 
 the Delaware, however, the aspect of things is totally dif- 
 ferent. Here, we find extensive fertile valleys, thickly 
 populated, and highly cultivated. Milford, the seat of 
 justice, has a high location on the banks of the river Dela- 
 ware. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Potter county ? 
 
 A. Potter county is bounded by Lycoming S., M'Kean. 
 W., Alleghany county of New York, N., Steuben county. 
 New York, N. E., and Tioga county, Pa. E. Length, from 
 south to north, 37 miles, breadth 30. The soil is univer- 
 sally loam, mingled, in the valleys of the rivers, with much 
 vegetable mould. Alleghany river, Genesee, Pine creek 
 and others rise in this county. Coal and iron are found 
 in many places. Coudersport is the seat of justice. 
 
 The following extract of a letter published in Hazard's 
 Register, gives us some idea of the early settlement of thi.« 
 county. 
 The writer says : " It was very lonesome for a number 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87 
 
 off years. I made some little clearing, and planted some 
 garden seeds, &c. the first spring. We brought a small 
 stock of pi ovisions with us. On the third of July, I started 
 with my two yoke of oxen to go to Jersey Shore to mill, 
 to procure flour. I crossed Pine creek 80 times going, and 
 80 times returning from mill; was gone 18 days, broke 
 two axletrees to my wagon, upset twice, and one wheel 
 eame off, in crossing the creek. 
 
 " Jersey Shore was the nearest place to procure provi- 
 sions, and the road w T as dreadiul. The few seeds that I 
 was able to plant the first year, yielded but little produce 
 We, however, raised some half grown potatoes, some tur- 
 nips, and some soft corn, with which we made out to live 
 without suffering, till the next spring. At planting time, 
 I planted all the seeds that I had left, and when I finished 
 planting, we had nothing to eat but leeks, cow cabbage 
 and milk. We lived on leeks and cow cabbage as long as 
 they kept green, about six weeks— my family consisted of 
 my wife and two children, and I Was obliged to work, 
 though faint for want of food. 
 
 " The first winter, the snow fell very deep. The first 
 winter month, it snowed twenty-five days out of thirty- 
 one; and during the winter months, it snowed seventy 
 days. I sold one yoke of oxen in the fall, the other pair I 
 wintered on browse, but in the spring one ox died, and the 
 other I sold to procure food for my family, and was now 
 destitute of a team, and had nothing but my own hands to 
 depend upon, to clear my lands and raise provisions. — 
 We wore out all our shoes the first year, we had no way 
 to get more, no money, nothing to sell, and but little to 
 eat, and were in dreadful distress for the want of the ne- 
 cessaries of life. I was obliged to work and travel in the 
 woods barefooted. After a while our clothes were worn 
 out, our family increased, and the children were nearly 
 naked, I had a broken slate that I brought from Jersey 
 
88 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Shore. I sold that, and bought two fawn skins, of which 
 my wife made a petticoat for Mary; and Mary wore the 
 petticoat till she out grew it, then Rhoda took it till she 
 out grew it, and then it fell to Abigal, and she wore it 
 out. 
 
 " For several years my crops were much injured by 
 frost, and my fruit trees would not grow well ; but for se- 
 veral years past, my crops have been seldom injured by 
 frost, and my fruit trees grow, and bear remarkably well. 
 My land was given to me, and I now have 16 acres cleared 
 on this farm. 
 
 " I have now eleven in my family, have sixteen head 
 of neat cattle, twenty-nine sheep, and have sustained 
 some losses. I have endured some hardships here, but it 
 is a healthy country, the water is fine, and the land, if well 
 tilled, produces good crops. The country has hitherto 
 settled slowly, but the population and improvements are 
 rapidly increasing, and the prospects of the country are 
 very encouraging. 
 
 " I raise on my small farm an abundance of all the ne- 
 cessaries of life, and have always something to spare. — 
 Our children often cried for bread, during the first years 
 of our settlement here, but we have now bread enough 
 and to spare, and all other needed temporal comforts, 
 wherewith we are well contented, and for which, I hope, 
 we render a daily tribute of heartfelt gratitude. 
 
 " The morals of the people here, have improved in pro- 
 portion to the country. Until within a few years past. 
 Potter county seemed to be a sink of iniquity ; drunken- 
 ness and profanity, Sabbath-breaking and gambling, were 
 the leading features of the state of society ; but the scene 
 is now greatly changed, and enterprise, industry, sobriety, 
 peace and good order, and religion have gained the as- 
 cendancy. We now raise buildings without a drop f of 
 spirits being drunk on the occasion, without any broils 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89 
 
 and contentions, and without an oath. We have stated 
 preaching by different denominations at Coudersport ; 
 and the Sabbath day is generally regarded. 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Schuylkill county ? 
 
 A. Schuylkill county is bounded southwest by Dauphia, 
 west by Northumberland, Columbia northwest, Luzerne 
 north, Northampton northeast, and the Kittatinny moun- 
 tain separating it from Lehigh county east, and Berks S. 
 east, Length from southwest to northeast 37 miles, mean 
 breadth 18. It is divided into the following townships: 
 Barry, Brunswick, Lower Mahantango, Manheim, Norwe- 
 gian, Pine Grove, Rush, Schuylkill, Union, Upper Mahan- 
 tango, West Penn, Wayne, The surface is generally hil- 
 ly, very mountainous, and the soil, except near the 
 streams, and some rare and favorable spots, is rough and 
 and rocky. It is drained principally by the Mahony, 
 Mahantango and Swatara creeks, which flow into the 
 Susequehanna river. The whole county is of transition. 
 and abounds with anthracite coal ; but no iron ore has yet 
 been discovered of a quality sufficiently good for smelting. 
 This is a great coal country. During the year 1834, 224,- 
 000 tons of coal were sent from the mines, which at an 
 average price of six dollars per ton, would amount to 
 1,344,000 dollars. 
 
 Considering the mountainous surface and thin popula- 
 tion of this county, the roads are very numerous. In all 
 directions they may be seen winding through the valleys, 
 and around the mountains, and in some places boldly as- 
 cending the steep acclivities. A turnpike from Reading 
 passes through the county. 
 
 Orwigsburg is the seat of justice. Population in 1830. 
 was 773. 
 
90 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Somerset county ? 
 A. Somerset county is bounded by Fayette W., West- 
 moreland N W., by Cambria N., by Bedford E., anl by 
 Alleghany county, Md. S. Length 38 miles, mean width 
 27. It is divided into the following townships : Addison, 
 Alleghany, Brothers' Valley, Conemaugh, Elk Lick, Green- 
 ville, Jenner, Milford, Quemahoning, Stoney Creek, Som_ 
 erset, Southampton, Shade, and Turkey Foot. 
 
 The great portion of the county lies west of the main 
 ridge of the Alleghany, and the whole is embraced by that 
 ridge and the little Alleghany mountain on the east, and 
 the Laurel Hill on the west ; and is therefore within the 
 great secondary formation of the state. Besides the 
 mountains we have named, there is a considerable eleva- 
 tion running in from Maryland, through nearly half the 
 county, which is called Negro mountain, and forms a di- 
 viding ridge for the waters. Yet the county cannot be 
 termed very hilly ; part is rolling, and part level ; the soil, 
 generally of loam, is well adapted to grain, and the clayey 
 portions peculiarly fitted for meadow grasses. Few 
 counties in the state are better watered than this. Salt, 
 coal, and iron ore are found in various parts of the 
 county. 
 
 Somerset is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
 was 649, 
 
 " Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Susquehanna coun- 
 ty? 
 
 A. Susquehanna county is bounded by Wayne county 
 E., Luzerne S., Bradford W., and Broome county of New 
 York, N. Length 35 miles, from E. to W., width 25. It 
 is divided into the following townships : Auburn, Bridge- 
 water, Brooklyn, Clifford, Choconut, Dundaff, Gibson, 
 Great Bend, Harford, Herrick, Harmony, Jackson, Laws- 
 ville, Lennox, Middleton, New Milford, Rush, Silver Lake K 
 Springfield, and Waterford. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91 
 
 The surface of the county is moderately uneven ; the 
 hills are chiefly in ridges, and running parallel with the 
 streams, are adapted to grain, and may be cultivated quite 
 to their summits. Some elevations have the name of 
 mountains, but their ascent is generally gradual and the 
 soil excellent. 
 
 This county is well watered. The North Branch enters 
 the N. E. angle of the county, and flowing round the 
 Oquago mountain, for about sixteen miles, making the 
 " Great Bend," returns to the state of New York, and 
 thence, after an immense sweep through Broome and 
 Tioga counties in New York, and Bradford in Pennsyl- 
 vania, it again nearly reaches Susquehanna county at 
 the southw T est angle. As all the other streams of the 
 county are tributary to this, they flow north, west, and 
 south, as from the centre, to the circumference of a circle. 
 Near Snake creek is a salt spring, from which excellent 
 salt has been made ; near the spring is a slate quarry. 
 
 Montrose is the seat of justice. The population in 1830 
 was 415. 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Tioga county ? 
 A. Tioga county is bounded E. by Bradford, S. E. and 
 S. by Lycoming, W. by Potter, and N. by Steuben county, 
 New York. Length 36 miles, mean width 32. 
 
 The surface of the country is diversified. Some parts 
 are smooth and unbroken, others are rough and moun- 
 tainous. The soil is equally various ; in that part of the 
 county through which the Tioga flows, it is of a superior 
 quality, and the county is thickly inhabited. 
 
 Tioga is well timbered. The more elevated parts, near 
 the margins of large streams, are covered with a luxuriant 
 growth of large pine. The inhabitants are well supplied 
 with sugar from the sugar maple, which is very abundant 
 in many places. 
 
92 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 This county is rich in mineral productions. Besides 
 salt, iron, and coal, several others have been discovered, 
 namely, pyrites, bismuth, lead, and some gold and silver. 
 Copperas may very easily be manufactured from the sul. 
 phuret of iron, or pyrites, merely, by throwing it into large 
 heaps, where it is exposed to the action of the atmosphere. 
 Bismuth, in its metallic state, is used in the manufacture 
 of pewter, printers' types, &c. and is usefully employed to 
 increase the hardness of lead. This article was formerly 
 brought from Saxony, and until found in this county, was 
 not probably known to exist in the United States. 
 
 Wellsboro' is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 
 not exceeding 300. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Union county ? 
 
 A. Union county is bounded S. and S. W. by Mifflin, 
 N. W. by Centre, N. by Lycoming, N. E. by the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna river, separating it from the 
 northern part of Northumberland, and E. and S. E. by the 
 main volume of the Susquehanna, separating it from Dau- 
 phin. The greatest length is from S. to N. 30 miles paral- 
 lel to the general course of the Susquehanna river, and 
 nearly on the meridian of Washington City; mean width 
 20 miles. It is divided into the following townships : 
 Beaver, East Buffalo, West Buffalo, Chapman, Centre, 
 Hartley, Kelly, Penn, Union, Perry, Washington, White 
 Deer, and Mifflin sburg. 
 
 This county, which, although mountainous, is not rug- 
 ged, lies in the range of the Alleghanies, and in the cen- 
 tral transition formation. The branches of the mountains 
 traverses it in a direction about east, north east. The 
 chief ridges are the White Deer, Nittany, Buffalo, Jack's 
 and Shade mountains ; of which Jack's mountain is the 
 most lofty, being considered the highest ground in the 
 county. This county is well watered. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93 
 
 For some years the attention of the public have been di- 
 rected to the discovery of iron ore. The external indica- 
 tions of this useful mineral present themselves in many 
 places, but as yet no considerable body has been found. 
 In Buffalo valley, in White Deer, in Hartley township, and 
 many other places there is iron ore of a good quality, in 
 rolled masses, and geodes on the surface of the ground. 
 Mines have been opened, but in no instance has the qual- 
 ity been sufficient to encourage the miner to prosecute 
 his labors. Of pig iron, a large body lies in the flat ex- 
 tending from the Sunbury ferry to the neighborhood of 
 Selin's Grove; its quality is said to be good. It is cellu- 
 lar and of light brown color. Another bed of bog iron 
 ore was discovered on Philip Herrold's farm, ten miles be- 
 low Selin's Grove. This also is cellular, of a darker col- 
 or, and much harder and heavier than the first mention- 
 ed. It was accidentally discovered in digging a drain 
 connected with the canal. 
 
 Lead ore has been discovered, of a rich quality, and in- 
 dications of this metal are found in the long narrows in 
 Hartley township. 
 
 A body of iron pyrites was some years since accident- 
 ally discovered in digging a mill race on Jacob Kehr's 
 land, on Penn's creek, about 4 miles above New Berlin ; 
 a spring issues from the rock, the water of which immedi- 
 ately blackens any tin or iron vessel into which it is put. 
 Mineral coal has of a late been eagerly sought for, .and 
 lands supposed to contain it have risen greatly in price. 
 Black slate and bituminous shale, which are considered 
 indications of coal, have been found in places. 
 
 New Berlin is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, 
 not exceeding 600. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Venango county ? 
 
 A. Venango county is bounded N. W. by Crawford, N. 
 and N. E. by Warren, E. by Jefferson, S. E, by Clarion 
 
94 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 river, separating it from Armstrong, S. W. by Butler, and 
 W. by Mercer. Length from E. to W. 40 miles, mean 
 width 23. 
 
 The face of the country is hilly and somewhat broken, 
 being deeply furrowed by the many streams which spread 
 over it in every direction. Along these streams are some 
 extensive and rich alluvial flats ; the soil generally may 
 be considered of good quality. The Alleghany river en- 
 ters the county from Warren, on the line between Allegha- 
 ny and Hickory townships, and meanders through it by a 
 S. W., S. and S. E. course, and quits it on the boundary 
 line between Scrub Grass and Richland township, having 
 through all its windings a length of 70 miies within the 
 county on the E., Teonista creek, Hemlock creek, Six 
 Mile run, and on the southern boundary Toby's creek or 
 Clarion river, which is also the recipient of a number of 
 streams which flow from the county southwardly. On 
 the W. the Alleghany river receives from the county, Oil 
 creek, Sugar creek, French creek, Sandy creek, Scrub 
 Grass creek, and some smaller streams. The Allegha- 
 ny is navigable for steam-boats four or five months in the 
 year, into Warren county, and the Pennsylvania canal, 
 stretching to lake Erie, follows the bank of French creek 
 from the river, 43 miles. To the mouth of this creek 
 steam boats of 2 or 3 hundred tons have ascended. 
 
 Franklin is the seat of justice. Population in 1830, was 
 440. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries. &c. of Warren county? 
 
 A. Warren county is bounded, east by McKean, south- 
 east by Jefferson, S. by Venango, west by Crawford, N. 
 west by Erie, north by Chatauque county New York, and 
 northeast by Cattaraugus county New York. It lies in form 
 of a parallelogram, 32 miles from east to west, and 28 from 
 south to north. The face of the country is greatly diver- 
 sified—the surface moderately undulating yet not hilly 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95 
 
 Some parts of it, especially that bordering on Broken 
 Straw creek is very stony, so that a witty Yankee said, 
 when his eye was directed, not to the Skee-eye, but to the 
 rocks : " This will never probably be settled, unless by and 
 earthquake!" "So that when the Skee-eye" falls we will 
 catch lee-arks" Few counties of similar extent are so 
 well supplied with water. The principal of which is the 
 Alleghany with its numberless tributaries. Warren is the 
 seat of justice ; finely situated on the north bark of the 
 Alleghany. Population in 1830, not exceeding 550. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Washington coun- 
 ty? 
 
 A. Washington county is bounded N. W. by Beaver 
 county, N. and N. E. by Alleghany, E. by Monongahela 
 river separating it from Westmoreland and Fayette, S- 
 by Greene county, S. W. by Ohio county Virginia, and 
 W. by Brooke county Virginia. The longest line that can 
 be drawn in this county is diagonally in a N. W. direction 
 from the Ten Mile creek to the N. W. angle on Virginia 
 45 miles, mean breadth in a .similar direction 22 miles. It 
 is divided into the following townships : Amwell, E. Bethle- 
 hem, W. Bethlehem, Buffalo, Cross Creek, Canton, Ce- 
 cil, Chartiers, Donegal, Fallowfield, E. Findlay, Hopewell. 
 Hanover, Mount Pleasant, Morris, Nottingham, Peters. 
 Pike Run, Robinson, Somerset, Smith, Strabane. 
 
 Lying in the great western secondary formation, the 
 county possesses the minerals usually found in that for- 
 mation, coal, iron and salt. But salt licks are not numer- 
 ous, nor is there any iron made in the county. Like the 
 greater portion of Western Pennsylvania, this county, 
 surveyed from an elevation and from a distance, has the 
 appearance of one vast plain ; but it is in reallity deeply 
 indented by many streams, which have formed valleys of 
 greater or lesser width and depth, and the surface has. 
 
96 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 therefore, a rolling character, and in some places m ay be 
 termed hilly. 
 
 The Monongahela river flows N. full 25 miles along the 
 eastern border, receiving in its course Ten Mile creek, 
 which forms the southern border of the county, Pike run, 
 Pigeon creek and several small streams. Peter's creek, 
 Chartier's creek and Raccoon creek are also tributaries 
 of that river from this county, but their embouchures are 
 in Alleghany county, into which they flow northerly, 
 Herman's creek, Cross creek, Buffalo creek, Wheeling 
 creek, Fish creek and their several branches are tributa- 
 ries of the Ohio river into which they flow westward. 
 
 Washington is the seat of justice. Population in 1830. 
 was 1,860. (See Article Washington.) 
 ; Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 
 
 A. Wayne county is bounded S. E. and S. by Pike 
 county, S. W. by Luzerne, W. by Susquehanna, N. by 
 Broome county New York, by Delaware river separating 
 it from Delaware county New York N. E., and from Sul- 
 livan county New York E. . Greatest length is along its 
 western border, 54 miles in common with Luzerne and 
 Susquehanna, counties, mean breadth 12. It is divided | 
 into the following townships : Buckingham, Canaan, Da- 
 mascus, Dyberry, Lebanon, Mount Pleasant, Palmyra. 
 Salem, Sterling, Preston, Scott, Manchester, Berlin. 
 
 The surface of the county is very unequal, comprising 
 much of the variety pertaining to mountainous regions. 
 Its principal features are a continuous upland which oc- 
 cupies the largest portion, indented by long narrow val- 
 leys, and a few lofty eminences, to which only the name 
 of mountains should be applied. The general elevation of 
 this table land is estimated at thirteen hundred feet above 
 the level of tide water. 
 
 y The higlands are much broken by the ramifications of 
 the valleys, and the subsidence of their bases. These ine- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 97 
 
 ■qualities, however, offer no insuperable obstacles to culti- 
 vation, the slopes being, commonly, gentle. 
 
 The valleys are the peculiar drains of the county; each 
 having its proper channel into which the springs and riv- 
 ulets flow. Lakes are formed in every township except 
 Sterling. These elegant little sheets of water, clear as 
 crystal, comprise from 50 to 300 acres, and contribute 
 much to the beauty of the landscapes. Their outlets form 
 some of the capital streams of the county. At first, the 
 course of the waters is generally rapid, and this circum- 
 stance, with the favorable slope of the banks, affords innu- 
 merable situations for mills. 
 
 The county is well watered, in every sense of the word. 
 Clay iron ore has been discovered near Belmont. Anthra- 
 cite coal is found on the sources of the head waters of the 
 Lackawanna in this county. 
 
 Bethany is the seat of justice. The population, in 1830, 
 was 327. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Westmoreland coun* 
 ty? 
 
 A. Westmoreland county is bounded by Laurel Hill, 
 separating it from Somerset, S. E. ; by Fayette S. ; by 
 the Monongahela river, separating it from Washington 
 county, S. W. ; by Youghioghany river, separating it from 
 the extreme southern part of Alleghany county, W. ; by 
 the central part of Alleghany N. W. ; by the Allegha- 
 ny, separating it from the northern part of Alleghany 
 county, N. ; and by Conemaugh river, separating it from 
 Armstrong and Indiana, N. E. The longest line is a di- 
 agonal, 50 miles from the southern angle on Laurel Hill 
 to the northern at the mouth of Conemaugh; mean breadth^ 
 21 miles. It is divided into the following townships : Alle- 
 ghany, Derry, Donegal, E. Huntingdon, Fairfield, Frank- 
 lin, Hempfield, Ligonier, Mount Pleasant, North Hunting- 
 
 9 
 
98 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 don, Rostraver, South Huntingdon, Unity, and "Washing- 
 ton. 
 
 This county is broken into hills by the streams and wa- 
 ter courses, whose valleys have commonly a depth and 
 breadth proportionate to the magnitude of the volumes of 
 water which flow into them. Yet few counties in the U. 
 States, in proportion to surface, have more good land. — 
 Fruits, grasses, — vegetables of every kind, suitable to the 
 climate, grow abundantly. The county is well watered. 
 Iron ore and salt abound, 
 
 Greensburg is the seat of justice. Population in 1830? 
 was 801. 
 
 r Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of York county ? ! 
 
 A. York, one of the southern counties, is bounded by 
 Adams county W., Cumberland N. W., Susquehanna 
 river, separating it from Dauphin E., and Lancaster N. E. 
 and E., by Harford county in Maryland S., and Frederick 
 county, Md. S. W. York county bounds on Maryland 42 
 miles, but the longest part is a line parallel to the general 
 course of the Susquehanna river, 48 miles ; mean width, 
 18. It is divided into the following townships: Codorus, 
 Carroll, Conewago, Dover, East Manchester, Fairview, 
 Fawn, Franklin, Hallam, Heidleberg, Hopewell, Lower 
 Chauceford, Manheim, Monaghan, Newberry, Paradise? 
 Peach Bottom, Shrewsbury, Upper Chauceford, Washing- 
 ton, Warrington, West Manchester, Windsor, York, 
 and Spring Garden. 
 
 The county is divided between the three geological for- 
 mations. The primitive occupies nearly the eastern half 
 of the county; the secondary the central portion, and 
 contains a strip of limestone about five miles in width, 
 in which is marble of an excellent quality. The transi- 
 tion, or old red sand stone formation, claims the re- 
 mainder. The chain of hills known as the Conewago 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 99 
 
 hii cross the S.E. angle, and the South mountain bounds 
 the county on the N. W. In Windsor township, on the 
 Susquehanna, there is abundance of iron ore, well adapted 
 for casting, and, though formerly not prized for forging, 
 has latterly been successfully used for that purpose. — 
 Slate of excellent quality for roofing, is found in Peach 
 Bottom township, and bituminous coal has been discover" 
 ed within two miles of the borough of York, but from 
 late examinations, the quantity is supposed to be inconsid- 
 erable. 
 
 The county is finely watered, the noble Susquehanna 
 flowing along its greatest length ; the several branches 
 and smaller streams discharging themselves into the 
 Great Codorus, the Conewago, and the Yellow Breeches, 
 which, together with Muddy Creek, Fishing Creek, Eea- 
 ver Creek, Creutz Creek, Cabbin Branch, Canadochly 
 and Otter creeks, with others, flow eastwardly into the 
 river. The Codorus is a very fine stream, running 
 through the town of York, and has lately been rendered 
 navigable by artificial means, through the enterprize and 
 liberality of the citizens of that borough. The Yellow 
 Breeches flows along the N. W. boundary of the county, 
 A canal of about one mile in length has been cut around 
 the Conewago falls, by which the descending trade of the 
 river may avoid the dangers of that rapid. 
 
 York is the seat of justice. Population in 1830 was 
 4,216. 
 
 During the session of Congress in the town of York, 
 in 1777, Philip Livingston, a member of that body, died here, 
 and was buried in the cemetry of the German Reformed 
 church. A monument has been erected to his memory, 
 consisting of a pyramid of white marble, surmounted by 
 an urn. 
 
 jN'ote. — This county was formerly noted, for having 
 
200 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 serious and bloody contentions about their boundaries. — 
 It is about a century since the first settlements were com- 
 menced by emigrants from Germany and the north of 
 Ireland. Previous to the year 1728, unauthorized settlers 
 seated themselves on lands in this county, but at the 
 close of the year, they were removed at the request of 
 the Indians. In the year 1731, Cressap, and others, un- 
 der a pretence of a title from Maryland, located them- 
 selves on the same lands, from which the former intru- 
 ders had been driven off. The consequence of these 
 unlawful proceedings, was long, angry, and bloody con- 
 tentions, until, finally, by the interference of the king 
 and council, Cressap was captured, and the contention ter- 
 minated. 
 
 Q. Which are the principal Cities and Towns in Penn- 
 sylvania ? 
 
 A. Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburg, which are 
 cities, and the following towns, Westchester, Reading, 
 Harrisburg, Carlisle, Chambersburg, York, Easton, and 
 Washington. 
 
 Q. Can you give a brief description of these ? 
 
 A. I can. 
 
 JPhilfedelphia City, the largest city in Pennsyl- 
 vania, and the second in size in the United States, is 
 situated in the county of the same name, between the De- 
 laware and Schuylkill rivers, about five miles above the 
 junction of the two streams, 120 miles from the Atlantic 
 by the course of the Delaware, and 55 miles from it in a 
 straight line to the S. E. The state house in Chesnut 
 street between Fifth and Sixth streets, stands in latitude 
 39 degrees, 56 minutes, and 51 seconds ; longitude 75 de- 
 grees, 10 minutes and 5 seconds W. of Greenwich, and 1 
 degree, 46 minutes, and 30 seconds E. of the city of Wash- 
 ington. The city lies 30 miles below the head of steam 
 navigation on the Delaware, 96 from Harrisburg, 89 from 
 
 
 . 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 
 
 .New York, 98 from Baltimore, and 120 statute miles, or 
 by the post route 136 miles, from Washington city. In its 
 natural state, the ground on which Philadelphia stands, 
 was an undulating alluvial plain. The Indian name, Coa- 
 quahanock, was changed to that of Philadelphia, and the 
 city regularly laid out into streets crossing each other at 
 right angles, extending by a small angle from the true 
 meridians. This regularity does not extend however to 
 either of the suburbs or liberties. In the latter, the streets 
 in part correspond to those in the city, in part they are 
 at right angles to each other, but oblique to those, of the 
 city; and in part they are irregular, crossing at acute 
 and obtuse angles. Dock street is the only one, either 
 in the city or Liberties, which extends in curved lines. 
 Happily the undulating surface on which the body of the 
 city is built, has been left untouched by the rage for lev- 
 elling, and contributes also to clear the streets of filth 
 whenever rain falls on them; an advantage relinquished 
 in places where a different policy has prevailed. Philadel- 
 phia, like New York, stands on a superstratum of porous 
 alluvion, based on primitive rock, which is an additional 
 cause of cleanliness and dryness. The environs of Phila- 
 delphia on the Delaware, have been justly admired for 
 the richness, and along the banks of the Schuylkill, for 
 the variety of their scenery. 
 
 Without due attention to the cause, it may excite some 
 surprise that the scenery of the Delaware should present 
 features so much more monotonous than that of the 
 .Schuylkill; but the geological structure of the country 
 explains the difference. The primitive rock ledge, on the 
 margin of which Philadelphia is situated, is at that city, 
 only touched by the Delaware ; whilst on the contrary, it 
 is there that the Schuylkill emerges from the regions of 
 hills based on the primitive, and meets the tide. If the two 
 rivers are compared as to their relative connexion with 
 
 q* 
 
102 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the primitive ledge, the Delaware forms the traverse at 
 Trenton, similar to that of the Schuylkill river at Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 The city was founded in 1682, by William Penn : its 
 original form was a parallelogram, extending from the 
 Delaware to the Schuylkill, and more than a mile on these 
 rivers. Its present limits are much enlarged, and embrace 
 in the northern and southern suburbs,, an important part 
 of its population. It is accessible by the Delaware for 
 vessels of six hundred tons burthen ; and the Schuylkill is 
 navigable for vessels of lighter draught above its junc- 
 tion with the Delaware ; the navigation in the winter sea- 
 son, is much obstructed by ice. 
 
 That part of the city adjacent to the Delaware was for- 
 merly the principal seat of business ; but since the coal 
 mines in the interior of the state have been opened, their 
 immense importance, with the facilities for the transac- 
 tion of business afforded by the completion of railroads 
 and canals, terminating in that vicinity, have directed the 
 attention of the public to the Schuylkill, and business is 
 rapidly increasing on its banks. The numerous stores 
 and other buildings erected in this part of the city, are 
 the best evidence of the growing importance of this 
 branch of domestic enterprise. 
 
 The city itself, as was before remarked, is laid out with 
 regularity; the streets crossing each other at right an- 
 gles. There are nearly 600 of these, generally paved with 
 good walks of brick ; some of them are broad, and are 
 fine promenades. There are also several public squares, 
 which contribute in a great degree to the beauty and com- 
 fort of the city ; one of them contains 10 acres of land. 
 Public sewers have been constructed under most of the 
 principal streets, which carry the filth of the city to the 
 Delaware, and promote, in a high degree, the health and 
 comfort of the inhabitants. Tre city is built with a de- 
 
OF PEXNS YLY ANI A. 103 
 
 gree of neatness and beauty which is scarcely surpassed 
 in the United States. The houses are generally of brick, 
 and are ornamented with steps and window sills, and 
 not unfrequently a basement, of white marble. Among 
 the most prominent of the public buildings are the U. S. 
 bank, a magnificent white marble edifice, copied after 
 the Partheon at Athens ; it is 161 by 87 feet, including 
 porticoes: the bank of Pennsylvania, also, of white marble, 
 modelled after the temple of Minerva, 125 by 51 feet ; the 
 mint of the United States, a splendid building faced with 
 marble, and presenting a front of 122 feet, embracing a 
 portico 62 feet long, and two wings of 30 feet each ; it is 
 of the Ionic order, and was taken from a splendid Grecian 
 temple on the river Ilissus, near Athens. 
 
 Besides these are the Girard bank, the Philadelphia li- 
 brary, the hall ol the Philosophical society, the university 
 of Pennsylvania, the arcade, the state house, from which 
 the declaration of American independence was first pro- 
 mulgated; the academy of fine arts, the hospital, maso- 
 nic hall, alms' house, arsenal, exchange, orphans' asylum, 
 carpenters' hall, custom house, old and new penitentiary, 
 marine asylum, the institution for the deaf and dumb, the 
 medical college, three prisons, three theatres, and ten 
 markets, one of which is a mile long. 
 
 In 1830, there were 90 churches in the city and suburbs. 
 Of these 20 were Presbyterians, 10 Methodists, 9 Episco- 
 pal, 7 Friends, 6 Baptists, 5 Lutherans, 4 Roman Catholics, 
 10 African, and 19 of other denominations. There are 
 four bridges across the Schuylkill: Permanent bridge, 
 thrown across from the west end of Market street, is 13GO 
 feet long, and cost $235,000. The Fairmount bridge con- 
 sists of a single arch of 350 feet span ; it was erected in 
 1823, and cost* 150,000 dollars. These are beautiful and 
 substantial structures. There are also the Upper or Rail- 
 road bridge, built upon a plan similar to the Fairmount 
 
104 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS.lt. 
 
 bridge, and upon which the Columbia railroad cross 
 Schuylkill ; and the Lower or Floating bridge, at Gray's 
 Ferry. The latter is the oldest bridge. 
 
 In addition to the bank of the United States, with a capi- 
 tal of $35,000,000, there are 16 other banks in the city in- 
 corporated by the State, with an aggregate capita! 
 
 m dollars; of which 3 1 $.935,000 has been paid in,— 
 ;apital of the different insurance companies, amounts 
 : 15480,000. 
 
 .adelphia is noted for the benevolent disposition of its 
 md for the number, variety and ex: 
 and literary institutions. Among tins 
 : Dned the Pennsylvania hospital, founded in 171 
 :" which occupy an entire square : the uni- 
 irardeoll:_ edical college, the : 
 
 - spensaric s - for the insane, ho 
 
 nd indigent widows", and - 
 
 n for the deaf and dun. 
 the abolition, savings* ft: 
 
 ers. Some of these are worthy of fin 
 
 : and dumb ws 
 
 r, with a e 
 
 : ropriatk I 
 indigent pupils from Pennsylvania. 
 
 g 
 in depth, and is a chaste and beautiful S] 
 ::ure. T: expenses 
 
 are about 11.000 ; The number of pm 
 
 •■rhom were males and 
 - of Pennsylvania, located in 
 
 :. and in the medical department 365 stu i 
 The alms-house is supported at an expense to the p ■ 
 of about £50,000 per annum. The city is weB 
 
OF PE>>'SYLVANIA. iQ- t 
 
 with public schools and academies, some of which are well 
 
 endowed; and it has recently received a most munificent 
 
 . :r the establishment of a college for orphans, by 
 
 ill of the late Stephen Girard. This gentleman, who 
 died in 1S31, by his will bequeathed the sum of two mil- 
 lions of dollars to the corporation of the city, in trust for 
 
 ndowment of an Orphan College. The site selected 
 by Mr. Girard for this object, is one and a fourth mile from 
 .1 the Ridge Road, and at a place called Peel 
 Hill. It contains forty five acres of land, upon which, by 
 the terms of the will, buildings are to be erected for the 
 accommodation of 300 pupils, together with those neces- 
 sary for the teachers, and for other purposes. Provision 
 is made for the education of as many poor orphans as the 
 place will accommodate ; the pupils are to be selected, 1st 
 from the city of Philadelphia, 2nd from the state of Penn- 
 sylvania, 3d from the city of New York, and 4th from the 
 
 f.Xew Olreans. They are to be taught the various 
 branches of a sound education, including practical mathe* 
 matics, philosophy and the modern languages ; and pro-, 
 vision is made for extending the course of study, for those 
 who may merit it by distinguished capacity or industry. 
 
 orner stone of the Girard College for Orphans was 
 laid, on the 4th July 1533. The building is to be 160 front 
 
 7 feet in flank, including the porticoes. The order is 
 Corinthian ; the superstructure will repose on a basement 
 in the form of a truncated pyramid, composed of 12 steps 
 surrounding the whole building. The columns are to be 
 six feet in diameter at the base, and 54 feet six inches 
 The body of the building will be of blue marble, 
 and the columns, pediment, &c. of white marble. 
 
 The magnificent water works of Philadelphia, by mean* 
 of which the city is supplied from the Schuylkill with pure 
 and wholesome water, are without a parallel on this side 
 of the Atlantic. The water is raised from the river an ; 
 

 106 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 conveyed into reservoirs, elevated 56 feet above the high- 
 est ground in the city. From these reservoirs 3,000,000 
 gallons of water are taken daily for the supply of the city. 
 72 J -2 miles of iron pipe have already been laid, to convey 
 the water, and additions are constantly making. The to- 
 tal amount expended for this object is 1,443,583 dollars, 
 and the receipts for the present year are estimated at 77,- 
 500 dollars. From this source the fire companies are lib- 
 erally supplied with water in case of fire; of these, there 
 are about 30 engine, and 18 hose companies. The United 
 State mint was established by Congress in 1790, and has 
 since been continued at Philadelphia. The whole amount 
 coined at this establishment from 1793 to 1831 was 37,000- 
 000 dollars. In 1831 there was coined 3,932,47360 dollars 
 of which 518,000 dollars was from the gold of the United 
 States gold. Philadelphia is deservedly celebrated for the 
 value and variety of its manufactures. Ali the necessa- 
 ries and most of the luxuries of life are manufactured in 
 the city and its vicinity, and large quantities of useful and 
 fancy articles are annually sent abroad. The internal 
 trade of the city is very great, particularly with the Wes- 
 tern States. In 1830, 573,876 barrels of flour were inspec- 
 ted. The commerce of Philadelphia is also extensive ; the 
 tonnage, including registered, enrolled and licenced, in 
 1833 amounted to 79,703, of which 44,029 was registered ; 
 28,093 enrolled ; 1,615 licenced; and 5,963 foreign. The 
 tonnage of new vessels built and registered, from January 
 1st to July 1st 1833, was 88,068, is to be employed in the 
 foreign trade. The number of arrivals in 1830 was 3,702, 
 of which 415 were foreign, coastwise, 3,287; in 1831, 3,602 
 of which 396 foreign and 3,206 coastwise. The imports 
 of the state chiefly centre here. In the year ending Sep- 
 tember 1830, they amounted to $8,702,122, and during the 
 same time the exports were, of domestic produce 2,924, 
 452, foreign 1,367,341 dollars. There are several exten^ 
 
OP PENNSYLVANIA. 107 
 
 sive ship yards for building merchant vessels, and the U. 
 S. have also a navy yard here. A line of steam pack- 
 ets is contemplated to run between this city and Charles- 
 ton. The population of the city for several periods, has 
 been as follows:— in 1731, 12,000, 1753, 18,000, 1790,42,500, 
 1800,70,287. 1810, 96,664, and in 1820, 119,325. In 1830, 
 the population of the city and suburbs was as follows :— 
 
 Suburbs N., Northern Liberties, 
 Spring Garden, - - 
 Penn Township, 
 Kensington - - - 
 
 - 31,376 
 
 - 11.141 
 
 - 1,507 
 
 - 13,326 
 
 Suburbs, South, Southwark, East, 
 Southwark, West, 
 Moyamensing, 
 Passyunk, - - - 
 
 - 10,361 
 
 - 19,379 
 
 - 6,822 
 
 - 1,441 
 
 °QQ03 
 
 City 
 
 - - - 89,458 
 
 Total, 166,811 
 
 Though it may seem to be a digression from the gene- 
 ral arrangement of this work, to notice other than county 
 towns, the writer cannot omit introducing to notice Dy- 
 ottville. 
 
 Dyottville is a flourishing village on the banks of the 
 Delaware, between Kensington and Richmond, in the ex- 
 treme northern suburbs of Philadelphia, and covers a 
 space, including the farm, of between three and four hun- 
 dred acres. Its locality is remarkable both for beauty and 
 health. There are no less than five glass factories here ; 
 and the place affords employment for five hundred per- 
 sons. 
 
 The limits of this work does not allow us to notice 
 all the advantages of this place, afforded to the laboring 
 
108 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 classes employed. Mr. Dyott certainly merits the praise 
 of a philanthropist for the noble system he has there intro- 
 duced. For a full detail, we would refer the reader to 
 a pamphlet of 94 pp. 8vo., published at Philadelphia, in 
 1833, giving "in Exposition of the System of Moral and 
 Mental Labor established at the Glass Factory of Dyott- 
 ville, in the county of Philadelphia." 
 
 JLf&nc ttSt€r City, the seat of justice of Lancaster Co« 
 62 miles W. from Philadelphia and 35 S. E. from the bo- 
 rough of Harrisburg. Longitude from Washington City 
 40 minutes E., latitude 40 dagrees 3 minutes N. This is 
 the largest inland town of Pennsylvania and has long 
 been distinguished for its thrift and wealth. It is situated 
 in the heart of a rich, populous and well cultivated coun- 
 try, of whose trade it is the chief depot. For the conveni- 
 ence of intercourse between this city and Philadelphia 
 the first turnpike road of the state was commenced in 
 1792, and finished in 1794. The commercial prospects of 
 the city of Lancaster have been highly improved by the 
 slack water navigation lately made on the Conestoga 
 creek, which connects the city with the Susquehanna riv- 
 er and the Chesapeake bay, and the state rail-road from 
 Columbia to Philadelphia which passes through it. The 
 streets of the city, which intersect each other at right an- 
 gles, are chiefly paved and curbed. The ancient build- 
 ings are principally one story high, in the old German mode 
 but the modern dwellings are lofty, substantially and com- 
 modiously built, and some of them equal in convenience 
 and beauty to any in the state. This city was for many 
 years the seat of government of the commonwealth, which 
 was removed thence to Harrisburg in 1812. The popula- 
 tion is chiefly German and the decendants of Germans, 
 and amounted in 1830 to 7703 ; the taxables to 1720. The 
 public buildings consist of a brick court house, at the in* 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 109 
 
 ter section of King and Queen streets, the two principal 
 streets; jail, and many places of public worship. The 
 dwellings may amount to 1200. 
 
 The town plot contains a square of two miles, compre* 
 hending 2500 acres, which is indented by the Conestoga 
 creek upon the east. It was originally laid out in 1728, 
 by James Hamilton, Esq. of Philadelphia. There was 
 then on its site a single log house. Few lots were sold in 
 fee, the chief part being let on ground rent, on terms so 
 easy as to invite many poor settlers, which caused the 
 town at an early period to become too large for the sur* 
 rounding country. It was incorporated as a borough by 
 governor George Thomas, by charter dated first May, 
 1742. In 1754 it contained 500 houses, and above 2000 in- 
 habitants, and was then noted for its manufacture of sad- 
 dles and guns. But it was said that at that period there 
 was not a single good house in it. The first German Lu- 
 theran church, and school house, were built in 1734. The 
 borough charter was confirmed by act of assembly of 
 20th March, 1818, by the style of the "mayor, aldermen— 
 and citizens of Lancaster." It was a select and common 
 council, a recorder and aldermen, who with the mayor 
 (elected by the councils) form the mayor's court. Lan- 
 caster is noted in the provincial history of Pennsylvania 
 as having been the scene of an inhuman massacre of un- 
 offending Indians, by some inhabitants of Paxton and Don 
 egal townships. These had been rendered furious by the 
 Indian butcheries on the borders, and in the blindness of 
 their rage did not discriminate between the peaceable In- 
 dian and the warring savage. On the 14th December 
 1764, 30 men, well mounted and armed, surrounded the 
 wigwams of a remnant of a tribe of the Six Nations, on 
 the Conestoga manor, and barbarously murdered some 
 women and children, and a few old men, and amongst the 
 latter the chief, Shaheas, who had ever been distinguished 
 
 10 
 
1 1 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 by his friendship for the whites. The majority of the vil„ 
 lagers, who were abroad at the time of the attack, were 
 placed for protection in the prison at Lancaster. But on 
 the 27th of the same month, a party of 50 men, with faces 
 blackened, from the same townships, suddenly entered 
 the town, galloped to the workhouse, which having for- 
 ced, they surrounded with a guard, and murdered, unin- 
 terruptedly, the Indians there, 14 in number. Having ef- 
 fected their purpose they retired undiscovered, nor could 
 the efforts of the government, though streneously exerted, 
 bring the murderers to justice. 
 
 Franklin college was established here by act of assem- 
 bly, 1787, for the instruction of youth In the German, Eng- 
 lish, Latin, Greek, and other learned languages; in theol- 
 ogy, and in the useful arts, science and literature ; and 
 was designed particularly for the improvement of the Ger- 
 man population. By the incorporating act 10,000 acres 
 of land within the boundaries of the present counties of 
 Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford and Venango, were granted 
 to the trustees; and by an act of 1788 some lots in the 
 city of Lancaster were vested in them, and soon after the 
 incorporation a sum of money was raised for its use by 
 private subscription. It continued in operation about two 
 years, when the trustees were unable to proceed. Since 
 that time occasionally a Greek and Latin, and sometimes 
 only an English grammar school, has been kept in the 
 buildings belonging to the institution. The Lancaster 
 county academy was incorporated by act of assembly 
 14th April, 1827, and the sum of 3000 dollars was granted 
 to the institution. 
 
 The city contains 2 Lutheran, 1 German Reformed, 1 
 Episcopalian, 1 Catholic, 1 United Brethren, 1 Presbyteri- 
 an, 1 Methodist, 1 African, 1 Quaker, and I Independent 
 Methodist churches ; many private schools, 3 libraries, a 
 reading room, museum, several religious and charitable 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill 
 
 societies, 9 presses, 5 publishing English, and 4 German 
 papers, four tan yards, six breweries, and two potteries. 
 By the slack water navigation lately made on Cones- 
 toga creek, the city of Lancaster has attained the dignity 
 of a port, and produce is embarked there for Philadel- 
 phia by the way of the Susquehanna river, and the Ches- 
 apeake and Delaware canal. 
 
 Pittsburg City^ Alleghany Co. is situate.d ia 40 de- 
 grees 32 minutes N. latitude, 3 degrees 2 seconds W. lon- 
 gitude from Washington City, at the confluence of the Al- 
 leghany and Monongahela rivers; 201 miles N. W. from 
 Washington City, 300 miles W. of Philadelphia, 196 from 
 Harrisburg, 120 S. of Lake Erie, 1100 by land and 2000 
 by water above New Orleans. The Monongahela here 
 runs a due N. course, and receives the Alleghany from 
 the E., or perhaps it might be said with more propriety, 
 that the Alleghany receives the Monongahela, the former 
 being the greater stream. The city stands on a level allu- 
 vial bottom of small extent; for Immediately back of it, 
 and at a distance of not more than half a mile from the 
 point rises Grant's hill, high and almost precipitous, and 
 is the great secondary bank, which spreads itself so as to 
 leave along the Alleghany river, a strip of land of one 
 third or one fourth of a mile wide, of great fertility, and 
 along the Monongahela, a still narrower belt. The hill 
 was named after the unfortunate major Grant, who was 
 defeated here by the French and Indians, in 1758. This 
 spot claims notice politically and commercially from 
 the year 1753, when the French erected a fort here, to 
 which they gave the name of Du Q,uesne from the mar- 
 quis of that name, the governor general of Canada. Its 
 value as a military position had been marked in the pre- 
 ceding year by Gen. Washington, when on a mission 
 from Gov. Dinwiddie of Virginia to ascertain the views 
 of the French in this quarter. The fort was captured by 
 
112 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the British in 1758, and received the name of Fort Pitt, in 
 honor of the Earl of Chatham. 
 
 The city was founded in 1764, but was not regularly 
 surveyed until 1784. On the 22d April of that year, Tench 
 Francis, Esq., who was the attorney of the proprietaries* 
 one of whose manors included the site, instructed Geo. 
 Potts, Esq., to lay out the town, and to divide the rest of 
 the manor into proper lots and farms, and to set a value 
 thereon, that they might be offered for immediate sale. 
 The survey was completed in May or June following, and 
 confirmed by the attorney on the 30th September, 1784. 
 For some years it increased slowly; containing in 1786. 
 about one hundred houses, erected chiefly on the third 
 bank, but of late years it has extended rapidly along the 
 margin of the rivers, and is encroaching upon Grant's 
 Hill, houses being built on its sides and summit. It was 
 erected into a borough by an act of assemby, passed March 
 5, 1804, and was incorporated as a city, by an act passed 
 March 18, 1816. 
 
 It is not possible to do justice to this article, without 
 embracing in our views the neighboring towns and ham< 
 lets, which form the suburbs of the city. On the W. side 
 of the Monongahela, and about a mile above Pittsburgh t 
 lies the flourishing borough of Birmingham ; and imme- 
 diately opposite to the city, under the high and jutting 
 hill, called coal hill, is a street of manufacturing estab- 
 lishments, which may be considered as an extension of 
 Birmingham, and which is coonected with Pittsburg by 
 a fine roofed bridge, built in 1818, 1500 feet in length, and 
 37 in width, having 8 arches supported by stone piers, by 
 a joint stock company, to which the state subscribed 
 840,000, at an expense of $102,450. In the opposite di- 
 rection, and north of the Alleghany river, is the bo- 
 rough of Alleghany town, on a beautiful plain of great 
 extent, also connected with Pittsburg, by a roofed bridge, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 113 
 
 erected in 1810; in length 1122 feet, breadth 38 feet, and 
 38 feet above the water, resting on 6 piers of dressed 
 stone, by a joint stock company, to which the state also 
 subscribed $40,000, at the cost of $95,249. Above Alle- 
 ghany town, about a mile, and on the same side of the 
 river, is the town of Manchester. The Northern Liber- 
 ties of Pittsburg, and Bayardstown, are on the city side 
 of the river, and are closer suburbs. 
 
 In 1810, the population of the city of Pittsburg was 
 about 5,000; in 1820, 7,248; and the census of 1830, gives 
 to the city proper, 12,542; to Pitt township, in which it 
 lies. 3924 ; to the borough of Alleghany town, 2801 ; and 
 to the borough of Birmingham, 520 ; Bayardstown bo- 
 rough, 2125. 
 
 During part of the period between 1817 and 1824, this 
 city suffered much from the general stagnation of busi- 
 ness, and extensive bankruptcy which prevailed. But 
 since the latter year its prosperity has been wonderful, 
 and bids fair to continue. 
 
 The commercial importance of Pittsburg is very great 
 and the additional facilities of transportation which mod- 
 ern improvements have created, seems to assure an 
 enormous and indefinite increase of business here. By 
 the canal on the Alleghany and Conemaugh rivers, it pen- 
 etrates central Pennsylvania W. of the Appalachian sys- 
 tem ; and by the railroad across the mountains, and the 
 canal of the Juniata, it reaches to the Susquehanna and 
 the richest counties of the state E. of the mountains, and 
 thence to the sea board. By the Mongahela river, and 
 by the Ohio and Potomac canal, it is connected with 
 the southern part of the state, and with Maryland and 
 Virginia, and the seat of the Federal government. By 
 the Ohio river, it carries on active trade with the western 
 states and New Orleans ; and by the proposed canals, N. 
 and N. W., it may attain a large share of the business of 
 10* 
 
114 GEOGRAPHIC AIi CATECHISM 
 
 New York, of the state of Ohio, and the N. W. country 
 generally. 
 
 There are three banks established in Pittsburg: the 
 Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank, with a circulating capi- 
 tal of $599,550 ; Bank of Pittsburg, capital $875,000 ; and 
 the Exchange Bank, with a capital of $1,000,000. The 
 Pittsburg Savings institution has a capital of $21,000 
 paid in. 
 
 The manufactures of this city have already given it 
 much celebrity, both abroad and at home. They first ex- 
 cited attention about the year 1810, and have since, 
 though occasionally depressed by the changes in the ge- 
 neral business of the country, continued to grow into 
 their present importance. The vast quantities of coal in 
 the surrounding hills, and the great supplies of iron ob- 
 tained from the region W. of, and particularly along the 
 mountains, rendered now more accessible by the state 
 canals and the admirable position of the city for commer- 
 cial enterprise, have made it a vast assemblage of manu- 
 facturing establishments, which day and night roll up im- 
 mense volumes of smoke, darkening the very heavens, 
 and discoloring every object, the houses and their inhabi- 
 tants. Here are many and extensive forges, rolling and 
 and slitting mills, and foundries, supplied with the bars 
 and blooms of Centre, Mifflin, and Huntingdon counties, 
 in the very centre of the state, and from the counties 
 more west. Here are cast ploughs, mill machinery, stoves, 
 cannon, and cannon balls; here is constructed a vast num- 
 ber of steamboats with their engines, and employment is 
 given to several thousand artizans in iron and wood, con- 
 nected with this great manufacture. Here are six or 
 eight extensive glass manufactories, whose products have 
 been admired in every part of the Union, but particularly 
 in the towns S, and W. and N. of Pittsburg. Here are 
 many and extensive cotton and woollen manufactories, 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ho 
 
 paper mills, saw and grist mills, distilleries, &c, &c, all 
 set in motion by steam, raised at the cheapest rate by 
 coal, which costs little more than the price of digging and 
 and a short cartage. Between 5 and G000 wagons arrive 
 here annually from the east, loaded with merchandize for 
 the west ; whilst the quantity of flour, whiskey, lumber, 
 salt, &c, <fcc, &c, which is brought by the road, the ca- 
 nals, for exportation by the Ohio, is immense. It is calcu- 
 lated that thirty millions of feet of plank descend the Al- 
 ghany alone from the pine forests on the sources of that 
 river. The products of the manufactories of Pittsburg 
 certainly exceed the annual value of 82,000,000. 
 
 Within the last two or three years, steamboats have 
 been constructed to ply upon the Alleghany and Monon- 
 gahela rivers, and during the season of the year when 
 the waters are full, a regular communication we believe, 
 is maintained with the towns on the former river, as high 
 as Warren. The state canal, which follows the right 
 bank of the Alleghany river, from the mouth of the Kiski- 
 minitas, crosses the river by an aquaduct at Alleghany 
 town, and up a tunnel through Grant's hill, and commu- 
 nicates by an outlet lock, with the Monongahela river. 
 
 Turnpike roads from north, south, east, and west, 
 communicate between the city and the adjacent coun- 
 try. The town is supplied with water by means of steam 
 engines, and the fluid is distributed from an elevated rese- 
 voir, through the streets by iron pipes. The councils 
 have authorized a company to light the streets, &c. by gas. 
 The Pittsburg academy was established in 1787, and 
 0000 acres of land were granted by the state in aid of 
 the institution. It continued to prospers until 1819, when 
 more extensive means of education being required, the 
 legislature incorporated, by act of 18th February, 1819, the 
 " Western University of Pennsylvania," to be located at 
 or near Alleghany towm and authorized the trustees of 
 
116 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the academy to convey to the university all their estate, 
 real and personal, and at the same time granted to the 
 latter 40 acres of vacant lands belonging to the com- 
 monwealth, bounded by, or adjoining the outlots of Alle- 
 ghany town. But some difficulty as to title has prevented 
 this grant from being wholly operative. Since that pe- 
 riod, in 1826, the legislature has given to the university, 
 from the state treasury, 9600 dollars. By aid of these do- 
 nations, and the liberality of individuals, the trustees have 
 been enabled to erect on Grant's hill, on the Monongahela 
 side of the town, suitable buildings for the institution. The 
 university is under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Bruce, as 
 president. It has four academical instructors, and about 
 60 students. 
 
 The city and its vicinity are well provided with schools, 
 and there is a noted boarding school for young ladies 
 a few miles from Pittsburg, on Braddock's fatal field. 
 
 There are several political, commercial, and religious 
 papers published in Pittsburg. But a taste for literature is 
 not much diffused, nor very active. 
 
 Religious Institutions. There are in Pittsburg proper, 
 exclusive of the suburbs, 1 Baptist, 2 Presbyterian, 2 
 Methodist, 1 Episcopal, and 2 Roman Catholic churches, 
 including the large cathedral on Grant's hill ; 1 Cove- 
 nanter's, one Seceder's, 1 German Reformed, 1 Unitarian, 
 1 Associate Reformed, 1 Lutheran, and 1 African, beside 2 
 Protestant churches lately erected ; making in all 16 places 
 of public worship. The cathedral, according to the pro- 
 posed design, when completely finished, will be an orna- 
 ment, not only to the city, but to the United States. 
 
 The "Western Theological Seminary," established by 
 Presbyterians, is located at Alleghany town. The edifice 
 for the institution is beautifully situated on an insulated 
 knoll, about 100 feet above the level of the river. The 
 main building is about four stories high, and the wings 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117 
 
 three. It is in length one hundred feet, and contains one 
 hundred rooms, destined each for a single student- 
 There are also commodious rooms for a library, which, by 
 donation from Scotland and from individuals in this coun- 
 try, is already respectable. There were about 35 students 
 here in 1833. 
 
 Bible, missionary, and tract societies are duly establish- 
 ed, and the institution of a temperance society has had 
 very beneficial effects. 
 
 A mineral spring has lately been discovered on the 
 farm of John S. Scully, Esq., in St. Clair township, four 
 miles S. W. of the city, to which the name of the Pittsburg 
 mineral spring has been given. It issues Irom the fissure 
 of a rock, on the side of a small hill, and discharges about 
 a gallon of water per minute, which is conveyed through 
 a tunnel into a reservoir, from which it is pumped to sup- 
 ply the bath house. The water in the spring, when un- 
 disturbed for a few hours, is covered with a thin white 
 pellicle, which after some time, assumes an iredescent ap- 
 pearance. It then falls to the bottom, and is renewed if 
 the water is not disturbed, as may be more particularly 
 observed every morning. 
 
 When the water is first taken from the spring, its ap- 
 pearance is perfectly clear, its taste is lively and rather 
 pungent, with a peculiar ferruginous flavor, and an odor 
 which has some resemblance to the scourings of a gun 
 barrel, and which is easily recognized as arising from an 
 impregnation of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. If the water 
 be suffered to remain some hours in a glass, it loses in 
 some degree, its transparency, as well as its lively and 
 pungent taste ; numerous air bubbles are extracted from 
 it, and a light deposit takes place on the inside of the 
 glass. Vessels which are constantly used, become lined 
 with an ochry incrustation, which is with difficulty re- 
 moved, and the bottom and sides of the well, as well as 
 
 
118 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the substance over which the water flows, have a sedi- 
 ment of the same nature. The temperature of the spring 
 is nearly the same at all seasons of the year. In August, 
 when the temperature was at 85 in the air, that of the wa- 
 ter was only 54. Its specific gravity, when compared 
 with distilled water, is as 1002 to 1000. Dr. Mead reports, 
 after due examination, this water to contain muriate of 
 soda, muriate of magnesia, 1-2; oxide of iron, 1 ; and sul- 
 phate of lime 1-2; carbonic acid gas in 1 quart, 18 cubic 
 inches : and he recommends it for all purposes in which*" 
 chalybeates are generally given. 
 
 A bed of marble, of the species called bird's eye, has 
 been discovered about six miles from the city, and one and 
 a half from the canal ; it cuts smoothly, takes a fine pol- 
 ish, and is well adapted for ornamental purposes. 
 
 The corporate powers of the city are vested in a select 
 council of 9 members, three of whom are elected annu- 
 ally, and serve 3 years ; a common council of 15 mem- 
 bers elected yearly ; a recorder, and 12 aldermen, ap- 
 pointed by the Governor, and holding their offices dur- 
 ing good behaviour ; a mayor elected annually by the 
 select and common councils, from among the aldermen,, 
 and a mayor's court composed of the mayor, recorder 
 and aldermen, or any four of them. 
 
 The coal around the city lies in strata of from 6 inches 
 to 10 or more feet in depth, and is found in the hills which 
 overlook the town, at the height of 300 ft. above the bed 
 of the river. 
 
 West Chester, post town, and seat of justice of Ches- 
 ter county, is situated on the dividing ridge between the 
 waters of Chester creek and the Brandy wine^ 2 miles E. 
 of the latter stream, five miles S. of the Great Limestone 
 Valley, and Lancaster and Philadelphia turnpike roaa>and 
 23 from Philadelphia, 115 N. from Washington city, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 119 
 
 76 S. E. from Harrisburg. The Strashurg road passes 
 through it westward, intersected by one from the Great 
 Valley to Wilmington. The place was formerly called 
 the Turk's Head, from the sign of the only tavern here. — 
 The town owes its existence to the removal of the seat 
 of justice to the site, from Old Chester, by virtue of an act 
 passed 22d March, 1784, obtained principally by the ex- 
 ertions of Col. Hannum, an active member of the assem- 
 tly of that period, who dwelt here. It was erected into 
 a borough in the year 1799, whose boundaries embrace an 
 area of one mile and a quarter square, taken wholly from 
 the township of Goshen, having the township of East 
 Bradford for its western limit. In the year 1800, the in- 
 habitants amounted to 374; in 1810, to 471 ; in 1820, to 
 552; in 1830, to 1252; and in December, 1831, the popula- 
 tion was 1500; voters, about 250. The original plan of 
 the town consisted of four contiguous squares, with two 
 principal streets crossing in the centre. In 1829, several 
 streets were opened, and new squares formed on the S. 
 W. side of the primitive squares, by Wm. Everhart, Esq. 
 There are 250 dwelling houses within the borough limits, 
 of which 220 are in the village, and the residue on the 
 adjacent farms. 
 
 The public buildings in the borough are, the court house 
 and prison, finished in 1786; the county offices, built in 
 1791 ; market houses, old one, built in 1802, new one, 100 
 feet long, built in 1831 ; an academy, built and incorpo- 
 rated in 1812; Roman Catholic chapel, built in 1793 - t Me- 
 thodist Episcopal church, built in 1816; 2 Quaker meeting 
 houses, one built in 1812, the other in 1830. 
 
 The institutions of a public character are, the post of- 
 fice, established in 1802; bank of Chester county, with a 
 capital paid of $90,000, chartered in 1814 : library founded 
 in 1814 ; cabinet of natural science, founded in 1826, in- 
 corporated 1831 ; atheneum, founded and incorporated in 
 
120 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 1827; female boarding school, established in 1830; six day 
 schools of various grades and dates ; 2 fire companies, 
 one established in the year 1800, the other in 1818. 
 
 The literary institutions of this town are highly cre- 
 ditable to its inhabitants, and form exemplars for other 
 county towns of the state, which, we are pleased to 
 see, have been in part copied by Norristown and Doyles- 
 town. 
 
 The side walks of the streets of were first paved with 
 bricks in the 1823. The two principal streets were mac- 
 adamized in the years 1829 and 1330. 
 
 The improvements in the borough and surrounding 
 country, have been such, that the enterprising citizens of 
 the county have constructed a railway from the town to 
 intersect the state railroad between Philadelphia and Co- 
 lumbia at the Warren. 
 
 The zealous and enlightened editor of the Village Rec- 
 ord exclaimed : 
 
 What is to prevent the town from growing to four times 
 its present size 1 In a high and healthy situation, sur. 
 rounded by the richest and best cultivated land — an ex- 
 tensive market for cattle — the county town of one of the 
 most wealthy and populous counties in the state — provi- 
 sions plenty and cheap, — why should it not become a 
 place for manufacturing — especially for all those manufac- 
 tures that do not require water power to drive them ? — 
 Besides, from the liberal and praiseworthy enterprize of 
 Wm. Everhart, Esq., town lots, beautifully and eligibly 
 situated, may now be obtained on moderate terms. — 
 Where, then, can capitalists invest their money more ad- 
 vantageously than by purchasing lots and building here V 1 
 
 Residing, post and county town of Berks county, 
 situated on the E. bank of the river Schuylkill, one mile 
 below Tulpenhocken creek, 54 miles N. W. of Philadel- 
 
 E- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 
 
 phia, about the same distance E. of Harrisburg, and 143 
 N. E. from Washington city. Population in 1820, 4278$ 
 1330> 5631. The town was laid out in 1748, by Thomas 
 and Richard Penn, proprietaries and governors in chief of 
 the province, and private owners of the ground plot. — 
 The plan adopted was that of Lancaster, with some im- 
 provements suggested by experience. The streets are 
 spacious* running in straight lines, and intersecting each 
 other at right angles. There are five streets running E- 
 and W., and nine running N. and S. The court house 
 stands upon a square in the centre, 200 by 220 feet. 
 There are two semi-annual fairs, beginning the 4th of 
 June and 27th of October, and lasting two days ; held un- 
 der a grant by deed of the proprietaries, .July 30, 1766. 
 They are continued to this time under the German appel- 
 lation of "Jahr-Markts," yearly markets, though at present 
 they are only resorted to by the country youth of either 
 sex for the purpose of hilarity. The two weekly market 
 days, Wednesday and Saturday, though recognized and 
 re-established by the act of assembly of 1813, have their 
 origin in a grant contained in the deed of the proprieta- 
 ries above mentioned. The town was erected into a bo. 
 rough by act of assemby, passed in 1783 ; altered and re- 
 pealed by an act of 1813, under which it elects a legislative 
 town council, and burgesses whose duty is to carry the 
 ordinances into effect. Reading contains between seven 
 and eight hundred houses, including a court house, pub- 
 lic offices, and jail, and two market houses. The town is 
 well provided with houses of public entertainment, most 
 of them spacious and comfortable, and one upon an ele- 
 gant and extensive scale. The river which is here about 
 six hundred feet wide, is crossed by two substantial co- 
 vered bridges, of frame work, supported on stone piers 
 and abutments, erected at the county expense. The 
 
 11 
 
122 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Schuylkill canal extending from Philadelphia to Pottsville, 
 passes through the town. The Union canal, connecting 
 the waters of the Schuylkill with the invaluable internal 
 improvements of the state, mingles with that river at 
 Reading, where a dam across the river forms a fine sheet 
 of water, and a convenient harbor for boats. 
 
 Seated in the heart of a fertile limestone country, on a 
 great turnpike road leading from Philadelphia to the west- 
 ern countries, and enjoying the advantages of two exten- 
 sive and important canals, both in successful operation, 
 Reading bids fair to become one of the most important 
 inland towns in the state. Its present condition is pros- 
 perous, and flourishing in a high degree, all its tenements 
 being occupied, and a large annual addition of houses 
 having been found necessary to accommodate its increas- 
 ing population. It is surrounded by streams affording an 
 abundance of water power, and has long enjoyed an ex- 
 tensive trade in flour and grain. 
 
 Here are two banks and twenty large stores, besides 
 many smaller ones, all which appear to be doing profita- 
 ble business. 
 
 The place is celebrated for its manufactures of wool 
 hats, by which a large portion of its industrious inhabit- 
 ants are maintained, and many considerable fortune's are 
 realized. It is supposed that from twenty to thirty thou- 
 sand dozens of hats are made here annually, which go to 
 supply the southern and western markets to a great ex- 
 tent. 
 
 There are two daily mails between Philadelphia and 
 Reading, and several daily lines of stages pass through it 
 from Philadelphia to Harrisburg or Pottsville. 
 
 Several individuals in and about Reading have applied 
 themselves successfully to the cultivation of foreign grapes, 
 and the town is furnished with that agreeable fruit in 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123 
 
 moderate quantities, from vineyards within its own limits, 
 or in its vicinity. 
 
 Wine has also been made to a considerable amount, 
 and a species of rough claret, known by the name of 
 «« Reading red," is not without its admirers in the good 
 fcown. 
 
 No town in the Union, perhaps, surpasses Reading in 
 salubrity and beauty of situation. Standing upon a pla- 
 teau formed by the depression of magnificent hills towards 
 the river, the town plot is sufficiently level for the pur- 
 poses of convenience, and elevated enough to prevent the 
 stagnation of water on its surface, forming a medium be- 
 tween too hilly and too flat. The hills around afford a 
 rich variety of prospects for the lovers of the picturesque. 
 The Blue mountains on the north, at the distance of 17 
 miles, are distinctly visible, and corresponding hills on the 
 E. and W. form a beautiful amphitheatre, of which the 
 parterre exhibits a succession of well cultivated farms, 
 blooming in luxuriant vegetation. 
 
 On the rise of the mountain, behind the borough, is 
 Hampden spring, a copious source of pure water, which 
 has been conducted into the town in iron pipes, at a com- 
 paratively small expense, and distributes an abundant sup- 
 ply amongst the inhabitants by means of ordinary hy- 
 drants. 
 
 The population of Reading, as well as that of the coun- 
 ty, consists principally of Germans, well known for habits 
 of economy and persevering industry. The English lan- 
 guage, however, is generally spoken, and is taught in 
 nearly all the schools, amounting to about twenty in num- 
 ber. 
 
 There is besides an academy in which the Greek and 
 Latin languages are taught, together with mathematics 
 and general literature, a large and handsome edifice, erect- 
 ed with funds granted by the legislature, and endowed 
 
124 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 with several thousand acres of unseated lands derived 
 from the same source. 
 
 Harrisblirg ) post town, borough, seat of justice of 
 Dauphin Co., and capital of the state, is situated on the 
 E. bank of the Susquehanna river 97 miles from Philade^ 
 phia and 35 from Lancaster, HO from Washington City, 
 200 from Pittsburgh latitude 40 degrees 16 seconds N. ; 
 longitude degrees 5 seconds 30 minutes E. from Wash- 
 ington City. The eastern part of the site of the town is 
 a gently swelling hill or high bank between the river and 
 Paxton creek ; and along the vale of the latter runs the 
 state canaL The lower part lies on the level plain above 
 the mouth of the creek. The town has 5 streets parallel 
 with each other and with the river, and six others which 
 intersect these at right angles. In the centre of the town 
 there is a large hollow square cut by crossing streets, and 
 surrounded by buildings ; in the centre of this stands the 
 two market houses. The town, including M'Claysburg, 
 which, though not in the borough bounds, is separated 
 from it by an alley only, has 636 buildings, comprehend- 
 ing dwellings and work shops, of which 201 are of brick 
 431 frame and 4 of stone. The public buildings erected 
 by the town and county, are a large court house, (with 
 offices attached) built of brick, two stories high, surmoun- 
 ted by a cupola and bell. This house was for many years 
 occupied by the state legislature ; a stone jail, having in 
 the rear a spacious yard encloced by a high stone wall. 
 A large county school house, of brick, two stories high 
 with a cupola, in which the pupils are taught after the 
 Lancasterian method. This was erected by virtue of an 
 act of assembly, by which provision was made for the 
 gratitous education of the poor. The whole number of 
 pupils in this institution in 1829, was 278, of whom 94 were 
 pay students ; the remainder were educated at the public 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 125 
 
 expense, at the cost of $6-84 for each student. Of church- 
 es, there are 10, viz. 1 Lutheran, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Ger- 
 man Reformed, 1 Episcopalian, 1 Roman Catholic 1 Meth- 
 odist, 1 Unitarian, 1 Baptist, 1 Church of God, and 1 Afri- 
 can. Several of these are neat structures. 
 
 There is also a masonic lodge, a large and handsome 
 building. There are 1 1 printing offices, 9 of which: issue 
 journals, one of these, namely : The Pennsylvania 
 Telagraph, is published daily ; and five of which are 
 published semi- weekly, during the session of the legisla- 
 ture, and weekly during the recess, viz. The Pennsylva- 
 nia Reporter, The Pennsylvania Intelligencer, Harrisburg 
 Chronicle, Antimasonic State Democrat, and The Key 
 Stone : the remainding 3 weekly, viz. The Gospel Pub- 
 lisher, Der Vartenlands-Waechter, and Die Morganrcethe. 
 
 The town contains 2 banks, 1 a branch of the bank of 
 Pennsylvania and the other the "Hrrrisburg bank," char- 
 tered 9th May, 1814, and also the Harrisburg Savings In- 
 stitution. 
 
 The commercial prospects of this borough are very 
 flattering. By means of the state canal and rail road it 
 may participate large in the trade of the great tract of 
 country drained by the Susquehanna river and its tribu- 
 taries. * 
 
 Orer the Susquehanna, in front of the town, is erected 
 a fine wooden bridge, roofed, and supported by stone 
 piers, in two parts, separated by an island ; completed in 
 1817, by the architect Mr. Burr, under the direction of an 
 incorporated company. Its length is 2876 feet, width 40 
 feet, elevation 50 feet; cost 8155,000, of which the state 
 subscribed $90,000. There is also an elegant rail-road 
 bridge now building opposite mulbury street. 
 
 The capitol, or state house, is a magnificient structure, 
 standing on the highest part of the town. From its cupo- 
 la may be seen one of the finest landscapes of the state, 
 11* 
 
 
 
126 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 embracing a wide extent of cultivated country, swelling 
 hills, the meanders of the river, and the adjacent moun- 
 tains. 
 
 The building fronts the river to the west, which is seen 
 through State street, a handsome avenue 60 feet wide. 
 The pile consists of the main building,, or state house, 
 and two wings for the public offices, designed to be con- 
 nected together by low ornamented walls, with gateways. 
 The centre building is set back of the wings, so far that 
 the inner columns of the porticos of the parts are in range ; 
 thus affording an uninterrupted view through them all. 
 The ground slopes in front, and the main entrance is from 
 State street, by plain and massive gates and a flight of 
 steps. There is another entrance by a similar gateway 
 on the south. The lot is surrounded by a low brick wall 
 surmounted by wooded palisades. 
 
 The main building is 180 feet front, 80 feet deep, 2 sto- 
 ries high. The lower story contains the vestibule and 
 stair case, the chambers of the senate and house of repre- 
 sentatives, and several small apartments for the accom- 
 modation of the members of assembly and its officers. 
 The 2d story is appropriated for an executive chamber, 
 where the governor transacts business and receives visi- 
 tors, committee rooms, 4 in number, of large dimensions, 
 and two rooms appropriated to the state library, now 
 consisting of about 6000 volumes. 
 
 The main entrance is by a circular protico, the whole 
 height of the building, sustained by 6 Ionic columns olred 
 sand stone, painted white, 4 feet in diameter, and 36 feet 
 high ; the portico receding 37 feet to a circular wall. The 
 floor of the portico on which the columns rest, is 4 feet 6 
 inches high from the ground, and is attained by 5 steps 
 of sand stone, and paved with massive flags of the same 
 material. From the floor to the top of the cornice the 
 distance is 46 lt. f and the whole height of the front 50 ft. 6 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127 
 
 inches. From the top of the cornice to the top of the 
 dome is 57 feet 6 inches making the whole height 108 
 feet. 
 
 The front on either side of the portico is divided into 3 
 equal parts, one of which is given to the corner, project- 
 ing with one window, which lights the transcribers' apart- 
 ment at one end, and a retiring room of the senate cham- 
 ber at the other. The remaining parts contain 3 wind- 
 ows, which give light to the senate and representative 
 chambers. Under the porticos are 4 windows on the first 
 floor, 2 oi which communicate with the senate and repre- 
 sentative chambers respectively, and the others with small 
 apartments appropriated to the sergeants at arms. The 
 ends are divided into 4 equal parts ; one is given to each 
 corner, projecting with one window, the remaining two 
 contain 3 windows, the central one of which is Venetian. 
 The divisions and lights of the second story corres- 
 pond with these of the first. The rotundo above the 
 roof is composed of 16 columns, 22 inches in diameter 
 and 17 feet high, and is 48 feet in diameter outside of the 
 columns. There is a space of 3 feet between the columns 
 and wall. The diameter of the inside is thirty-four feet. 
 The dome is 40 feet in diameter. It contains 8 windows, 
 3 feet 8 inches wide and 9 feet 6 inches high, and 8 niches 
 of like dimensions. Four of the latter are partly covered 
 with the faces of the cloak, and the remainder are design- 
 ed tor the reception of statues. 
 
 From the great portico we advance to the vestibule by 
 large folding doors in the external wall. The vestibule 
 is elliptic ll, having on its longest axis 40 feet and on its 
 shorter 34 feet. There are 8 doors opening into it in each 
 story, 2 of which in the first communicate with the senate 
 and representative chambers respectively, and a 3d, more 
 properly an arch way, leads to a double flight of stairs 
 which, mounting half the height of the story, unite anl 
 
128 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 conduct to the second floor. On this floor the staircase 
 again divides and ascends into the roof and rotundo. 
 The vestibule is partly floored over, leaving a circular 
 opening surrounded with a railing, through which from 
 below may be seen the openings of the several landings, 
 the vaulted ceiling, and through that the interior of the 
 rotundo, with its fluted roof. 
 
 The senate chamber, on the left of the entrance, is 75 ft. 
 by 57 in the clear, and 21 ft. high. The hall of the repre- 
 sentatives has the same length and height, and 68 in 
 breadth. The senate chamber is arranged for the accom- 
 modation of 36 members, to each of whom is allotted a 
 space of 3 feet 6 inches. 
 
 Their desks are 2 feet wide and the platforms or bench- 
 es on which they rest slightly raised one above another, 
 are 5 feet 9 inches wide. There is a space of 5 feet be- 
 tween the members' seats and gallery. The latter will 
 contain several hundred persons. 
 
 The chair of the speaker, centrally placed in the length 
 of the room, is supported on an ornamented dais, with a 
 columnar and neatly carved back. Behind the chair is an 
 open space lighted by the Venetian window, from which 
 doors leads to closets on either hand, used as offices by 
 the clerk. There, are also the retiring rooms for the 
 members. 
 
 The hall of representatives is disposed after the same 
 manner; but being desighed for the accommodation of 
 108 members the retiring rooms are wanting. Each mem- 
 ber has a space of 2 feet 9 inches, a desk one foot 9 inches 
 resting on a platform four feet six inches. 
 
 The wings, much smaller in every way than the main 
 building, are however in keeping with it, and have porti- 
 cos of similar form, and when connected by the wall yet 
 to be built, will have a fine effect in the plan. At present 
 they have an isolated appearance. 
 
 ^H 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129 
 
 The whole pile is simple and plain in its exterior and in 
 its internal distribution, but having a bold and distinct 
 contour it is grand and imposing. 
 
 Harrisburg was founded in J 785. by Mr. John Harris, 
 who inherited the ground on which it stands from his fa- 
 ther ; we are indebted chiefly to a memoir of Mr. Samuel 
 Breek, for the following interesting anecdote of the elder 
 Mr. Harris. He was a Yorkshire man born in humble 
 life, who emigrated to America soon after the first arrival 
 of William Penn, bringing with him the whole of his prop- 
 erty, 16 gunieas. His first employment here was in clear- 
 ing away the wood, and in grubbing the streets of Phila- 
 delphia. " Being an enterprizing man, he soon became 
 an active pioneer, and with the fruits of his industry com- 
 mencing a trade with the Indians, penetrated by degrees 
 to the westward, until he reached the susquehanna, on 
 the left bank of which river he built himself a cabin, and 
 sat down permanently at the very spot where the town 
 of Harrisburg now stands. His first purchase of land 
 was a tract of 500 acres, bought of Edward Shipen for 
 190 pounds. The deed, bears date the 19th December, 
 1733. He opened a profitable commerce with his red 
 neighbors, who were numerous about the Paxton creek, 
 and had several villages in the vicinity, along the Susque- 
 hanna shore." 
 
 "It happened one day that a number of his Indian cus- 
 tomers, who had been drinking freely, called for an addi- 
 tional supply of rum. On Mr. Harris' refusing to gratify 
 them, they dragged him from his hut, and bound him to 
 a mulberry tree at the foot of which he now lies buried. 
 
 IT hey declared their intention of burning him alive, and 
 bade him prepare for instant death. Dry wood was ga- 
 thered, and fire was held in readiness to kindle it. The 
 yells of the exasperated savages echoed along the shore, 
 while with demoniac gestures they danced around their 
 
130 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 victim. In vain he supplicated for mercy, and offered 
 every thing in exchange for life. The fire was brought to 
 the pile, and about being applied, when a band of friendly 
 Indians burst from the forest and set him free. His libe- | 
 rators were conducted by his negro slave Hercules, who 
 on the first demonstration of violence, had fled to a neigh- 
 bouring Indian village for succour. 
 
 w Mr. Harris gratefully emancipated the slave to whose 
 presence of mind and active zeal he was indebted for his 
 life ; and the descendants of Hercules inhabit the town, 
 now built around the spot where he so nobly acquired his 
 freedom. 
 
 Mr. Harris, in order to perpetuate the remembrance of 
 this deliverance among his descendants, directed that after 
 his death his body should be deposited at the foot of the 
 mulberry tree. 
 
 The trunk of that tree is still standing, which flourished 
 in full vigor when Wm. Penn first landed on the shores of 
 the Delaware." 
 
 Harrisburg was incorporated by an act of assembly 
 passed the first day of February, 1808, under the style 
 of the Chief Burgess, Assistant Burgess, and Town Coun- 
 cil of the Borough of Harrisburg, with the usual corpo- 
 rate powers. 
 
 The population of the borough, by the census of 1830, 
 exclusive of M'Claysburg, was 4307. M'Claysburg, in 
 1830, had 219 inhabitants, making the population of the 
 town 4526. 
 
 A plan has recently been proposed for using the water 
 of the Susquehanna river, (by means of a race or aque* 
 duct, commencing at McAlisters, six miles above the 
 town, for supplying the borough with water for domestic 
 and hydraulic purposes. A power, it is supposed, may 
 be thus gained sufficient to. drive thirty pair of five feet 
 stones. 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 
 
 Several stages for the E. and W. parts of the state, one 
 S. to Baltimore and Washington, and also several north- 
 ward, leave Harrisburg daily. 
 
 Carlisle ) post town, borough, and seat of justice of 
 Cumberland county, on the post road leading from Phila* 
 delphia to Pittsburg, 118 miles from the former, and 117 
 from the latter, and about 16 miles W. of Harrisburg and 
 the Susquehanna river, in the centre of a rich and well 
 watered limestone valley, and standing on rising ground, 
 presents a rich and variegated landscape, of mountains, 
 woods, and cultivated farms. It was founded in 1751, by 
 the proprietaries, who purchased several farms for that 
 purpose. In 1753 it contained five log houses, but being 
 a border town and military post, it throve rapidly. It now 
 contains near 650 houses, and 3708 inhabitants. 
 
 The principal streets cross each other at right angles, 
 and are neatly paved. A large open space was left in the 
 centre, which is in part occupied by two stone churches* 
 a market house, a commodious court house, and lire proof 
 offices. The railroad passes through this square. 
 
 Beside these, the public buildings in the town are six 
 churches, pertaining to the English Presbyterians, Episco- 
 palians, Lutherans, German Reformed, Methodists, Scotch 
 Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics. 
 
 Dickinson college, built of limestone, is situated on an 
 elevated spot in the west part of the town, erected on the 
 site of an elegant brick edifice, which was burned in 
 1803. The present building is 150 feet in length, four 
 stories high, surmounted by a beautiful dome, from which 
 there is an extensive view of the valley, and the moun- 
 tain by which it is bounded, and particularly of the North 
 mountain, for about 80 miles of its range. An additional 
 college edifice is now building. * 
 
132 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 This college received its name in memory of the great 
 and important services rendered to his country by John 
 Dickinson, and in commemoration of his liberal donation 
 to the institution. It was established and incorporated 
 by the legislature in 1783, but the funds then requisite 
 were supplied by private munificence. But in 1786 the 
 state gave it the sum of $500, and 10,000 acres of land 
 and in 1791, $1500, and in 1795 the further sum of $500o! 
 The building for the accommodation of students having 
 been destroyed by fire, in 1803 the legislature authorized 
 the treasurer of Cumberland county to pay the trustees 
 ot the college $6000, from the arrearages of state taxes 
 from the county, by way of loan; and by an act of 1806 
 this loan was increased to $10,000. The amount received 
 under these two acts, was but $8,400, and in 1819 the 
 debt was remitted by the state. In 1821 a further dona- 
 tion was made by the legislature of $6000, in considera- 
 tion of a reconveyance to the state of the 10,000 acres of 
 land previously granted, which had proved a burden ra- 
 ther than a relief to the institution, and a further sum of 
 $2000 annually for five years, was also granted. After 
 struggling for years with difficulties, the result of defi- 
 ciency in the active funds of the institution, the trustees 
 were compelled to suspend its operations in the year 
 1816; in which prostrate condition it continued until re- 
 vived by the aid afforded in 1821. Since that period, it 
 has been extensively useful. By the act of 1795 it was 
 stipulated that there should be admitted into the college 
 any number of students, not exceeding 10, who may be 
 offered, to be taught reading, writing, and arithmetic? 
 gratis. In 1828, the college had 6 academical instructers, 
 22 graduates, and 109 under graduates, and assisted six 
 indigent students. The expenses of a student here for 
 one year, with the exception of his books, candles and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 133 
 
 clothing, are estimated at $176. At present the number 
 of students is 208, including the grammar school and col- 
 lege proper. 
 
 A little to the E. of the town there are extensive bar- 
 racks and other buildings, erected in the revolutionary- 
 war for the accommodation of troops, and preservation 
 of public stores. The town was incorporated by act of 
 assembly of April 13, 1782, by the name of the burgesses 
 and inhabitants of the borough of Carlisle, with two chief 
 burgesses, five assistants, high constable and town clerk. 
 Fairs are authorized to be holden here on the fourth 
 Thursday of May and October, annually. 
 
 There are some springs and a limestone cave near Car- 
 lisle which merit attention. The sulphur springs, about 
 four miles N. of the town, on a branch of the Conedogui- 
 nit creek, were formerly much frequented, and there is 
 here a large building for the accommodation of visiters. 
 In the centre of a large field, a mile and a half also N. of 
 the town, is the " Hogshead Spring," in a conical excava- 
 tion, nearly 60 feet in circumference, having a limestone 
 wall on one side, and a gentle and regular descent tipon 
 the other. Six or eight feet below the summit is an arched 
 opening, through which is a passage declining at an angle 
 of 40 degrees, and 10 feet deep, wide enough to admit a 
 man stooping. At the bottom of this cavity is a pool of 
 delicious water: apparently stagnant, yet sweet, cool, and 
 refreshing ; qualities which it always preserves, but there 
 are no visible means by which the basin receives or dis- 
 charges it. Letart's spring, about 2 miles S. of the bo- 
 rough, is remarkable for seeding forth a volume of water 
 sufficient, at the source, to turn two mills ; the stream 
 "passes near Carlisle on its way to the Conedoguinit, and 
 drives several other mills in its course, 
 
 12 
 
134 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Ifork, post town, borough, and seat of justice of York 
 county, lies on the Codorus creek, partly in Spring Gar- 
 den and partly in West Manchester townships, about 83 
 miles W. from Philadelphia, 21 from Lancaster, 1 1 from 
 Columbia, and about 25 S. of Harrisburg. Lat. 39 deg. 
 57 minutes N. ; long, from Washington city, degrees 17 
 minutes W. 
 
 It is built on a plain, with streets at right angles with 
 each other, and contains about 700 dwellings and many 
 stores and taverns. The public buildings consist of a 
 court house and county offices, of brick. The court house 
 was occupied by Congress when driven from Philadel- 
 phia during the revolutionary war. It is now too small 
 for the business of the county. 
 
 An academy, also of brick, to which the state has given 
 $2,000 — a county prison of stone — a poor house a short 
 distance from the town. 
 
 There are 9 churches in the town, viz: Lutheran, Ger- 
 man Reformed, Moravian, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, 
 Presbyterian, Methodist, Quaker, and African Methodist ; 
 all substantial brick buildings except the last, which is of 
 frame. A Bible Society, Sunday School Union, and a fe- 
 male charitable association called " Dorcas." 
 
 In the cemetry of the German Reformed church is the 
 grave and a monument erected to the memory of Philip 
 Livingston, a member of Congress, who died during the 
 session of that body in York, in 1777. The monument con- 
 sists of a pyramidal shaft of white marble, surmounted 
 with an urn. 
 
 A slackwater navigation has lately been made along 
 the Codorus creek, from the borough to the Susquehanna, 
 a distance of 1 1 miles, of which 8 consists of artificial 
 pools, and 3 of canals, with 9 locks, said to he executed in 
 a very superior manner. 
 
 This is a rich and thriving town, as is apparent by its 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 135 
 
 increase of population. It contained in 1820, 3,545 inhab- 
 itants ; and in 1830, 4,216 and 843 taxables. 
 
 The town is supplied by a company incorporated in 
 1506, with wholesome spring water. 
 
 Chftmbersburg, post town, borough and seat of 
 justice of Franklin county is one of the most flourishing 
 inland towns in the state. It is pleasantly situated at the 
 confluence of the Falling Spring and Conecocheague 
 creeks. 143 miles W. of Philadelphia, 77 N. W. of Balti- 
 more, 90 N. W. of Washington City and 48 S. W. of Har- 
 risburg. The site of its location was selected a century 
 since, for its advantages of water power and soil, by Col. 
 Benjamin Chambers, for his residence and settlement, in 
 a wilderness, through which, at that time, roamed the red 
 men and the animals of the forest. 
 
 He erected a dwelling and the first mills in the county 
 and surrounded them by a fort, which sheltered from the 
 incursions of the savages, his family and others who were 
 induced to settle in his neighborhood. 
 
 The town of Chamberburg was laid out in 1764 ; but 
 increased little until after the peace of 1783, and the erec- 
 tion of Franklin county in 1784, since which, it was contin- 
 ued steadily to improve. It forms a township which has 
 the name of Franklin. It contains at present about 500 
 dwellings, generally of brick or stone, substantially and 
 many of them tastefully, built. 
 
 The population in 1830 was 2794. Its public buildings 
 are a brick court-house, and county offices, prison, 8 
 churches, an academy of brick, 3 stories high, capable of 
 accommodating many students, to which the state has 
 given .$1000 ; a neat banking house, for the accommoda- 
 tion of the "Chambersburg Bank," which is successfully 
 conducted, with a capital of $247,228 ; and a masonic hall, 
 a handsome structure. 
 
136 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 It contains many stores, mechanics, and manufacturing 
 establishments, and houses of public entertainment. 
 
 There are 4 weekly newspapers published here, 3 in 
 the English and one in the German language. 
 
 The inhabitants are industrious, moral and religious,. 
 and not deficient in enterprize. 
 
 The water power now gives motion to 2 flour mills, hav- 
 ing each 3 pairs of stone; 2 fulling mills, a paper mill, a 
 cotton and woollen manufactory, an oil mill, several card- 
 ing machines and a manufactory of edge tools, carried 
 on to a very great extent, and making articles of superi- 
 or quality, at a price lower than similar ones can be im- 
 ported ; and in 1831 a large paper mill,, for the fabrication 
 of straw paper, was erected. 
 
 The water power in, and within five miles of, the bor- 
 ough, is adequate to propel an hundred pairs of stones, 
 furnishes facilities for manufacturing purposes, not sur- 
 passed in any part of the state ; surrounded by a healthy ,. 
 fertile, and highly cultivated country. 
 
 It has the advantage of a turnpike road by the way of 
 Harrisburg to Philadelphia, and another by the way of 
 York, and like roads to Baltimore and Pittsburg. A rail 
 road from Harrisburg to Chambersburg is now under 
 contract. A part of the road will be completed this faul ; 
 the remainder next summer. The length of the line is. 
 nearly 56 miles, and the estimate of cost $7,673-33 per mile. 
 
 Another road is contemplated through Gettysburg to 
 York ; but it is doubtful whether the advantages which 
 can be derived from the road will justify the expense of its. 
 construction. 
 
 Muston^ a post-town, and borough, is the seat of 
 justice, of Northampton co., and the largest town in the 
 county ; distant, 1,90 miles, N,. E^ from Washington City 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 137 
 
 and 101 from Harrisburg, 56 N. from Philadelphia, and 73 
 S. W. from New- York. 
 
 It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Delaware 
 and Lehigh, and extends from the mouth of the latter, 
 along the former, nearly a half mile to the Bushkill creek, 
 so that the town is bounded on three sides by water. It 
 is built on ground which ascends in an angle of 5 degrees 
 above the horizon, extending directly west from the Del- 
 aware. 
 
 It contains five streets, running east and west, and 3 N. 
 and south,which have paved walks upon their sides. 
 
 In the centre of the town is a public square, surround- 
 ing the court-house. The other public buildings are, five 
 churches, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, German Reformed, 
 & 2 Luthern, and an academy, in which the languages are 
 taught. By act of assembly 9th March, 1826, a college 
 was established, under the title of " La Fayette college." 
 This institution we are told, is now in a prosperous con- 
 dition. 
 
 The buildings are chiefly of stone or brick, and two 
 stories high. The number of dwellings are about 600, 
 besides shops and other out houses, one third of which 
 are of brick. 
 
 Easton was incorporated into a borough on the 23d of 
 September 1789, and now forms a township. There is an 
 elegant bridge, of wood, of three arches, covered, 600 
 feet long and 24 feet wide, over the Delaware, which cost 
 $80,000. 
 
 Across the Lehigh, a chain bridge, suspended on four 
 chains, hanging in two loops and two half loops, having 
 two pass ways for teams, and a foot-walk between, guard- 
 ed by hand railing. Its length is 423 feet, width 25 feet. 
 There are also two other bridges over the Bushkill. 
 
 There are two daily lines of stages which run between 
 this town and Philadelphia, and also stages from it to ev- 
 12* 
 
!3Q GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ery part the country. There are here 5 fire engines, 3 
 hose carriages with 2300 feet hose. 
 
 The country adjacent to the town is bold, broken, and 
 romantic. The soil is highly productive, and being well 
 cultivated, gives a most pleasing aspect to the vicinity of 
 Easton. 
 
 Farm houses, orchards, fields and meadows, are com- 
 mingled along the bottoms of the river and the sloaps of 
 the hills. Bushkili creek, one of the finest mill streams 
 of the United States, passes the Chesnut ridge within the 
 borough, and by a winding and precipitous course affords 
 many valuable mill seats. 
 
 A library, was formed in 1811, containing about 3000 
 volumes, and an interesting cabinet of minerals. There 
 are two banks, one a branch of that of Pennsylvania, 
 the other, the Easton Bank, erected under the act of as- 
 sembly of 1814, with a capital of $400,000. 
 
 The trade of the town is very considerable, particular- 
 ly in the article of flour, which constitutes the principal 
 staple of the county. Population in 1810, was 1657; in 
 1820, was 2370 ; in 1830 was 3529 ; taxables in 1828, 600. 
 The town is supplied with water, conveyed in iron pipes 
 from a spring about a mile from the borough. 
 
 Q. What are the internal improvements of Pennsylva- 
 nia P 
 
 A. Pennsylvania is distinguished for internal improve- 
 ments, for her superior roads and bridges, &c. &c. To 
 Pennsylvania must be awarded the praise of having 
 constructed the first stone tur?ipike in the Union. More 
 than two thousand miles of turnpike have already been 
 constructed in Pennsylvania. The turnpike road from 
 Lancaster to Philadelphia, 62 miles long, was commenced 
 in the year 1792, and finished in 1794, at the expense of 
 8465,000, by a private company, So early as 1762 it was 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. ! 39 
 
 proposed to connect the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio 
 with those of the Delaware, by the improvement of the 
 rivers, convenient portages, and intermediate canals. In 
 prosecution of this great conception, Dr. Rittennouse and 
 others surveyed and levelled a route for a canal between 
 the waters of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers, by 
 means of the Swatara and Tulpehocken Creeks. But a 
 company was not incorporated for making such a canal 
 until 29th September, 1791. 
 
 The roads, particularly such as lead through a populous 
 country, are constructed of stone, others of earth, all made 
 upon plans which would not now be approved, but which 
 nevertheless enable the traveller drawn in a coach by 4 
 horses to travel from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, a distance 
 of 303 miles, in 60 hours, and on shorter journies at the 
 rate of from 6 to 7 miles the hour. The law prohibits any 
 angle on these roads greater than 5 degrees, and few roads 
 have steeper ascents than 3 3-4 degrees. 
 
 , Q. Are there many bridges in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. The great number of bridges, which Pennsylvania 
 contains, has given it the name of the State of Bridges. 
 Between sixty and seventy companies have leen author- 
 ized to build bridges, and 50 have been completed at a cost 
 of $1, 750,000. But, in many of the counties, the inhabit- 
 ants have constructed bridges at their own expense. 
 These bridges are usually of stone, costing from 10 to 40 
 and even $60,000 each. 
 
 On beholding these stone bridges, we are, at once, struck 
 with the beauty and simplicity of their structure, while 
 they seem to partake of the firmness of the everlasting 
 hills. 
 
 For the structure of its wooden bridges, Pennsylvania 
 merits the highest commendation. In number, size, and 
 grandeur of design they are scarcely equalled. In some 
 
 
X40 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 parts 01 Europe, they are held up as specimens of briged 
 architecture, worthy of imitation. 
 
 Q. Can you give an account of the Canals and Railroads 
 in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. The following extracts from authentic documents* 
 give a summary view of the Canals and Railroads. 
 
 STATE CANALS AND RAILROADS. 
 
 These Canals and Railroads were undertaken at the ex- 
 pense of the State, and continue under the control of the 
 Legislature as public property. The construction and 
 management of them are entrusted to three commission- 
 ers, appointed annually by the Governor. 
 
 Length. 
 Delaware division, ... 60 
 Columbia East division, - - 10 
 Juniata Branch do - • - - 89 
 Western Branch do - - - 105 
 French Creek Feeder, - - 19 
 
 Harrisburg line, £ - - 63 
 Susquehanna division, ) 
 
 North Branch do - - - 55 
 
 West Branch do - - - 25 
 
 Total, 426 
 
 The main trunk of this system of canals commences at 
 Columbia, at the termination of the Philadelphia and Co- 
 lumbia Railroad, and extends thence westward 172 1-2 
 miles, till it meets the Alleghany Portage railroad at Holli- 
 daysburg. It recommences at the western extremity of 
 the railroad, and continues westward 105 miles to the Mo- 
 nongahela river at Pittsburg. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. j 41 
 
 The following Canals, undertaken by the State, are now 
 in active prograss : 
 
 Frankstoiun line of the Juniata division, exsending from 
 Huntingdon to Hollidaysburg, is 30 1-2 miles in length' 
 including about 15 3-4 miles of slackwater navigation. 
 
 Beaver division commences on the Ohio -river at the 
 mouth of Big Beaver, and extends to Newcastle. Length 
 24 3-4 miles, of which about two-thirds are slack water 
 and towing path. 
 
 Franklin line commences on Alleghany river, at the 
 mouth of French Creek, and extends up the latter 
 stream till it meets the French Creek feeder. Length 22 
 1-4 miles, seventeen of which are slack- water and towing- 
 path. 
 
 Lycoming line commences at Muncy dam, and extends 
 up the W. Branch of the Susquehanna, and terminates at 
 Big Island, opposite to the mouth of the Bald Eagle.— 
 Length 41 l-i miles, of which about 10 miles are slack- 
 water. 
 
 Wyoming line of the North Branch division commences 
 at the Nanticoke dam, and extends up the North Branch* 
 terminates near the mouth of Lackawannock creek.— 
 Length 16 miles. 
 
 Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad commences in the 
 city of Philadelphia, at the intersection of Vine and Broad 
 streets, and terminates at Columbia. Length 81 miles 
 and6-10ths. It is a handsome double track throughout. 
 Estimated cost of the whole work, 2,297,120 dollars and 21 
 cents. Average cost per mile, estimated at 28,173 dollars 
 and 63 cents. 
 
 Alleghany Portage Railroad. This railroad commences 
 at Hollidaysburg, at the termination of the Frankstown 
 line of the Juniata division of the main trunk of the canal, 
 and extends to Johnstown, where it meets the western 
 division of the canal. Length about 37 miles. The sum- 
 
142 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 rn.it of the mountain, where the railroad crosses it, is about 
 1,398.71 feet above the basin of the canal on the eastern 
 and 1,171.58 feet above that on the western side. The 
 railroad is graded 25 feet wide with two sets of tracks, 
 — On each side of the mountain there are five inclined 
 planes, and two stationary engines. The greatest inclina- 
 tion of these planes makes an angle of about 6 degrees 
 with the horizon. The cost of this road with two tracks 
 and the necessary machinery, is #1,271,718.' 
 
 CANALS CONSTRUCTED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES. 
 
 Schuylkill Canal and Navigation Company, incorporat- 
 ed in 1815. The work was commenced in 1816, and the 
 canal has now been in operation several years. Length 
 1 10 miles ; dreadth at the surface, 36 feet, at the bottom, 
 24 ; depth, 4 feet. Lockage, 620 feet. It extends from 
 Philadelphia to Reading, and thence to Mount Carbon. — 
 It comprises 31 dams, commencing at Fair Mount water 
 works, near Philadelphia, by which is produced a slack- 
 water navigation of 45 miles; 125 locks, 80 leet by 17 
 wide, of which 28 are guard locks ; 17 arched aqueducts, 
 a tunnel of 450 feet in length, cut through and under solid 
 rock, and 65 toll and gate houses. The dams are from 3 to 
 27 feet in height. Cost, to January 1, 1830, 2,336,380 
 dollars. 
 
 Union Canal. — This canal was constructed in 1827. It 
 extends from Middletown on the Susquehanna river, to 
 the head of the Girard canal, two miles below Reading, 
 connecting the waters of the Susquehanna with those of 
 the Schuylkill. 
 
 Length, eighty miles, exclusive of the Swatara feeder 
 which extend twenty-four miles. Its works comprehend 
 a tunnel, 243 yards in length, eighteen feet wide, and 
 fourteen high ; two summit reservoirs, containing twelve 
 million cubic feet of water, the one covering twenty-se- 
 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 143 
 
 ven, the other eight acres ; two steam engines, each of 
 100 horse power, and three water wheels for feeding the 
 canal by pumping ; two dams, forty-three waste wiers, 
 forty-nine culverts, one hundred and thirty-five bridges 
 twelve small and two large aqueducts, two guard locks 
 of wood, ninety-two cut-stone locks, and fourteen miles Of 
 protection wall of stone. Width at the surface of the 
 water, thirty-six feet, at bottom, twenty-four; depth, four 
 feet. Dimensions of locks, 75 by 8 1-2 feet. There is also 
 connected with this canal a railroad of about four miles in 
 length, extending from the capacious basin at Pine Grove, 
 to the coal mines. Cost of the canal and railroad, ex- 
 clusive of interest on loans, about two millions of dol- 
 lars. 
 
 Lackaicaxen Canal. — This canal commences at the 
 termination of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, near 
 Carpenter's Point, and unites with a railroad at Hones- 
 dale. Length, thirty-six miles; width at the surface, 
 thirty-two feet ; at bottom, twenty feet ; depth, four feet ; 
 In 1825, the Lackawaxen Company was authorized to act 
 with the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Includ- 
 ing seventeen miles of Lackawaxen river, these two ca- 
 nals, united, form a navigation of 117 miles. Cost, $16,000 
 per mile. 
 
 Lehigh Canal. — Company incorporated in 1818. This 
 canal extends from Easton, on the Delaware river, to 
 Stoddartsville, connecting Morris Canal with the Mauch 
 Chunk railroad. Length, including nine and three-quar- 
 ter miles of slack- water pools, forty-six miles and three, 
 fourths. Breadth, at the surface of the water, from sixty 
 to sixty-five feet ; at bottom, forty-five feet ; depth, five 
 feet. It has forty-three locks, of which two are guard- 
 locks, beside five guard-locks at the several pools. Locks, 
 100 feet by 22. Lockage, 360 feet. There are, also, eight 
 
144 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 dams, varying in height from six to sixteen ; four aque- 
 ducts, and twenty-two culverts. Cost, $1,558,000. 
 
 Conestoga Navigation. — Company incorporated in 1825. 
 It extends from Safe Harbor on the Snsquehanna river, at 
 the mouth of Conestoga creek, to Lancaster. Lengthy 
 eighteen miles. The navigation is effected by a series of 
 locks and dams. Locks, 100 feet by 22. Cost, $4,000 per 
 mile. 
 
 Conewago Canal, passing a fall of the same name on the 
 Susquehanna river, is 1 1-2 miles in length. Lockage, 21 
 feet. 
 
 RAILROADS. 
 
 The Mauch Chunk railroad was commenced in January 
 1827, and completed in May following. It extends from 
 the coal mines, near Mauch Chunk, down an inclined 
 plane to Lehigh river. The elevation of the mines above 
 the river, at the point where the coal is received in boats, 
 is 936 feet. The railroad has a continued descent from 
 the summit, so that the cars descend by their own gravi 
 ty, and are drawn back by mules. Its length, from the 
 mines to the river is nine miles, and that of its branches 
 at the ends and sides four and a half. The coal is trans- 
 ported in cars, fourteen of which are connected together, 
 containing a ton and a half each. A single conductor 
 rides on one of the cars, and regulates their movement. 
 From three hundred to three hundred and forty tons of 
 coal are discharged daily at the river. Single track. Cost, 
 $3,050 per mile. 
 
 Mount Carbon Railroad. — Company incorporated hi 
 the spring of 1829, and the road commenced in October 
 following. It commences at Mount Carbon, and extends 
 to Morrisville, and thence through Pottsville to the Forks. 
 Two and three tracks. Cost, one hundred thousand 
 dollars. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 145 
 
 Schuylkill Valley Railroad commences at Port Carbon, 
 and terminates at Tuscarora. Length, 10 miles. It has 
 fifteen lateral railroads intersecting it, the united lengths 
 of which amount to about thirteen miles. The main road 
 has two tracks ; the lateral roads but one. Cost of the 
 main stem, $5,500 per mile ; that of the lateral roads, 
 $2,600 per mile. 
 
 The Schuylkill Railroad, thirteen miles in length, con- 
 sists of a double track ; cost, seven thousand dollars per 
 mile. 
 
 Mill Creek Railroad commences at Port Carbon, and 
 extends up Mill Creek four miles. Single track. Cost, four- 
 teen thousand dollars. About three miles of lateral rail- 
 road intersect the main stem, which cost about two thou- 
 sand dollars per mile. 
 
 The West Branch Railroad commences at Schuylkill 
 Haven, at the foot of Broad mountain. Length, including 
 the West Branch, fifteen miles. Double track on the 
 main stem. Cost, 150,000 dollars. There are, in addition, 
 lateral branches of a single track, five miles long, inter- 
 secting it, which cost per mile $2,000. 
 
 Pine Grove Railroad extends from the mines to Swa- 
 tara feeder, five miles. Cost, 30,000 dollars. (See Union 
 Canal.) 
 
 The Little Schuylkill Railroad commences at Port Clin- 
 ton, and extends up the stream to the mines at Tamaqua, 
 about 23 miles. Completed in 1831. 
 
 The Lackawaxen Railroad commences at the termina- 
 tion of the Lackawaxen and Delaware and Hudson Ca- 
 nal, connecting that canal with the coal bed at Carbon- 
 dale. Length, sixteen miles, an elevation of 800 feet be- 
 ing overcome by five inclined planes, each from 2,000 
 to 3,000 feet in length. Single track. Cost, 6,500 dollars 
 per mile. 
 
 13 
 
146 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 The Central Railroad extends from Danville to Sun- 
 bury, near the junction of the Susquenanna with its 
 West Branch. A branch railroad is to be constructed to 
 Danville. 
 
 The Westchester Railroad leads from the borough of 
 West Chester to Paoli, where it joins the Philadelphia and 
 Columbia railroad. Completed in 1832. Estimated cost, 
 including cars and all other charges, ninety thousand dol- 
 lars. 
 
 Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad, constructed in 
 1833, 26 3-4 miles long. This railroad extends from Phila- 
 delphia to Trenton, N. J. on the Delaware, via Bristol, and 
 Morrisville opposite Trenton. This will prove a great ac- 
 commodation, particularly in seasons when the waters of 
 the Delaware are low. 
 
 Harrisburg and Chambersburg Railroad. From Har- 
 risburg, via Carlisle, to Chambersburg, 48 miles, 145 miles 
 W. by S. from Philadelphia. 
 
 The Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Rail- 
 road is about nineteen miles in length, extending from 
 Philadelphia to Norristown on the Schuylkill. Completed 
 in 1832, as far as Germantown. A railroad is also pro- 
 jected from Norristown to the Lenigh river, at Allentown. 
 
 The Philadelphia and Delaware County Railroad is 
 to extend from Philadelphia, southwesterly, along the 
 western margin of the Delaware river. Leave has been 
 obtained from the legislature of Delaware, to continue it 
 through that state to the Maryland line, towards Balti- 
 more. 
 
 Sixty-seven other railroads have been projected in this 
 state, and companies for constructing several of them 
 have been incorporated. 
 
 Q. What is the state of agriculture in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. The best in the Union. Especially east ot the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. \tf 
 
 mountains, in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, in Latv 
 caster comity and part of Cumberland — the contry is un- 
 der excellent cultivation and great attention is paid to agri- 
 cultural pursuits. The farms are generally of from 85 
 to 250 acres, and very skillfully managed, especially 
 among the Germans. Wheat, rye and maize are the 
 most important products. Barly, oats and buckwheat 
 are also considerably raised. The farmers of this state 
 send the best flour in the Union to Ppiladelphia and Bal- 
 timore. Pennsylvania also produces abundance of ex- 
 cellent fruit, as apples, peaches, pears, plumbs, grapes, 
 &c. &c. which are raised in quantities and great parfec- 
 tion. The aurated melon of every discription is raised 
 here ; and the produce is so plenty that they are some 
 time sold for two cents a piece. Hemp and flax are also 
 raised. The hop is also cultivated here. Culinary veg- 
 etables, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, &s. &c. &c. 
 
 Q. What is the state of commerce and manufactures ? 
 
 A. It is not practicable to obtain a correct knowledge 
 of the commerce or Manufactures of the state, we have 
 therefore adopted the treasury report of 1830, not having 
 had any other at hand. This however will give us a pret- 
 ty correct idea of the commerce and manufactrues of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 The tonnage which entered the ports was 77,016, and 
 that which departed was 67,829. Of the number of Amer- 
 ican vessels and their tonnage, there were entered 72,009 
 tons, and departed 63,022, giving employment in repeated 
 voyages, to 3,907 seamen, and there were registered in 
 that year 448 seamen. The hospital money received from 
 seamen amounted to $4,1 11- 13.— $2,934-97 were received 
 from registered vessels, contributed by 4082 seamen, and 
 #1,176-34 from enrolled and licensed vessels, contributed 
 by 1 173 seamen. 
 
 During the same period, six vessels, tonnage 791,80 
 
148 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 surrendered their registers, and were enrolled and licen- 
 sed. 7 enrolled and licensed vessels, tonnage 923, took 
 registers,— -3 vessels, tonnage 257, had their registers 
 changed in consequence of the alteration in their con- 
 struction. New registers were issued for 64 vessels, ton- 
 nage 13,534 tons. The enrolments and licenses of 78 ves- 
 sels, tonnage 5,033, were changed in consequence of new | 
 owners. 
 
 The imports into the state amounted to$8,702,122; the 
 exports to $4,291,793. The whole amount of the exports 
 of the United States for 1830, was $73,849,508, and that of 
 the imports, $70,876,920, and the excess therefore of the 
 exports was $2,972,588. Of this excess, Pennsylvania con- 
 tributed her fair proportion, and consequently exported 
 more than she imported. If we add therefore to her im- 
 ports, one million for goods from Baltimore and New Or- 
 leans, we have safely estimated her exports at ten millions 
 of dollars. But when it is considered that this amount 
 of exports does not include her flour, her iron, or coal, 
 shipped coastwise, we must estimate the commercial pro- 
 ducts of the state much higher. 
 
 The quantity of flour inspected at Philadelphia in 1831 
 was474,076 barrels. We might perhaps double this quan- 
 tity, for the amount of flour, or equivalent of grain ex- 
 ported, much of which passes to Baltimore and to New 
 Orleans. 
 
 The coal business has already became a very import- 
 ant item in the trade of Pennsylvania. 
 
 There is every reason to believe, that thedemand and 
 supply will increase for many years in the same ratio, un- 
 til a million of tuns per annum will be produced, And 
 this amount is far within the bounds of rational conjec- 
 ture. That quantity, however, will, at present prices, 
 make a gross annual return of 6* millions, and will em- 
 ploy 10,000 vessels for its transportation. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. I49 
 
 On the subject of manufactures we may observe, that 
 we have no means to determine the precise quantity and 
 value of the products of most branches of this kind of in- 
 dustry. 
 
 We give the following, as an approximation to the 
 quantity and value of the manufactured articles, which 
 require legislative protection. 
 
 Iron, 50,000, at an average value of 70 dollars the ton, 
 3,500,000. Salt, 100,000 barrels, at 5 bushels to the barrel, 
 at $2 the barrel, 200,000. Cotton.— This article employs 
 67 mills, with a capital of $3,758,500, and produce for sale 
 2,192,865 pounds of yarn, and 21,332,467. yards of cloth 
 employing about 30,000 men, women, and children — value 
 of products, $2,681,462. There are several considerable 
 woolen manufacturies near Philadelphia and Pittsburg, 
 and many small establishments dispersed throughout the 
 state. 
 
 Of flint glass, there is one furnace at Philadelphia, with 
 6 pc ts ; at Pittsburg 4, whith 32 pots ; at Wellsburg 2, 
 with 12 pots. Four furnaces for hollow green ware at 
 Philadelphia, and one at Williamsport. 
 
 For the manufacture of cylinder window glass, at Pitts- 
 burg 4, at Brownsville 5, at Williamsport 1, at Briming- 
 ham 1, New Geneva 1, New Albany 1, Bridgeport 1, Per- 
 ry opolis 1, Dandruff 1, Wayne county 1, and perhaps 
 others. j^ 
 
 Of the glass manufactories, we cannot give the quanti- 
 ty or value of product. The window glass and hollow 
 ware, made at, and in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, is 
 estimated at more than $500,000 per annum, 
 
 The total value of manufactures, including about 250 
 different articles, is estimated at seventy millions of dol- 
 lars ! 
 
 Q. What is the state of Education in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. Though we have a number of literary institutions, 
 13* 
 
150 GtlOitAPGHICAIi CATECHISM 
 
 education, is notwithstanding in a backward condition, 
 Cfc. What are the principal institutions of learning ? 
 
 A. Universities, colleges, academies, common schools, 
 lyceums, and Sunday schools, &c. &c. 
 
 Q. Can yon name those of a higher grade ? 
 A. The University of Pennsylvania, one of the most 
 useful and respectable in the commonwealth, was first 
 chartered in 1753, and received its present form in 1780. 
 It t has a real estate valued at $167,059,33, and an an- 
 nual income of $15,290,39;— The Western University, at 
 Pittsburg, in 1820 ; Dickinson College, at Carlisile, in 17- 
 83; Franklin College, at Lancaster, in 1787, now closed ; 
 Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, in 1802; Washington | 
 College, at Washington, in 1806; Alleghany College, at 
 Meadville, in 1815; Lafayette College, at Easton, in 1826 ; 
 Madison College, at Union-town ; Mount Airy College,a t 
 Germantown ; Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, in 
 1632 ; Marshall College at Mercersburg, in 1836 ; Had- 
 dington College, Philadelphia, in 1836. The whole num- 
 ber now in operation, is ten. In this respect Pennsylva- 
 nia exceeds every state in the Union. 
 
 Academies or high schools, designed for teaching the 
 higher branches of English Education, &c. have been es- 
 tablished in almost every county in the state ; and the 
 most of them have received pecuniary aid from the Le- 
 gislature. Except the one at Litiz, under the care of 
 John Beck. This school sustains a high reputation. The 
 system of instruction is efficient and useful. 
 
 Besides the seminaries above mentioned, there are in 
 Pennsylvania, an Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, an 
 Institution for the Blind, and five Theological Seminaries, 
 namely, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettys- 
 burg, established in 1826 ; the Theological Seminary of 
 the German Reformed Church, at York, established at 
 Carlisle, in 1824, removed to York in 1826, and recently to 
 
Otf PENNSYLVANIA* 151 
 
 Mercersburg ; the Western Theological Seminary, at Alle* 
 ghany-town, established in 1828; and the Theological Sem- 
 inary of the Associate Reformed Church, in the vicinity 
 of Cannonsburg, establised in 1834. 
 
 The learned societies are, the American Philosophical 
 Society, instituted in 1769; Pennsylvania Academy of 
 Fine Arts, founded in 1805 ; the Academy of Natural Sci- 
 ences, founded in 1812; and the Pennsylvania Historical 
 Society, founded in 1825. And a Geological Society — sev- 
 eral Teachers Associations, &c. 
 
 Q* What is the state of common schools P 
 
 A. Though the framers of the constitution of Pennsyl- 
 vania made provision of a general nature for the educa- 
 tion of the poor grates: "The Legislature shall, as soon 
 as conveniently may be, provide by law for the establish- 
 ment of schools throughout the state, in such manner that 
 the poor may be taught gratis." Vide Constitution of Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 From the adoption of the constitution of 1790, until 1809, 
 no legislative provision of a general nature was made. 
 An act was then passed "for the education of the poor 
 gratis.' 1 It required a report to be made by the assessors 
 of the townships, wards, and boroughs, to the commission- 
 ers of the respective counties, of all children between the 
 ages of five and 12 years, whose parents were unable to 
 provide for their education : and that when the lists had 
 been approved by the commissioners, that such parents 
 should be notified thereof, and be permitted to send their 
 children to the most convenient schools, at the expense of 
 the county. 
 
 This act continued in force until it was repealed by that 
 of 29th March, 1824; providing, that every township 
 should elect three "schoolmen," who should superintend 
 the education of the poor children within their townships, 
 and "cause them to be instructed as other children are 
 
152 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 treated ; the expenses of tuition to be paid by the coun- 
 ty." But each county might authorise the schoolmen to 
 dividethe township into school districts, and to establish 
 schools at the township expense, to which all children be- 
 longing to the district might be sent for 3 years; at any 
 time between the ages of 6 and 14 years. This law was 
 applicable to the whole state, with the exception of cer- 
 tain school districts in the city and county of Philadelphia, 
 and city and county of Lancaster. It was repealed in 
 1826, and the act of 1809 was revived. 
 
 By the act of 2d April, 1831, however, the basis of an 
 efficient school fund was laid. The Secretary of the 
 Commonwealth, the Auditor General, and the Secretary 
 of the Land Office were appointed commissioners to re- 
 ceive and manage the school fund, with power to receive 
 and hold for the use thereof, all gifts, grants, and dona- 
 tions that might be made thereto ; and all the monies due 
 the commonwealth by the holders of unpatented lands ; 
 also all monies secured to the commonwealth by mortga- 
 ges or liens on land for the same ; as also all fees re- 
 ceived in the land office, with the addition of the sum of 
 one mill on the dollar, added to the county rates by the 
 act of the 25th March, 1831, are assigned to the common 
 school fund, and held by the commonwealth for the use 
 thereof, at the interest of five per cent, per annum. The 
 interest is directed to be added to the principal as it be- 
 comes due, and the whole amount to be holden by the 
 commonwealth, subject to the payment of interest on 
 loans made to the state for internal improvements, until 
 the interest shall amount to one hundred thousand dollars 
 annually, after which the interest is to be distributed an- 
 nually for the support of common schools throughout the 
 commonwealth, in such manner as shall hereafter be pro 
 vided bylaw. 
 By the legislature of 1833, $75,000 were appropriated 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 153 
 
 for distribution among the different counties, on condition 
 that the people of each school district raise by tax, double 
 that sum. 
 
 Another appropriation is annually made of $100,000 by 
 the United States Bank of Pennsylvania, for and in con- 
 sideration of banking privileges, for the term of 30 years. 
 Thus, at present, 1836, $175,000 are appropriated for 
 distribution among the different counties, according to 
 An Act to consolidate and amend the several acts relative 
 to a system of Education by Common Schools, passed and 
 approved June 13, 1836. 
 We here insert a synopsis of the act of 1836. 
 Every township, and every borough, not connected 
 with the township in the assessment of county rates, not 
 within the city and incorporated districts of the county 
 of Philadelphia, constitutes a school district ; and in each 
 district are six school directors, elected on the day when 
 constables are elected — these may authorize a tax to be 
 laid necessary for school purposes, not less than equal toy 
 nor more than treble, the amount which the district is en- 
 titled to receive from the general state appropriation ; and 
 for the purpose of raising any additional sum that may 
 be deemed necessary, meetings shall be called of the taxa- 
 ble inhabitants of the township or district, by the directors, 
 on the first Tuesday of May annually ; notice of the time 
 and place of holding such election being first given by at 
 least six advertisements put up at the most public places 
 in such township or district, for the space of two weeks, 
 a majority of whom shall decide, by ballot, how much and 
 what additional sum shall be raised for school purposes ; 
 and any additional sum so authorized, shall be assessed 
 and collected, paid over and distributed in the same man- 
 ner that is provided by this act. 
 
 The assessor of every ward, township, or borough 
 composing any school district as aforesaid, shall upon 
 
154 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 demand furnish the school directors of the district with 
 a correct copy of the last adjusted valuation in the same 
 for county purposes ; whereupon the board of directors 
 shall, on or before the first day of June, annually, proceed 
 to levy and apportion the said tax as follows, viz : 
 
 1. On each male taxable inhabitant of the district, a poll 
 tax at their discretion, not exceeding 50 cents. 
 
 2. On all offices and posts of profit, professions, trades 
 and occupations, and on all single freemen, above the age 
 of 21 years, who do not follow any occupation, not ex- 
 ceeding the amount assessed on the same for county pur- 
 poses. 
 
 3. On personal property which was made taxable by 
 an act entitled "An act assessing a tax on personal prop- 
 erty, to be collected with the county rates and levies, for 
 the use of the commonwealth," passed the twenty-fifth 
 day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
 one ; and the said property shall continue to be assessed 
 according to the provisions of said act, and upon all prop- 
 erty now taxable for county purposes: Provided, That 
 said act taxing personal property, shall not be so con- 
 strued as to make widows dower liable to the payment 
 Gf taxes, and upon all property, now taxable for county 
 purposes. 
 
 If the citizens of a district will accept of the provisions 
 of the law, which must be decided by a majority, then 
 the directors may also hold property for the use of the 
 schools in said district. If the citizens of a district re- 
 ject the act, then the old act of 1809, remains in force in 
 that district. 
 
 The Secretary of the commonwealth is general superin- 
 tendent of all the schools. 
 
 Besides the general provisions for education above no- 
 ticed, special ones have been enacted for portions of the 
 state. Thus in 1818, the city and county of Philadelphia 
 were erected into a district, called the " first school dis- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 155 
 
 trict" of Pennsylvania. By the act of April 1, 1822, the 
 city and county of Lancaster* was erected into the " sec- 
 ond school district," with privileges and duties similar to 
 the first. By the act of 11th April, 1827, the same system 
 was established at Harrisburg; and by act of Feb. 19, 
 1828, at Pittsburg. 
 
 Q. Are there other modes of diffusing general and sci- 
 entific knowledge, than through the medium of Colleges, 
 Academies, and Common Schools, among the people P 
 
 A. There are; such as Lyceums, Sunday Schools,Tract 
 "Societies, Bible Societies, and Newspapers. 
 
 Q. What are Lyceums ? 
 
 A. Lyceums are voluntary literary associations for men- 
 tal improvement. 
 
 Q. Where was the first Lyceum of any extent organized 
 in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. The first is the Pennsylvania Lyceum, organized the 
 ^9th of August, 1835. Soon after, a number of county, 
 township, school, and other lyceums were organized by 
 Josiah Holbrook and I. Daniel Rupp, of Cumberland 
 county, agents for the Pennsylvania Lyceum, who visited 
 various parts of the state under the direction of the 
 board of managers. These associations have already 
 done incalculable good in the general diffusion of knowl- 
 edge among the people. The system of instruction is of 
 a peculiar character. 
 
 Sunday Schools, Bible, Tract, and Temperance Socie- 
 ties are numerous, and have exerted a very salutary in- 
 fluence upon the people. 
 
 * If the city of Lancaster will adopt the act of 1836, then the act of 
 182-2, and the supplement thereto of 1823, will he null and void i» 
 tk« city. 
 
156 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What is the state of Religion in Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. If the number of societies is a criterion to judge deep 
 toned piety and religion, then would Pennsylvania have 
 her share, with other states, of religion. 
 
 There are a great variety of religious societies in this 
 state ; and yet, perhaps, with all these societies, and differ- 
 ent denominations, no state in the Union, in which the 
 varieties of origins, opinions, faith, fashions, and modes of 
 life, amalgamate into a more marked and distinct nation- 
 ality, than in the people of this state. 
 
 Q. What are the principal Chnrch divisions, or De- 
 nominations, as they are called ? 
 
 A. The following table exhibits at one view the religious 
 denominations, &c. in Pennsylvania. 
 
 
 
 *2 
 
 s?1 
 
 DENOMINATIONS. 
 
 s 3 
 
 B'3 
 
 mber 
 emben 
 
 Presbyterians, (3 synods) 
 
 476 
 
 337 
 
 50,988 
 
 Methodist Episcopal, 
 
 
 252 
 
 74,106 
 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
 
 311 
 
 92 
 
 33,124 
 
 German Reformed, 
 
 150 
 
 50 
 
 15,000 
 
 Baptist, 
 
 157 
 
 121 
 
 11,103 
 
 United Brethren, (Moravians,) 
 
 11 
 
 19 
 
 2,900 
 
 Associate Presbyterians, 
 
 12 
 
 36 
 
 2,650 
 
 Reformed Dutch Church, 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 1,671 
 
 Friends, 
 
 150 
 
 
 
 Protestant Episcopal, 
 
 
 71 
 
 1 
 
 Roman Catholics, (2 bishops,) 
 
 56 
 
 42 
 
 
 New Jerusalem, (Swedenborgians,) 
 
 * 7 
 
 5 
 
 
 United Brethren in Christ, 
 
 
 35 
 
 3,500 
 
 German Dunkards, (Tauefer,) 
 
 
 25 
 
 7,000 
 
 Evangelical Society, (Albrights,) 
 
 
 42 
 
 4,300 
 
 Seventh Day Baptists, 
 
 
 5 
 
 3,000 
 
 Freewill Baptists, 
 
 
 12 
 
 1,000 
 
 
so 
 
 2,000 
 
 20 
 
 1,500 
 
 6 
 
 600 
 
 20 
 
 3,500 
 
 12 
 
 t 
 
 upporting the Poor 
 
 v and 
 
 OF PENNSYLVANIA. 157 
 
 " Church of God,"* 
 
 Protestant Methodists, 
 
 Disciples, (Campbellites) 
 
 Ornish, 
 
 Universalists, 
 
 Jews, (2 Synagogues,) 
 
 Q. What is the plan for 
 whence its origin ? 
 
 A. The plan for supporting the poor in Pennsylvania 
 had its origin in England. It is thought that some better 
 system might be adopted ; that the pressent, while it is 
 oppressive to the industrious, is calculated to encourage 
 indolence and vice among- the poor. In every township, 
 officers are appointed to superintend the poor, whose bu- 
 siness is to raise taxes, contract for the board and employ- 
 ment of the poor, to put out, as apprentices, orphan chil- 
 dren, and others, who have not parents capable of attend- 
 ing to them, &c. 
 
 Each township is required to support its own poor only? 
 and is allowed to remove such paupers as belong to other 
 parts of the state. 
 
 In most of the south-eastern and central counties, the 
 plan for supporting the poor, is somewhat improved. Alms- 
 houses are erected on large farms, where the poor find 
 employment, and thus aid in supporting themselves. 
 
 Q. What may be said of Pennsylvania touching prison 
 discipline ? 
 
 A. To the praise of Pennsylvania, it may be said, that 
 from the earliest period, she has made continued efforts 
 
 * By the "Church of God," is not meant a sectarian denomination, 
 but simply what it signifies in the Bible, viz : Ministers and Peo- 
 ple, who are formed into free and independent churches, upon the 
 Apostolic or New Testament plan, without human names, laws, and 
 inventions. 
 
 t Call all " brethren."* 
 14 
 
153 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 to improve prison discipline, and mitigate the sufferings 
 of the prisoner. The intercourse, which prisoners have 
 been allowed to have with each other, has been, most in- 
 jurious in its effects. It has not only prevented reforma- 
 tion, but conducted to render more outrageous the law- 
 less offender. Effects so injurious, suggested the plan of 
 solitary confinement. 
 
 Such an idea was streneously opposed, and many argu- 
 ments were urged against it. By persevering efforts, the 
 objections were removed, the legislature was induced to 
 adopt the plan, and two penitentiaries have been erected, 
 solely with a view to solitary confinement. One is loca- 
 ted at Philadelphia, and is called the Eastern Penitentiary; 
 the other, at Pittsburg, is called the Western Penitentiary. 
 
 "The Eastern Penitentiary is situated in Spring Garden, 
 on one of the most elevated, airy, and healthy sites near 
 Philadelphia. The ground, occupied by it, contains 
 about ten acres. The material, with which it is built is 
 gneis, in large masses. Every room is vaulted, and fire 
 proof. The design and execution impart a grave, severe, 
 and awful character to the external aspect. The effect 
 on the imagination is peculiarly impressive, solemn, and 
 instructive. This is said to be the largest edifice in this 
 country, and is the only one, which conveys an idea of the 
 external appearance of those magnificient and pictures- 
 que castles of the middle ages, which contributed, so em- 
 inently, to embellish the scenery of Europe." 
 
 '• The front of this ediffice is composed of large blocks 
 of hewn stone. The walls are twelve feet thick at the 
 base, and diminish at the top, where they are two and a 
 half feet in thickness. A wall thirty feet in height, enclo- 
 ses an area six hundred and forty feet square. At each 
 angle of the wall, is a tower for the purpose of overlook- 
 ing the establishment. Three other towers are situated 
 near the gate of entrance. The facade, or principal front. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 159 
 
 is six hundred and seventy feet in length. In the centre 
 of the front, there is building two hundred feet in length, 
 and consists of two projecting massy square towers, 50 
 feet high. The munnioned windows in these towers, con- 
 tribute, in a high degree to the picturesque effect." 
 
 " The great gateway, in the centre, is a very conspicu- 
 ous feature. It is 27 feet high, ]5 wide, and is filled by a 
 massive wrought iron portcullis, and double oaken gates, 
 studded with projecting iron rivets, the whole weighing 
 several tons, yet they can be opened with the greatest fa- 
 cility. A lofty rectangular tower, 80 feet high, designed 
 to contain an alarm bell and a clock, surmounts this en- 
 trance, and forms a picturesque and proportional centre. 
 On each side of the main building, (which contains the 
 apartments of wardens, keepers, domestics, &c.,) are 
 screen wing walls, which appear to constitute portions of 
 the main edifice." 
 
 " In the centre of the great court, is an observatory, 
 whence long corridors, seven in number, radiate ( only 
 3 or 4 of them are at present finished.) On each side of 
 these corridors, the cells are situated. A novel and in- 
 genious contrivance, in each cell, prevents the possbility 
 of conversation, preserves the purity of the atmosphere, 
 and dispenses with the otherwise unavoidable necessity 
 of leaving the apartments, except when the regulations 
 permit. Flues conduct heated air from large cockle 
 stoves to the cells. Light is admitted by glass in the 
 crown of the arch. The cells are 11 feet 9 inches long, 7 
 feet 6 inches wide. At the extremity is a door way, lead- 
 ing to a yard, atached to each cell in the lower story. 
 These yards 18 feet by 8 ; the walls of which are 11 and 
 a half feet high." 
 
 The cost of this building, when completed, will proba- 
 bly exceed a million. 
 
 The prisoners are required to clean their rooms once a 
 
160 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 week, water being conveyed to them by means of pipes. 
 Their washing and mending are regularly attended to ; 
 they have straw to sleep on, plenty of wholesome food 
 to eat, and when sick, a physician attends them, and they 
 have food suited to their necessities. 
 
 " This system of punishment, is emphatically called the 
 system of Pennsylvania, and consists in solitary confine- 
 ment at labor, with instructions in labor, in morals, and 
 religion. It is an experiment, in the success of which all 
 good men are interested. The prospect of a beneficial 
 result is highly flattering as it relates to the morals of the 
 prisoners, and the means of supporting them from the 
 produce of thier labors." 
 
 " When a convict first arrives, he is placed in a cell, and 
 left alone without work, and without any book. His mind 
 can only operate on itself. Generally, but a few hours 
 elapse, before he petitions for something to do, and for a 
 Bible. No instance has occurred, in which such a peti- 
 tion has been delayed more than a day or two. If the 
 prisoner has a trade, that can be pursued in his cell, he 
 is put to work as a favor ; as a reward for good behaviour, 
 a Bible is given him. If he has no trade, or one that can- 
 not be pursued in his cell, he is allowed to choose one that 
 can, and is instructed by one of the overseers. Thus 
 work, and moral and religious instruction are regard- 
 ed, and received as favors, and are withheld as punish- 
 ments." 
 
 The prisoners have not only a physician to attend to 
 their bodies, but one to attend to their souls. When they 
 have preaching, the outer doors of their cells are opened. 
 The preacher stands near the end of the corridor, where 
 all the prisoners can hear, while they can neither see the 
 preacher, nor see each other. There, in awful silence, 
 they listen to those truths which must have a bearing on 
 their destinies for eternity.. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 161 
 
 As we may gaze on the impenetrable walls, high tow- 
 ers, long narrow windows, double oaken, iron-rivited 
 doors of this prison, our strength becomes weakness, and 
 we reflect on the awful tendancy of crime. As we enter 
 the solitary cells, examine the thicknes of the walls, the 
 doors bolted and barred, we think of that prison which 
 will be the abode of the impenitent forever. 
 
 Q. What is the amount of the Banking Capital of Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 A. The following table, collated from the Auditor Gene- 
 ral's Report for 1835 and '36, and from the pamphlet laws 
 of the sessions of 1835-36, gives a brief view of the Bank- 
 ing Capital of Pennsylvania. 
 
 BANKS. CAPITAL. 
 
 Bank of Pennsylvania, $2,500,OOU 
 
 Philadelphia Bank, 1,800,000 
 
 Girard Bank, 1,500,000 
 
 Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, 1,250,000 
 Mechanics' Bank of the city and ? . n _. A 
 
 county of Philadelphia, 5 1 ' Urf4 '' 4y 
 
 Bank of North America, 1,000,000 
 
 Commercial Bank of Pa. 1,000,000 
 Schuylkill Bank, city of Philadelphia, 997,275 
 
 Western Bank of Philadelphia, 500,000 
 
 Manufacturers' and Mechanics' } n 
 
 Bank, Northern Liberties, $ J™,"™ 
 
 Bank of Northern Liberties, 30o,000 
 
 Southwark Bank, 250,000 
 
 Kensington Bank, 250,000 
 
 Penntownship Bank, 249,880 
 
 Moyamensing Bank, 125,000 
 
 Bank of Germantown, 152,000 
 
 Bank of Delaware county, 104,450 
 
 Bank of Montgomery county, 133,650 
 
 Bank of Chester county, 210,000 
 
 Farmers* Bank of Bucks county, 60,000 
 
 Doylestown Bank, 60,000 
 
 14* 
 
162 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISUT 
 
 Easton Bank, 347,505 
 
 Northampton Bank, 124,685 
 
 Farmers' Bank of Lancaster, 400,000 
 
 Lancaster Bank, 139,432 
 
 Columbia Bridge Company, 395,000 
 
 York Bank, 185,592 
 
 Harrisburg Bank, 300,000 
 
 Middleto wn Bank, 79,7 15 
 
 Miners' Bank, 199,740 
 
 Farmers' Bank of Reading, 300,360: 
 
 Carlisle Bank, 213,622: 
 
 Northumberland Bank, 100,000 
 
 Wyoming Bank,, 58,665. 
 
 Lebanon Bank, 68,130 
 
 Gettysburg Bank, 122,333 
 
 Chambersburg, 258,582 
 
 Merchants' and Manufacturers' > rtiQQ ,..«. 
 
 Bank of Pittsburg, 5 5 * y > && * 
 
 
 Bank of Pittsburg, 
 
 
 875,050 
 
 
 Monongahela Bank, 
 
 
 107,331 
 
 
 Lewistown Bank, 
 
 
 71,380 
 
 
 Towando Bank, 
 
 
 150,000 
 
 
 Lumberman's Bank, at 
 
 Warren 
 
 100,000 
 
 
 Erie Bank, 
 
 
 25,700 
 
 
 Note. — The above is the amount 
 
 of the capital stock 
 
 
 paid in. 
 
 
 
 
 SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 
 CAPITAL. 
 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 
 $3,800 
 
 
 Harrisburg, 
 
 
 13,235 
 
 
 Pittsburg, 
 
 
 20,248 
 
 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 
 173,140 
 
 
 The following Banks were 
 
 k incorporated in 1836, viz-: 
 
 
 BANKS.. 
 
 
 CAPITAL. 
 
 
 United States Bank, 
 
 
 $35,000,000 
 
 
 Exchange Bank of Fittsburg, 
 
 1,000,000 
 
 
 Franklin Bank, 
 
 
 300,000 
 
 
 Honesdale Bank, 
 
 
 100,000 
 
 
 Bank of Berks county, 
 
 
 200,000 
 
 
 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 163 
 
 The following had their capital increased, per act of 
 1836, viz: 
 
 Farmers' Bank of Bucks Co., from $60,000 to $200,000 
 Lumberman's Bank, " 100,000 to 200,000 
 
 M ztrL™ d Lts: cs i «*«»» «*«» 
 
 Penntownship Bank, 229,880 to 500,000 
 
 Q. What are the sources of Revenue of Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. They are various and numerous. That you may 
 have some idea we give a " Summary Statement" of the 
 Receipts at the State Treasury, commencing November I, 
 1834, and ending October 31, 1835. 
 
 Lands and Land Office fees, $26,395 94 
 
 Auction commissions, 10,900 00 
 
 Auction duties, 57,252 0& 
 
 Dividends on bank stock, 150,730 00> 
 
 Dividends on bridge, turnpike, > 2Q 45g og 
 
 and navigation stock, ) ' 
 
 Tax on bank dividends, 68,508 la 
 
 Tax on certain offices, 13,783 66 
 
 Tax on coal companies, 1,314 10 
 
 Tavern licenses, 57,826 5& 
 
 Retailers' licenses, 80,727 84 
 
 State maps, 110 00 
 
 Pamphlet law3, 159 24 
 
 Collateral inheritance tax, 32,166 56 
 
 Militia and exempt fines, 787 63. 
 
 Tin and clock pedlars' licenses, 1 ,625 00 
 
 Hawkers' and pedlars' licenses, 4,237 0& 
 
 Increase of county rates and levies, 188,019 94 
 
 Tax on personal property, 20,943 10= 
 
 Canal and railroad tolls, 684,357 77 
 
 Loans, 1,629,660 00 
 
 Premiums on loans, 120,916 60 
 
 Premiums on bank charters, 66,608 90 
 
 Tax on writs, &c. 24,745 91 
 
 Fees of the Secretary of State's Office, 456 01 
 
 Old debts and miscellaneous, 2,904 07 
 
 Total, $3,273,563 2k 
 
104 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 | Q. What is the early history of Pennsylvania ? 
 
 A. William Penn, the son of a British admiral of Lon- 
 don, was educated as a lawyer, but from some peculiari- 
 ty of habit, joined the Quakers, then an obscure and perse- 
 cuted sect, with a view to seek an asylum for the oppos- 
 ed, and in consideration of services rendered by his fath- 
 er to the British crown, excepted of a tract of land, gran- 
 ted to him by Charles II. King of England, in 1681. This 
 tract lay on this side of the Atlantic, including Pennsylva- 
 nia and Delaware 
 
 In the Autumn of 1681, numerous emigrants to whom 
 Penn had sold a part of the land, came over to America 
 in three vessels, and settled on the Delaware river, near 
 where Philadelphia is now located. 
 
 These people brought with them a letter from Penn to 
 the Indians, in which he informed them, that the great 
 God had been pleased to make him concerned in their part 
 of the world, and that his king had given him a large tract 
 of country therein, but that he did not intend to take pos- 
 session of it without their consent, that he was a man of 
 peace, and that the people whom he sent were peaceable 
 too, and if any difficulty should occur between them, it 
 might be settled by an equal number of men on both 
 sides. 
 
 In the fall of 1682, Penn himself carre over with 20O 
 people, During his stay, he assembled some of the Indi- 
 an chiefs and formed a treaty with them. His mild and 
 affable deportment made a most favorable impression on 
 the minds of the savages. He walked with them, sat 
 with them on the ground, and ate with them of their 
 roasted corn and hominy. 
 
 With this they were greatly delighted, and to express 
 their joy began to hop and jump. They were much pleas- 
 ed with Penn, and long remembered him with respect 
 and affection. This treaty, which was never violated, was 
 made under a great elm tree near Kensington, not far from 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 165 
 
 the river. During the ceremony, Penn wore, as a mark of 
 distinction, a sash of blue net work. This sash still exists 
 in England. 
 
 This memorable tree, called the treaty tree, was blown 
 down on the 3d of March, 1812. Many articles have 
 since been made of its wood, which are highly prized as 
 relics. It was a wide spreading tree, the main branches 
 were 150 feet in length, the circumference 24 feet, and the 
 age of the tree was 283 years. To perpetuate its memo- 
 ry, a rectangular marble monument has been erected, 
 near the site where it stood. 
 
 Penn founded the city of Philadelphia in 1681, and in 
 1684, he returned to England, leaving the colony in a flour- 
 ishing state. The first settlers, however, had many pri- 
 vations to endure, and were obliged to live in caves, till 
 they were able to erect better dwellings. 
 
 Most of these habitations were dug in the side of a high 
 bank, on the east side of Front street, and where half be- 
 low the ground and half above. The upper part of the 
 cave was constructed of sods and brush wood, and roofed 
 with bark and branches of trees. The chimneys were of- 
 ten of grass and kneaded clay. The ground, on the Del- 
 aware where these caves were dug, was very high, and 
 thickly covered with pine trees. 
 
 Pennsylvania had a more rapid growth than either of 
 the other colonies. This was owing partly to a healthy 
 climate, fruitful soil, abundance of wild game ; partly to 
 the benefits, which resulted from the experiments made by 
 other colonists, and partly to the religious toleration, mild- 
 ness and justice of laws, and their administration. At- 
 tracted by these favorable circumstances, numerous emi- 
 grants flocked to Pennsylvania, and in four years after 
 the province was granted to Penn, it contained twenty 
 settlements and the city of Philadelphia 2,000 inhabit 
 tants. 
 
160 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Penn returned to the province in 1 699, and found some 
 discontent among the people. To remove this, he gave 
 them a new charter, which was submitted to the assembly* 
 and accepted. But the people, in that part of the settle- 
 ment, which now forms the State of Delaware, were dis- 
 pleased with the charter, refused to accept of it, were se- 
 perated from Pennsylvania, and became a distinct assem- 
 bly. 
 
 This was Penn's last visit to America. Returning to 
 England soon after, he died there in 1718, having sustain- 
 ed a most excellent character. He was persecuted on ac- 
 count of his religious principles, accused of wiched con- 
 duct, and twice imprisoned by order of government. But 
 he nobly sustained these trials, lived to see every suspicion 
 wiped from his character, and his life teaches us, that 
 " when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh, even 
 his enemies, to be at peace with him." 
 
 A tide of prosperity continued to flow into this colony 
 the Indians remained at peace for 70 years, and the lasting 
 prosperity of Pennsylvania is an elegant eulogium on the 
 character of Penn. (See Parley's History.) 
 
 Principal Stage B-outes in Pennsylvania, 
 
 1. From Phila- 
 delphia to Pitts- 
 burg. 
 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Buck tavern 
 
 Paoli 
 
 West Whiteland, 
 
 Downingtown, 
 
 Coatesville, 
 
 Sadsbury, 
 
 Paradise 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 Mount Joy, 
 
 Elizabethtown, 
 
 I* 
 
 
 10 
 
 ' 
 
 9 
 
 19 
 
 5 
 
 24 ii 
 
 5 
 
 29 
 
 7 
 
 36 
 
 3 
 
 39 
 
 13 
 
 52 
 
 10 
 
 62 
 
 12 
 
 74 
 
 7 
 
 81 
 
 Middletowo, 
 High Spire, 
 HARR1SBURG, 
 
 Hogestown, 
 Carlisle, 
 Stoughstown, 
 Shippensburg, 
 Green Village, 
 Chamber sburg, 
 St. Thomas, 
 Loudontown, 
 McConnellsburg, 
 Juniata Crossings, 
 
 Miles. 
 
 7 
 
 Miles. 
 88 
 
 3 
 
 91 
 
 6 
 
 97 
 
 9 
 
 106 
 
 9 
 
 115 
 
 13 
 
 128 
 
 8 
 
 136 
 
 6 
 
 142 
 
 5 
 
 147 
 
 9 
 
 156 
 
 6 
 
 162 
 
 7 
 
 169 
 
 20 
 
 1 189 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 167 
 
 Bedford, 
 Sckellsburg, 
 
 >wn, 
 Laughlintown, 
 Ligonier, 
 Youngstown, 
 Greensburg, 
 Adanisburg, 
 Stewartsville, 
 Pittsburg, 
 
 2. FromPhiladel- 
 defphia to Pitts- 
 bu?'g,v'm Colum- 
 bia and York. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Lancaster, as in No. 1 
 
 Colombia, 
 
 York, 
 
 Abbott's town, 
 
 Oxford, 
 
 Gettysburg, 
 
 Chambersburg, 
 
 Pittsburg, as in No. 1 
 
 3. From Philadel- 
 phia to Balti- 
 more, via Wil- 
 mington, Del. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Darby, 
 
 Chester, 
 
 Marcus Hook, 
 
 Wilmington, Del. 
 
 Newport, 
 
 Staunton 
 
 Christiana, 
 
 Newark, 
 
 Elkton, 
 
 North East, 
 
 Charleston, 
 
 Havre de Grace, 
 
 Mis. 
 
 204 
 213 
 233 
 §49 
 252 
 262 
 272 
 
 283 
 301 
 
 72 
 84 
 99 
 104 
 113 
 138 
 153 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 28 
 33 
 34 
 38 
 43 
 48 
 54 
 57 
 64 
 
 Hall's Cross Roads, 
 
 Harford, 
 
 Little Gun Powder, 
 
 Baltimore, 
 
 4. From Philadel- 
 phia to Balti- 
 more, via Port 
 Deposite. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Darby, 
 
 Nether Providence 
 
 Concord, 
 
 Kennett's Square, 
 
 New London Cross 
 Roads, 
 
 Port Deposite, 
 
 Herbert's X Roads 
 
 Bdl Air, 
 
 Kingsville, 
 
 Baltimore, 
 
 5. From Philadel- 
 phia to Lancas- 
 ter, via West- 
 Chester. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Haverford, 
 
 Newton, 
 
 West Chester, 
 
 Marihalton, 
 
 Gap, 
 
 Strasburg, 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 6. From Philadel- 
 phia to Mauch 
 Chimk,viaPotts 
 mile. 
 From Phila. to 
 Norristown, 
 
 16 
 
 10 
 
J 68 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Trap, 
 
 Pottstown, 
 
 Reading, 
 
 Hamburg', 
 
 Orwigsburg, 
 
 Pottsville, 
 
 Middleport, 
 
 Tuscarora, 
 
 Tamaqua, 
 
 Mauch Chunk, 
 
 7. From Philadel- 
 phia to Lancas- 
 ter, via the Yel- 
 low Springs. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Gulf Mills, 
 
 Valley Farge, 
 
 Kimberton, 
 
 Yellow Springs, 
 
 Marsh, 
 
 Churchtown, 
 
 Earl, 
 
 New Holland, 
 
 Leacock, 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 8. From Philadel- 
 phia to Mont- 
 rose 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Rising Sun, 
 
 Germanfcown, 
 
 Chesnut Hill, 
 
 Spring House, 
 
 Montgomery Square, 
 
 Lexington, 
 
 Sellarsville, 
 
 Quakertown, 
 
 Freyburg, 
 
 Bethlehem, 
 
 Hecktown, 
 
 Nazareth, 
 
 Mis. 
 
 26 
 36 
 52 
 
 67 
 78 
 86 
 94 
 98 
 103 
 118 
 
 21 
 27 
 31 
 45 
 49 
 54 
 57 
 66 
 70 
 
 6 
 9 
 17 
 21 
 25 
 32 
 37 
 43 
 51 
 56 
 59 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Jacobsburg, 
 
 Wind Gap, 
 
 Mount Pocono, 
 
 Wilkesbarre, 
 
 Kingston, 
 
 New Troy, 
 
 Exeter, 
 
 Eaton, 
 
 Tunkhannock, 
 
 Springville, 
 
 Montrose, 
 
 8. From Philadel- 
 phia to Norris- 
 town. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Penn township, 
 Manayunk, 
 Roxborough, 
 Norristown, 
 
 10. From Phila- 
 delphia to Eas 
 ton. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Rising Sun, 
 
 Jenkintown, 
 
 Willow Grove, 
 
 Horseham, 
 
 Loylestown, 
 
 Danboro' 
 
 Ottsville, 
 
 Durham, 
 
 Easton, 
 
 11. From Phila- 
 delphia to Win- 
 chester, Va. 
 From Phila. to 
 
 Lancaster as in No. 1 
 Columbia, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 169 
 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis. - 
 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis 
 
 York, 
 
 12 
 
 84 
 
 Millerstown, 
 
 15 
 
 29 
 
 Pigeon Hill, 
 
 8 
 
 92 
 
 Thompsontown, 
 
 6 
 
 35 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 10 
 
 102 
 
 Mexico, 
 
 5 
 
 4C 
 
 Petersburg, 
 
 7 
 
 109 
 
 Mifflin, 
 
 3 
 
 43 
 
 Tawneytown, Md. 
 
 9 
 
 118 
 
 Lewistown, 
 
 12 
 
 55 
 
 JBruceville; 
 
 5 
 
 123 
 
 Waynesburg, 
 
 11 
 
 6t 
 
 Middieburg, 
 
 2 
 
 125 
 
 Huntingdon, 
 
 22 
 
 8? 
 
 Woodsborough, 
 
 9 
 
 134 
 
 Alexandria, 
 
 8 
 
 9C 
 
 Walkersville, 
 
 5 
 
 139 
 
 Yellow Springs, 
 
 6 
 
 105 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 6 
 
 145 
 
 Frankstown, 
 
 9 
 
 111 
 
 Trap, 
 
 7 
 
 152 
 
 Hollidayburg, 
 
 3 
 
 114 
 
 Petersville, 
 
 4 
 
 156 
 
 Blair's Gap, 
 
 4 
 
 lie 
 
 Knoxville, 
 
 4 
 
 160 
 
 Munster, 
 
 10 
 
 12* 
 
 Harpers Ferry, Va. 
 
 6 
 
 166 
 
 Ebensburg, 
 
 5 
 
 13; 
 
 Charleston, 
 
 7 
 
 173 
 
 Armagh, 
 
 18 
 
 151 
 
 Winchester, 
 
 22 
 
 195 
 
 Blairsville, 
 New Alexandria, 
 
 14 
 
 8 
 
 16f 
 
 17: 
 
 
 
 
 Salem Cross Road, 
 
 8 
 
 181 
 
 12. From Harris- 
 
 
 
 Murrysville, 
 Pittsburg, 
 
 7 
 
 181 
 
 burg to Dun- 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 20S 
 
 dap. 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 From Harrisb. to 
 
 
 
 _____ 
 
 
 
 Dauphin, 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 Peters Mountain, 
 
 6 
 
 15 
 
 14. From Harris- 
 
 
 
 New Buffalo, 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 burg to Balti- 
 more. 
 
 
 
 Montgomery's Ferry. 
 
 6 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 Liverpool, 
 
 5 
 
 31 
 
 From Harrisb. to 
 
 
 
 M'Kee's Haly Falls, 
 
 9 
 
 40 
 
 Highspire, 
 
 6 
 
 
 Selins Grove, 
 
 12 
 
 52 
 
 Middletown, 
 
 3 
 
 < 
 
 Sunbury, 
 
 2 
 
 53 
 
 Falmouth, 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 Northumberland, 
 
 2 
 
 56 
 
 York Haven, 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 Danville, 
 
 12 
 
 68 
 
 York, 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 Bloomsburg, 
 
 9 
 
 77 
 
 Logansville, 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 | Berwick, 
 
 Nanticoke, 
 1 Wilkesbarre, 
 
 12 
 
 17 
 
 9 
 
 89 
 106 
 115 
 
 Strasburg, 
 Weisesburg, Pa. 
 Hereford, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 I Pottstown, 
 
 10 
 
 125 
 
 Baltimore, 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 [ Greenville, 
 
 17 
 
 142 
 
 
 
 
 1 Dundaff, 
 
 10 
 
 152 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13. From Harris- 
 burg to Pitts- 
 
 
 
 : 
 
 15. From Pitts- 
 burg to Steuben- 
 " mile. 
 
 From Pittsb. tc 
 
 
 
 burg, via Hun- 
 tingdon. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Raccoon Creek, 
 
 23 
 
 
 From Harrisb. tc 
 
 Juniata Falls, 
 
 U 
 
 
 li Briceland's X Roads 
 M Steubenville, 
 tj 
 15 
 
 4 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
170 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 
 Mis 
 
 . Mis. 
 
 
 Mis 
 
 Mis 
 
 16. From Pitts 
 
 
 
 Nescopeck, 
 
 S 
 
 6 
 
 burg to Erie. 
 
 
 
 Berwick, 
 
 1 
 
 68 
 
 From Pittsb. to 
 
 
 
 New Columbia, 
 
 1C 
 
 
 Bakerstown, 
 
 16 
 
 
 Thinersville 
 
 24 
 
 102 
 
 Woodville, 
 
 6 
 
 22 
 
 Towanda, 
 
 24 
 
 126 
 
 Butler, 
 
 6 
 
 30 
 
 Burlington, 
 
 £ 
 
 134 
 
 Centreville, 
 
 15 
 
 45 
 
 Ridgebury, 
 
 12 
 
 146 
 
 Mercer, 
 
 16 
 
 81 
 
 Elmyra, 
 
 12 
 
 158 
 
 Meadville, 
 
 30 
 
 91 
 
 
 
 
 Waterford, 
 
 23 
 
 114 
 
 _____ 
 
 
 
 Erie, 
 
 15 
 
 129 
 
 20. From Eas- 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 ton to Pleasant 
 Mourit. 
 
 
 
 17. From Pitts- 
 
 
 
 From Easton to 
 
 
 
 burg to Wheel- 
 
 
 
 Wind Gap, 
 
 13 
 
 
 ing. 
 
 
 
 Stanhope, 
 
 20 
 
 33 
 
 From Pittsb. to 
 
 
 
 Sterling, 
 
 25 
 
 48 
 
 Hariotsville, 
 
 10 
 
 
 Clarkstown, 
 
 10 
 
 68 
 
 Canonsburg, 
 
 8 
 
 18 . 
 
 Pleasant Mount, 
 
 12 
 
 
 Washington, 
 
 7 
 
 25 
 
 
 
 
 Wheeling, 
 
 36 
 
 61 
 
 21. From Easton 
 
 
 
 38. From Pitts- 
 
 
 
 to Harrisburg. 
 From Easton to 
 
 
 
 burg to Beaver. 
 
 
 
 Butztown, 
 
 _ 
 
 
 From Pittsb. to 
 
 
 
 Bethlehem, 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 8 
 9 
 
 
 Sewiekly Bottom, 
 
 14 
 
 
 Allentown, 
 
 18 
 28 
 3," 
 
 Economy, 
 
 4 
 
 18 
 
 Trextertown, 
 
 Beater, 
 
 10 
 
 28 
 
 Kutztown, 
 
 
 
 
 Reading, 
 
 18 
 
 53 
 
 
 
 
 
 Womelsdorf, 
 
 14 
 
 67 
 
 
 
 
 Myerstown, 
 
 7 
 
 
 19. From East on 
 
 
 
 Lebanon, 
 
 6 
 
 
 to Almyra, N. 
 
 
 
 Palmyra, 
 
 10 
 
 90 
 
 York. 
 
 
 
 Hummelstown, 
 
 6 
 
 96 
 
 From Easton to 
 
 
 
 Harrisburg, 
 
 9 
 
 165 
 
 Bath, 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 Kernsville, 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cherryville, 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 
 Lehigh Gap, 
 
 4 
 
 23 
 
 22. From Easton 
 
 
 
 Lehigton, 
 Mauch Chunk, 
 
 8 
 5 
 
 31 
 36 
 
 to Milford. 
 From Easton to 
 
 
 
 Lausanne, 
 
 1 
 
 37 
 
 Richmond, 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 
 Conyngham, 
 
 21 
 
 58 
 
 I 
 
 Mount Bethel, 
 
 i 
 
 **- 
 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 171 
 
 Dutottsburg, 
 
 Stroudsburg, 
 
 Coolbaugh's, 
 
 Bushkiln, 
 
 Dingman's Ferry, 
 
 Milfyfd, 
 
 23. From Lewis- 
 tovm to Erie. 
 
 From Eewist. to 
 
 Bellefonle, 
 
 3Iillersburg, 
 
 Philipsburg, 
 
 Kylersville, 
 
 Clearfield, 
 
 Curwinsville, 
 
 Brookville, 
 
 Clarion, 
 
 Strattersvilie, 
 
 Shippensville, 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Meadville, 
 
 Erie, 
 
 24. From Ebens- 
 burg to Butler. 
 
 From Ebensb. to 
 Indiana, 
 Kittaning, 
 Butler, 
 
 25. FromHarriS' 
 
 burg to Win- 
 chester, Va. 
 
 FromHarrisb.to 
 
 Hogestown, 
 
 Mis. 
 
 25 
 39 
 
 36 
 42 
 55 
 63 
 
 32 
 
 56 
 
 64 
 
 72 
 
 77 
 
 112 
 
 121 
 
 127 
 
 136 
 
 159 
 
 183 
 
 221 
 
 52 
 72 
 
 
 Mis 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Carlisle, 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 Stoughstown, 
 
 13 
 
 31 
 
 Shippensburg, 
 
 S 
 
 33 
 
 Green Village, 
 
 6 
 
 45 
 
 Chambersburg, 
 
 5 
 
 5G 
 
 Greencastle, 
 
 11 
 
 61 
 
 Hagerstown, Md. 
 
 11 
 
 72 
 
 Funkstown, 
 
 3 
 
 75 
 
 Boonsborough, 
 
 8 
 
 83 
 
 Sharpsburg, 
 
 7 
 
 90 
 
 Shepherdstown, Va. 
 
 4 
 
 94 
 
 Martinsburg, 
 
 9 
 
 103 
 
 Darkesville, 
 
 7 
 
 irJ 
 
 Winchester, 
 
 15 
 
 125 
 
 26. From Reading 
 
 
 
 to Lancaster. 
 
 
 
 From Reading to 
 
 
 
 Adamstown, 
 
 10 
 
 
 Reamstovvn, 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 Ephrata, 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 Litiz, 
 
 8 
 
 27 
 
 Neffsville, 
 
 4 
 
 31 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 4 
 
 35 
 
 27. From Potts- 
 
 
 
 ville toBellefonte 
 
 
 
 via Williams- 
 
 
 
 port. 
 
 
 
 From Pottsv. to 
 
 
 
 Danville, 
 
 32 
 
 
 Washingtonville, 
 
 8 
 
 40 
 
 Derry, 
 
 5 
 
 45 
 
 Pennsborough, 
 
 14 
 
 59 
 
 Williamsport, 
 
 14 
 
 73 
 
 Jersey Shore, 
 
 n 
 
 84 
 
 Dunnstown, 
 
 10 
 
 94 
 
 Bellefonte, 
 
 24 
 
 118 
 

 172 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 28. From North- 
 er land to 
 Lewistown. 
 From Northum- 
 berland to 
 New Berlin, 
 Middlebury, 
 Beavertown, 
 Lewistown, 
 
 29. From Bedford 
 
 to Washington. 
 
 % From Bedford to 
 
 Somerset, 
 Mount Pleasant, 
 Robstown, 
 Williatnsport, 
 Washington, 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis. 
 
 11 
 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 22 
 
 28 
 
 50 
 
 37 
 
 
 25 
 
 62 
 
 14 
 
 72 
 
 10 
 
 86 
 
 20 
 
 106 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis 
 
 30. From Harris- 
 
 
 
 burg toHagers- 
 
 
 
 town, Md. 
 
 
 
 From Harrisb. to 
 
 
 
 Carlisle, 
 
 18 
 
 
 Manallen, 
 
 18 
 
 36 
 
 Gettysburg, 
 
 9 
 
 45 
 
 Fairfield, 
 
 8 
 
 53 
 
 Waynesboro,' 
 
 13 
 
 66 
 
 Leitersburg, Md. 
 
 6 
 
 73 
 
 Hagerstawn, 
 
 6 
 
 78 
 

 OHIO 
 
 Q. How is Ohio bounded ? 
 
 A. It is bounded on the north by lake Erie and the 
 
 State of Michigan ; on the east by Pennsylvania ; on the 
 
 south and southeast by the Ohio river ; and on the west 
 
 by Indiana. This state bounds on the Ohio river, from 
 
 the mouth of Little Beaver to that of the Great Miami, 
 
 445 miles ; due north in common with Indiana, 170 miles ; 
 
 :lue east along Michigan to lake Erie, 80 miles ; thence 
 
 along the southern shore of Erie, 150 miles; thence south 
 
 mmon with Pennsylvania, to the mouth of Little 
 
 Beaver, 93 miles ; having an entire outline of 933 miles. 
 
 Q. -What is the area of Ohio r 
 
 A. The superficial contents of Ohio have been general- 
 ly underrated ; measured carefully on Bradford's map, 
 and exactly calculating the rhombs, the area comes out 
 within a small fraction of 44,000 square miles. 
 Q. How many acres does Ohio contain ? 
 A. According to the most accurate calculations it con- 
 tains about 25 million acres of land. 
 
 Q. What is the latitude and longitude of this state P 
 A. It extends from 38 deg. 30 min. to 42 deg. north lat- 
 itude, and from 80 deg. 35 min. to 84 deg. 47 min. W. Ion. 
 from Greenwich. 
 
 Q. Are there arc any mountains in Ohio ? 
 A. This state is altogether free from mountains. Some 
 15* 
 
174 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 parts bordering on the Ohio river are hilly, but not moim 
 tainous. Some hills lie on either side of the Ohio river of 
 a singular conformation, generally known by the name of 
 the Ohio Hills. 
 
 i Q. Which are the principal Rivers of Ohio ? 
 
 A. The Ohio, the Muskingum, the Sciota, the Big Mi- 
 ami, the Little Miami, the Maumee, the Sandusky, Cuya- 
 hoga, and Grand River. 
 
 Q. Can you describe the Ohio river ? 
 
 A. The Ohio, (or River of Blood, or according to some 
 the Limpid River,) is formed by the junction of the Alle- 
 ghany and Monongahela at Pittsburg. 
 
 If the Mississippi has more grandeur, the Ohio has 
 clearly more beauty. If the Mississippi rolls its angry 
 and sweeping waters with more majesty, the Ohio far ex- 
 ceeds it in its calm unbroken course, which seldom en- 
 dangers the boats on its bosom, except there be misman- 
 agement or storms. No river in the world rolls for the 
 same distance such an uniform, smooth, and peaceful cur- 
 rent. Whoever has descended this noble river in the 
 spring, when its banks are full, and the beautiful red 
 bud, and Cornus Florida deck the declivities of the bluffs, 
 (which sometimes rise 300 feet in height, impend over the 
 river, and cast their grand shadows into the transparent 
 waters, and are seen at intervals in its luxuriant bottoms 
 while the towering sycamore throws its venerable and 
 majestic arms, decked with rich foliage, over the other 
 trees, — but will readily acknowledge the appropriateness 
 of the French name, "La Belle Riviere." 
 
 Its bottoms are of extraordinary depth and fertility 
 generally high and dry, and for the most part healthy. — 
 For 30 miles below Pittsburg, its course is N. W. It then 
 turns W. S. W., and pursues that general direction 500 
 miles. Thence S. W. 170 miles. Thence westward 280 
 
OF OHIO. 175 
 
 miles. Thence S. West through that low and swampy 
 country till it nds the Mississippi, 170 miles. 
 
 Between Pittsburg and its mouth, it is diversified by 
 100 considerable islands, besides a great number of tow 
 heads and sand bars, which in low stages of the water 
 greatly impede the navigation. Some of these islands are 
 of exquisite beauty, and afford most lovely situations for 
 retired farms. The passages between them and the sand 
 bars at their head, are among the difficulties of the navi- 
 gation of this river. 
 
 It is bounded in its whole course by bluffs, sometimes 
 towering sublimely from the shores of the river. At Pitts- 
 burg the Ohio is 600 yards wide, and at Cincinnati, which 
 may be considered its mean width, it is not much more. 
 Its valley is deep and heavily timbered, and has no where 
 the slightest indication of prairie. Different estimates have 
 been made of the rapidity of its current. This rapidity 
 being continually varying, it would be difficult to assign 
 any very exact estimate. It is found, according to the 
 different stages of the water, to vary between one and 
 three miles. In the lowest stages of the water in the au- 
 tumn, a floating substance would, probably, not advance 
 a mile an hour. It is subject to extreme elevations and 
 depressions. The average range between high and low 
 water is probably 50 feet. Its lowest stage is in Septem- 
 ber ; and its highest in March. It has been known to rise 
 12 feet in a night. The Ohio and all its tributaries cannot 
 have less than 5000 miles of boatable waters, and taking 
 all circumstances into consideration, few rivers in the 
 world can vie with it. either in utility or beauty. 
 Describe the Muskingum river. 
 
 Muskingum is one of the great branches of the Ohio 
 river, from the right or N. W. side. It is formed by two 
 branches, Tuscarawas from the northeastward, and White 
 

 176 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Woman's river to the northwestward. White Woman's 
 river rises near the centre of the state of Ohio, interlock- 
 ing sources with those of Scioto, Huron of Erie, Vermil- 
 lion, and Black rivers. Composed of two branches, Mo- 
 hiccon and Killbuck creeks, White Woman's river drains 
 Wayne, Holmes, Richland, Knox, and part of Coshocton 
 counties; general course S. R, joining Tuscarawas in 
 Coshocton county, between the villages of Coshocton and 
 Caldersburg,. after a general comparative course of 60 
 miles. Tuscarawas has interlocking sources with those 
 of Cuyahoga and Big Beaver. In the higher part of its 
 course for 50 miles, it pursues a southern course, out of 
 Medina and Portage counties over' Starke into Tuscara- 
 was county. Inflecting abruptly to the west, and enter- 
 ing Coshocton, it unites with White Woman's river, as 
 already noticed, after a general comparative course of 60 
 miles. It is at the junction of Tuscarawas and White 
 Woman's rivers that the united waters take the name of 
 Muskingum, which flowing S. 10 miles, receives a large 
 eastern branch, Will's creek, and bending to about S. S. 
 W. 15 miles, receives Licking creek, and falls over a ledge 
 of rocks at Zanesville. Below Zanesville, with partial 
 bends, the general course is S. E. 50 miles comparative 
 distance to its influx into the Ohio river at Marietta. The 
 Tuscarawas branch drains all Tuscarawas and Stark, 
 with parts of Harrison, Columbiana, Portage, Medina, 
 Wayne, Holmes, and Coshocton counties. Will's creek 
 drains, and its valley is nearly commensurate with, Gu- 
 ernsey county. The Muskingum river, properly so called^ 
 winds over the southern side of Coshocton, and over Mus- 
 kingum, Morgan -and Washington counties. The entire 
 Muskingum valley approaches remarkably near a circle, 
 of 100 miles diameter ; but with allowance for the salient 
 parts, the area is about 8000 square miles. The Ohio and 
 Erie canal enter this valley in Licking county, and is car- 
 
OF OHIO. 177 
 
 ried N. E. to Coshocton, and thence along the main chan- 
 nel of Tuscarawas to the Portage Summit. The level of 
 the canal on the Portage Summit is 973 feet above the 
 ocean tides, while that of the Ohio at Marietta, but little, 
 if any, exceeds six hundred feet of similar relative height. 
 The arable soil around the sources of the higher fountains 
 of White Woman's and Tuscarawas rivers, must exceed 
 one thousand feet above the ocean, or the difference of 
 level of the valley amounts to at least an equivalent to a 
 degree of latitude. The actual extremes of lat. are 39 de- 
 grees 20 min. and 41 degrees 10 min. The soil of the 
 Muskingum valley is of unsurpassed fertility. The surface 
 presenting the usual features of the rivers of Ohio ; that 
 is, level at the sources, and becoming more and more 
 hilly approaching the main recipient, the Ohio river. 
 
 Describe the Scioto river. 
 
 Scioto river has its remote sources in Richland, Marion, 
 Crawford, and Hardin counties. It is composed of two 
 branches, Whetstone on the E., and Scioto proper on the 
 W. Both branches issuing from Marion county, assume 
 a nearly parallel course to S. S. E., traversing Delaware, 
 arid uniting in Franklin county, between the towns of Co- 
 lumbus and Franklin, after each branch having flowed by 
 comparative courses, 70 miles. Below Columbus the gen- 
 eral course is almost exactly S., and comparative length 
 100 miles to its influx into Ohio river, between the villages 
 Alexandria and Portsmouth. The Sciota valley, lying be- 
 tween latitude 38 degrees 42 min. and 40 degrees 50 min.' 
 and cut into two very nearly equal sections by longitude 
 6 degrees W. from Washington city, and is about 150 
 miles long, and 60 miles wide, area 9000 square miles. Be- 
 low Columbus, the main stream traverses the counties of 
 Franklin, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, and Scioto. Though 
 without any direct falls, the Scioto is a very rapid stream, 
 
178 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 The Scioto valley lies between those of Big Miami and 
 Muskingum, and has that of Sandusky N., and Maumee 
 N. West. 
 
 Describe the Big Miami river. 
 
 Big Miami has its extreme sources in Shelby and Dark 
 counties, and flowing thence S. S. E. fifty nyles over 
 Miami and Montgomery, receives in Indiana Mad river 
 from N. E. Mad river rising in Logan, traverses Cham- 
 paign and Clark, unites with Great Miami as already no- 
 ticed. The two streams unite at Dayton, and assuming 
 a course ot S. S. W. flows in that direction by compara- 
 tive courses 100 miles to its junction with Ohio river, hav- 
 ing received, a few miles above its mouth, White Water 
 river from Indiana. The boundary line between Ohio and 
 Indiana strikes the Ohio river at the mouth of Great Mi- 
 ami. 
 
 The valley of the Great Miami is in length 120 miles 
 from S. W. to N. E. with a mean breadth of 50 miles, or 
 comprises an area of 6000 square miles. This river has 
 become of increasing consequence since the completion 
 of a navigable canal extending from Dayton to Cincin- 
 nati, opening a water means of transport from the inte- 
 rior table land of Ohio, to Ohio river, reaching the latter 
 at the most considerable city in the state, or indeed of all 
 the western states, except New Orleans. 
 
 Describe the Little Miami. 
 
 Little Miami has its extreme sources in Clarke coun- 
 ty, interlocking with those of Mad river, and with those 
 of Deer and Paint creeks, branches of Sciota, and flowing 
 thence by comparative courses 120 miles to the S. S. E. 
 to its entrance into Ohio river about ten miles, by water, 
 above Cincinnati. The course of the Little Miami is very 
 nearly parallel to that of the Great Miami, the former de- 
 riving its principal tributaries from the eastward, and 
 draining great part of Greene, Clinton, Warren, Cler- 
 
OF OHIO* 17g 
 
 mont, with parts of Brown, Clarke, and Hamilton coun- 
 ties. Rising on a comparatively elevated tract, the fall is 
 rapid, rendering this river one of the best in Ohio for 
 mills- 
 Describe the 3Iaumee river. 
 
 Maumee river is the greatest western confluent of lake 
 Erie. This very remarkable river is composed of two 
 constituent branches, the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's. — 
 St. Mary's rises in Allen, Mercer, and Shelby counties, 
 Ohio, interlocking sources with those of Wabash, Great 
 Miami, and Au Glaize rivers ; flowing thence 60 miles to 
 the N. W. into Allen county, Indiana, it unites with the 
 St. Joseph's river. The latter rising in Hillsdale county, 
 Michigan, and assuming a southwest course traverses the 
 northwestern angle of Williams county, Ohio, enters Allen 
 county, Indiana, and unites with the St. Mary's as already 
 noticed. To view those two rivers on a map, their natu- 
 ral course would appear to be down the Wabash, but 
 curving on themselves, the united waters now known as 
 the Maumee, assume a N. E. course ; flows in that direc- 
 tion 45 miles, to where it receives almost at the same 
 point, Au Glaize river from the south, and Bean or Tiffen's 
 river from the north. Continuing N. E. 60 miles farther, 
 Maumee is lost on the extreme western angle of lake 
 Erie. This stream, like all others which issue from Ohio 
 into lake Erie, is obstructed by rapids a few miles above 
 its mouth ; otherwise it is navigable at high water, into 
 both its main branches. The Au Glaize, which falls into 
 laumee at Defiance, is the most considerable branch, 
 not falling much under the St. Mary's and St. Joseph'? 
 united. The valley of Maumee, occupying the whole 
 northwestern angle of the state of Ohio, is in length irom 
 S W. to N. E. 100 miles, with a mean breadth of at least 
 50, area 5,000 square miles, comprising small fractions in 
 Michigan and Indiana. This river and its branches 
 

 180 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 % 
 Ohio the counties of Mercer, Allen, Vanwert, Putnam. 
 
 Hancock, Wood, Henry, Williams, and Paulding. In lat- 
 itude the valley stretches from 40 degrees 30 minutes to 
 42 degrees. 
 
 Describe Sandusky river. 
 
 Sandusky river has its remote sources in Marion, 
 Crawford, and Richland counties, interlocking sources on 
 the W. with those of Blanchard's fork of Au Glaize river, 
 on the S. with those of Scioto ; and on the E. with those 
 of White Woman's river, or the N. Wrn. sources of Musk- 
 ingum. Issuing from this table land the Sandusky as- 
 sumes a Nrn. course, and after traversing Crawford and 
 Seneca counties, enters Sandusky county, where inflecting 
 to the E. it opens into an oblong sheet of water from one 
 to three miles wide, and about 20 in length. This small 
 gulf is called Sandusky Bay, but closed by two projecting 
 points. On the eastern extreme, the water is confined to 
 a narrow channel, admitting vessels of six or seven feet 
 draught. 
 | Describe Cuyahoga river. 
 
 This stream, though comparatively small, is very re- 
 markable in itself, and has gained great importance from 
 having become in part the route of the Ohio and Erie 
 canal. The extreme source of the Cuyahoga is near the 
 Em. border of Geauga county, interlocking sources with 
 those of Grand river, and within 20 miles from lake Erie, 
 at the mouth of the latter. Flowing thence S. S. W. nearly 
 parallel, though rather inclining from the opposite shore 
 of lake Erie, by comparative courses, 45 miles, traversing 
 Geauge and Portage counties to near the E. border of 
 Medina. Inflecting at more than a right angle upon its 
 former course, the Cuyahoga bending to a little W. of N., 
 is intersected by the Ohio Canal near Northampton in 
 Portage county, over the latter and Cuyahoga county, to 
 its influx into lake Erie at Cleaveland, after an entire com- 
 
OF OHIO. 181 
 
 •parative course of 85 miles. The higher part of the course 
 of Cuyahoga river is on a real table land. The summit 
 level of the Ohio and Erie canal, between the valleys of 
 Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga is 973 feet above tide water 
 in the Atlantic, and 408 feet above lake Erie. The eleva- 
 tion of the canal in the aquaduct eighteen miles above 
 the mouth of Cuyahoga, is 704 feet above the ocean tides, 
 and 139 above lake Erie. 
 
 Describe Grand river. 
 
 This stream has its extreme source in Trumbull county, 
 about 5 or 6 miles N. W. of Warren, and flowing thence 
 nearly due N. 30 miles, to Ashtabula county, and within 
 10 miles of lake Erie, bends at right angles to the W., 
 and continues that course 30 miles to the lake, which it 
 enters in Geauga county, between the villages of Fairport 
 and Newmarket, leaving a peninsula of 22 miles in length, 
 and from 10 to 2 miles wide, between the lower course of 
 the river and the lake. 
 
 <i. Are there are any Rivers or Streams other than those 
 already described ? 
 
 A. Chagrin, Ashtabula, and Coneaught, are considerable 
 streams that rise near the lake and fall into it. There 
 are more than one hundred streams not here enumerated, 
 which for seven months in the year, carry a considerable 
 mass of water. A remark applicable to the whole west- 
 ern country applies to this State, that a great number of 
 considerable streams during the winter months disappear 
 before the evaporating ardor of the summer's sun. 
 
 Q. Are there any good harbors in this state ? 
 
 A. Put-in-Bay, fine harbor of Huron county Ohio. This 
 haven, the most deep and safe in lake Erie, except De- 
 troit, and Niagara rivers, is formed by a curve of the 
 southern Bass Island. The concavity constituting the ba- 
 sin is on the northern side of the island, and directly oppo- 
 site at about a half a mile distance stretches from E. to W- 
 
 16 
 
 
 
182 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the middle Bass; and again, as if nature intended to give 
 complete security to this haven, an islet rises at each open- 
 ing, affording four passes to and from the bay. Vessels 
 of 12 feet draught can be safely navigated and find good 
 anchorage in Put-in-Bay. Ship channel about 20 miles 
 N. N. W. from the mouth of Sandusky Bay ; and 30 S. 
 E. from the mouth of Detroit river. 
 
 The other principal harbors on Lake Erie are Sandus- 
 ky, Maumee Bay, Fair Port, and Ashtabula Creek. 
 Q. Can you decsribe the soil and surface of Ohio ? 
 A. As a general character, the soil of Ohio is eminently 
 productive, and the productive part probably nine tenths 
 of the whole, very equally distributed over the state. 
 There is, probably in the whole a body of land, of the 
 same extent of which a greater part is susceptible of im- 
 provement and cultivation. It may be considered a sur- 
 face of Table land, sloping in one direction towards the 
 Ohio, and in the other towards lake Erie. The northern 
 belt has great tracts of wet and marshy soil. They are 
 however excellent, and in positions that render them easy 
 to be drained. They are covered with forests, and when 
 cleared and drained, will not make the least valuable parts 
 of the state. There are extensive bodies of land heavily 
 timbered in a state of nature which are as level as prai- 
 ries. The most fertile part of the state is between the two 
 Miamies. 
 
 On the upper courses of the Miamies, Muskingum and 
 Scioto, are rich and extensive prairies, divided into wet 
 and dry prairies, of which the latter are at present only 
 susceptible of cultivation. The forest trees are the same 
 as in Kentucky and Indiana, except that the peccan tree, 
 which is common on the waters of the Wabash, is not of- 
 ten found here. Grape vines of prodigious size climb 
 the trees, and spread their umbrageous leaves over all 
 the other verdure. Black walnut, black cherry, honey 
 
OF OHIO. 183 
 
 locust, buck eye, pawpaw, sugar tree, mulberry, elm, ash, 
 hawthorn, coffee tree, and the grand yellow poplar, trees 
 which indicate the richest soil, are every where abund- 
 ant. Also hickory, maple of various kinds, birch, chest- 
 nut, elm, hackberry, sycamore and linden are very nu- 
 merous. 
 
 The forests are deep, but in the richest soils, the trees are 
 rather distinguishable for their straightness, than their 
 size. A sonsiderable part of the eastern and southern 
 divisions is hilly ; in some places rising into fine cultiva- 
 ble swells ; and in other places into hills too broken and 
 precipitous to admit of cultivation. The most marshy 
 parts are found on the table lands the highest in the state. 
 But as before stated, nine tenths of the surface are suscep- 
 tible of cultivation, and are already, or are rapidly be- 
 coming a thickly settled country of moderate sized free- 
 holds. 
 
 One remark may convey a general idea of the forest. 
 It is composed almost entirely of deciduous trees, with 
 few evergreens, or terebinthine trees, if we except some 
 few cypresses. On its whole wide surface is scarcely 
 any land so hilly, sterile, or marshy, as, with moderate 
 labor, may not be subdued, drained, and cultivated, 
 
 The whole region seems to have invited a numerous 
 and hardy body of freeholders, to select for themselves, 
 moderate and nearly equal sized farms, and to intersperse 
 them over its surface. In respect to the smallness of the 
 farms, the number, equality, and compactness of the pop- 
 ulation, not confined, as farther west to the water cour- 
 ses, but diffused over the whole state, it compares very 
 accurately with New England. 
 
 To an eye that could contemplate the whole region, 
 from an elevated point, it would even yet exhibit, a great 
 proportion of unbroken forest, only here and there che- 
 /luered with farms. Yet in the country towns, and better 
 
184 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 settled districts, any spectacle that collects the multitude, 
 a training, an ordination, an election, or the commence- 
 ment of any great public work, causes a rush from the- 
 woods and forests, which, like the tenanted trees of the 
 poets in olden time seem to have given birth for the occa- 
 sion to crowds of men, women, and children, pouring to- 
 wards the point of attraction. There are vast tracts of 
 country that are actually alluvial, and in fact the greater 
 part has an alluvial aspect, as though it had not long em- 
 erged from the waters. 
 
 It has been asserted and commonly believed, that 
 springs dry up and fail, as a new country becomes settled. 
 This assertion, however, many of the oldest and most in- 
 telligent settlers, resolutely deny and affirm the direct 
 contrary ; declaring that the streams in general are more 
 flush in the cleared and settled country, than they were 
 when it was an unbroken forest. In proof, they point out 
 many streams, which then became dry in summer, and 
 now yield sufficient water to turn mills through the sea- 
 son. This is one of the disputable points, which is apt to 
 be settled differently, according to the experience and 
 opinions of its party. 
 
 It certainly involves one of the most interesting ques- 
 tions in relation to the influence of cultivation upon cli- 
 mate, a question which ought to have been more elucida- 
 ted, by the settling of the western country, than any oth- 
 er ; but which has hitherto been discussed in a desultory 
 and unsatisfactory manner. Forests are supposed to con- 
 dense vapors and attract clouds. Clearing them away 
 gives more free scope to-the winds, and tends to equalize 
 atmospheric action. Cultivation renders the surface of 
 the soil more compact, and retentive of moisture, and we 
 incline to the opinion, that the western streams are fuller 
 and more lasting, since the cutting down of the forests, 
 and that the Ohio and Mississippi carry more water than 
 
OF OHIO. 185 
 
 formerly. But the experience of almost every old settler 
 warrants the fact, that innumerable springs have failed 
 since the cutting down of the forests, that shaded the hills 
 whence they sprang. This partial result, may rowever, 
 be more than counterbalanced by a general change in at- 
 mospheric action, consequent upon opening vast surfaces 
 of the forest, to the influence of the sun and air. 
 
 Unimproved land has within a few years risen in value 
 almost beyond credibility. 
 
 Q. What are the geological features of Ohio ? 
 
 A. The hilly portions along the Ohio, contains many 
 primitive rocks, as granite, gneis, and mica slate ; these 
 are generally in loose masses, water worn, and rounded, 
 and abound most in valleys, which appear to have been 
 the beds of rivers. Secondary rocks, as limestone and 
 sandstone from the basis of the soil, 
 
 Q». What are the minerals of Ohio ? 
 
 A. In the eastern and north- eastern divisions of this 
 state, on the Muskingum, Hockhocking and Scioto, min- 
 eral coal abounds, and it has an extensive and rich coal 
 region. It is in the greatest abundance, and of the best 
 quality. It so happens that in the same region are found 
 the greatest bodies of iron ore. 
 
 Nature seems to have furnished the industrious people 
 of this state, with every possible facility, for important 
 and staple manufactures. Limestone, marble, and free- 
 stone, in strata, easy to quarry, near the surface, and ad- 
 mirably adapted so building and public works, abound: 
 The useful earths, and fossils are in the richest abundance^ 
 Specimens of gypsum are procured from Sandusky bay. 
 
 Q. Have the mines of Ohio been extensirely wrought, 
 and are the products of a good quality ? 
 
 A. Of mines which have yet been worked, Ohio has not 
 much to boast. The free born citizens have found a much 
 
 16* 
 
186 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 more certain source of wealth, in the abundant produc- 
 tions of the fertile soil. Coal is however obtained in large 
 quantities, and of a good quality. Iron ore is likewise 
 discovered, and wrought extensively in several places ; 
 particularly at the falls of Licking river, four miles wes- 
 terly from Zanesville, on Brush Creek in Adams county 
 and various other places. 
 
 Q. Are there any Mineral or Medical Springs in this 
 State ? 
 
 A. Salt springs are common. In some, the water con- 
 tains almost as much salt as that of the sea. The most 
 important manufactories of this article, are in Muskin- 
 gum, Morgan, Jackson, and Gallia counties. Nearly half 
 a million bushels are manufactured in this State. Those 
 springs, whose waters are drunk as medicinal, are most 
 of them more or less impregnated with muriate of soda. 
 
 The Yellow Springs, the most accustomed watering 
 place, after ITarrodsburg Springs, in the western country, 
 are situated near the Falls of the Miami, 63 miles from 
 Cincinnati, and 18 from Dayton, intermediate between 
 the pretty towns of Xenia and Springfield, and on the 
 height of the table land of the state. The elevated posL 
 tion, the grand and romantic scenery, and the cool and 
 salubrious air, contribute, probably, as much to the resto- 
 ration of invalids, as the waters, which are, however, 
 strongly charged with iron in solution. The hotel dis- 
 plays a front with a colonade of 200 feet, with a number 
 of beautiful cottages, parallel with the main building. — 
 The clearing is cut out of the solid mass of forest; leaving 
 trees and openings as beauty of scenery and shade re- 
 quire. 
 
 From this elevation, and these superb erections of art, 
 the eye sweeps the ancient forests, over Indiana, towards 
 the Ohio and the lakes, arrested only by the horizon. 
 
 The Falls of the Little Miami, Pompey's Pillar, the Blue 
 
OF OHIO. 187 
 
 Hole, and many other romantic spectacles in this region 
 of grand and mountain scenery, impart to this watering 
 place all the charms that the lovers of nature would re- 
 quire; and heighten the contrast of the luxury of the ac- 
 commodations provided for visitants. Lovers of the pic- 
 turesque affirm, that neither the Bedford Springs of Penn- 
 sylvania, nor the watering places of the mountains of 
 Virginia, surpass this place in grandeur, or equal it in 
 amenity of prospect. 
 
 Q. What are the Forest Trees and Natural Productions? 
 
 A. The forest of this state is generally deep and heavy. 
 The prevalent kinds of trees are the different species of 
 oak, white, red, black, burr, and overcup ; three or four 
 species of ash, white blue, and black ; yellow and white 
 poplar; all the different species of elm, hackberry, buck- 
 eye, linn, and coffee tree. White maple is common, and 
 sugar maple of great beauty, almost universal. Beach, 
 however, is the most common timber. The undergrowth 
 is spice bush, dog wood, iron wood, horn beam, black 
 haw, pawpaw, different species of thorn, and wild plum. 
 
 The yellow poplar is a most splendid tree. It rears into 
 the air a shaft of prodigious height and size. It flowers 
 with gaudy bell shaped cups, and the leaves are of beau- 
 tiful forms. It is a very useful timber for plank and rails, 
 and all the purposes of building ; and splits with great 
 ease. 
 
 Dogwood, has a beautiful heart-shaped and crimped 
 leaf, and an umbrella-shaped top. It covers itself in spring 
 with a profusion of brilliant white flowers, and in autumn 
 with berries of a fine scarlet. 
 
 The pawpaw is, in our riew, the prince of wild fruit, 
 bearing shrubs. The leaves are long, of a rich appear- 
 ance, and green ; considerably resembling the smaller 
 leaves of tobacco. The stem is straight, white, and of 
 
138 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 unrivalled beauty. In fact, we have seen no cultivated 
 shrub so ornamental and graceful as the paw-paw. The 
 fruit closely resembles the cucumber, having a more 
 smooth and regular appearance. When ripe, it is of a 
 rich yellow. There are generally from two to five in a 
 cluster. A pawpaw shrub, hanging full of fruit, of a 
 size and weight so disproportioned to the stem, and from 
 under long and rich looking leaves of the same yellow 
 with the ripened fruit, of an African luxuriance of growth, 
 is to us one of the richest spectacles that we have ever 
 contemplated, in the array of the woods. The fruit con- 
 tains from two to six seeds, like those of the tamarind 
 except that they are double the size. The pulp of the 
 fruit resembles egg custard, in consistence and appear- 
 ance. It has the same creamy feeling in the mouth, and 
 unites the taste of eggs, cream, sugar, and spice. It is a 
 natural custard, too luscious for the relish of most peo- 
 ple. The fruit is nutritious, and a great resource of the 
 savages. 
 
 Q. What is the climate of this State ? 
 
 A. Climate here remarkably corresponds to latitude. — 
 elements that operate upon the result are elevations and 
 proximity to waters, or distance from them. The climate* 
 for instance, along the immediate valley of the Ohio, is 
 more equable and temperate then in the middle and table 
 lands of the state ; and the difference greater than can 
 be attributed merely to difference of latitude. The cen- 
 tral parts of the state are in the same latitude with Phil- 
 adelphia. The mean temperature of the year at Philadel- 
 phia was found to be fifty-three degrees. In the same 
 time the mean temperature of Ohio was fifty-five de- 
 grees. As we recede from the Ohio, the temperature 
 diminishes in a greater ratio than that of the latitude. — 
 The prevalent and warm winds are those that blow from 
 
 
OF OHIO 189 
 
 the gulf, and up the valley of the Mississippi. The cold 
 breezes are charged with the cold of Canada, and the 
 Lakes. 
 
 In that part of the state that slopes to the south, the 
 siow neither falls deep nor lies long. But in Connecti- 
 cut Reserve, and in the points that slope towards the lakes 
 they have deep and durable snows ; and sleighing and 
 sledding are practicable a considerable length of time. It 
 is a great inconvenience in this climate, that during the 
 winter months the transition from warm to cold, and the 
 reverse, are frequent and violent. Thaws and frosts are 
 the result, and the soil being deep and clayey, the tra- 
 velling is muddy and uncomfortable. The winters are 
 sometimes considerably severe, and the Ohio has been 
 crossed at Cincinnati on ice for nine weeks. Oftentimes 
 they are mild, and can scarcely be said to be more than a 
 prolongation of autumn, and early opening of spring. 
 Winter seldom commences in severity until Christmas, 
 and its severity is generally mitigated early in February. 
 Vegetation, which is the most certain and accurate ther- 
 mometer, indicates a temperature of greater mildness in 
 the season, than in the corresponding latitude on the At- 
 lantic. 
 
 The heat of the summer in the Ohio valley is uniformly 
 oppressive, but does not commence early, nor continue 
 late in the season. The heat of summer abates as early 
 in the autumn as in the more northern latitudes in the 
 Atlantic country. The autumns are almost universally 
 temperate, dry, and beautiful; and nothing can exceed 
 them for health and pleasantness. No where in the world 
 is the grand autumnal painting of the forests in the decay 
 of vegetation, seen in more beauty than in the beech fo- 
 rests of Ohio. The richness of the fading colours, and 
 the effect of the mingling hues, baffle all description. A 
 great farming community, like that of Ohio, could scarcely 
 
 i 
 
190 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 desire a better climate for themselves, their cattle, and 
 stock of all kinds; as one in which a man can work 
 abroad with comfort a greater number of days in the 
 year. 
 
 Q. Can you give a description of the Government of this 
 state ? 
 
 A. The Constitution of Ohio was adopted in convention 
 at Chillicothe, November 29, 1802; the most important 
 provisions of which are : That the legislative authority of 
 the state shall be vested in a General Assembly, which 
 shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives,, 
 both to be elected by the people. That Representatives 
 shall be chosen annually. That no person shall be a Rep- 
 resentative, who shall not have attained the age of 25 
 years, and be a citizen of the U. S., and an inhabitant o* 
 this state ; shall also have resided within the limits of the 
 county in which he shall be chosen, one year next pre- 
 ceding his election, unless absent on public business. — 
 That Senators shall be chosen biennially. That no person 
 shall be a Senator who has not arrived at the age of 30 
 years, and who is not a citizen of the U. S. ; shall have 
 resided 2 years in the county or district, immediately 
 preceding his election, unless absent on public business. 
 That no Senator or Representative shall, during the time 
 for which he shall have been elected, be*appointed to any 
 civil office under this state, which shall have been cre- 
 ated, or the emoluments of which shall have been in- 
 creased, during such time. That no money shall be 
 drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appro- 
 priations made by law. That the supreme executive 
 power of this state shall be vested in a Governor. That 
 the Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors for 
 the members of the General Assembly, and at the same 
 time and place ; holds his office for two years, or until 
 another Governor shall be elected and qualified. Eligible 
 
^— 
 
 OF OHIO. 191 
 
 only six years in any term of eight years. He shall be at 
 least 30 years of age, and have been a citizen of the U. S. 
 12 years, and an inhabitant of this state 4 years next pre- 
 ceding his election. That no member of Congress, or per- 
 son holding any office under the U. S. or this state, shall 
 execute the office of Governor. The powers of the Go- 
 vernor of Ohio are nearly the same as generally vested 
 in Governors of states. He can grant pardons, and re- 
 prieves after conviction, except in cases of impeachment. 
 That the judicial power of this state, both as to matters 
 of law and equity, shall be vested in a Supreme Court, in 
 courts of Common Pleas for each county; in justices of 
 the peace, and in such other courts as the Legislature 
 may, from time to time, establish. That judges of the 
 Supreme Court shall, by virtue of their offices, be conser- 
 vators of the peace throughout the state. The presidents 
 of the court of Common Pleas, shall, by virtue of their 
 offices, be conservators of the peace in their respective 
 circuits, and the judges of the Court of Common Pleas 
 shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the 
 peace in their respective counties. The judges of the 
 Supreme Court, the presidents, and the associate judges 
 of the courts of Common Pleas, shall be appointed by a 
 joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly, and 
 shall hold their offices for the term of 7 years, if so long 
 they behave well. (This mode of choosing judges of law 
 and equity septennially, is a rather novel, or at least wide 
 deviation from the usual manner of election or term of 
 service.) That in all elections, all white male inhabitants, 
 above the age of 21 years, having resided in the state one 
 year next preceding the election, and who have paid, or 
 are charged with, a state or county tax, shall enjoy the 
 right of an elector ; but no person shall be entitled to vote, 
 except in the county or district in which he shall actually 
 .reside, at the time of the election. 
 
192 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS3I 
 
 Article 8, contains 28 sections of general principles ; 
 among which we may notice the following; there shall 
 be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state, 
 otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, &c. No 
 preference shall be given by law to any religious society, 
 or mode of worship; and no. religious test shall be requir- 
 ed, as a qualification to any office of trust or profit. Sec- 
 6, secures the freedom of the press, and concludes thus : 
 " In prosecutions for any publication respecting the offi- 
 cial conduct of men in a public capacity, or where the 
 matter published is proper for public information, the truth 
 thereof may always be given in evidence ; and in all in- 
 dictments for libels, the jury shall have a right to deter- 
 mine the law and the facts, under the direction of the 
 courts, as in other cases." The person of a debtor, where 
 there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be con- 
 tinued in prison after delivering up his estate for the ben- 
 efit of his creditor, or creditors, in such manner as is pre- 
 scribed by law. No person shall be liable to be trans- 
 ported out of this state, for any offence committed within 
 the state. 
 
 Q. What is the Population of Ohio ? 
 
 A. The following table is according to the last census . 
 of whites there were 
 
 
 Male. 
 
 Female. 
 
 Under 5 years of age, 
 
 96,411 
 
 89,873 
 
 From 5 to 10 
 
 74,690 
 
 71,851 
 
 « 10 to 15 
 
 62,151 
 
 59,306 
 
 * 15 to 20 
 
 51,138 
 
 52,635 
 
 " 20 to 30 
 
 81,290 
 
 75,574 
 
 « 30 to 40 
 
 49,346 
 
 43,894 
 
 " 40 to 50 
 
 31,112 
 
 27,546 
 
 " 50 to 60 
 
 18,058 
 
 15,898 
 
 » 60 to 70 
 
 10,783 
 
 8,293 
 
 " 70 to 80 
 
 3,632 
 
 2,915 
 

 
 
 OF OHIO. 
 
 
 
 Pr 
 
 3m 80 to 
 
 90 
 
 
 935 
 
 736 
 
 « 
 
 90 to 
 
 100 
 
 
 138 
 
 89 
 
 * 
 
 ' 100 and upwards, 
 
 29 
 
 6 
 
 193 
 
 Total, .... 478,680 447,631 
 
 Among the preceding who are deaf and dumb, there 
 
 are under 14 years of age, 148 ; from 14 to 25, 160 ; of 25 
 
 and upwards, 118 ; blind, 232. 
 Of free colored persons, there were 
 
 s 
 
 Males. 
 
 Females. 
 
 Under 10 years, 
 
 1,562 
 
 1,573 
 
 " 10 to 24 
 
 1,440 
 
 1,551 
 
 » 24 to 36 
 
 808 
 
 799 
 
 " 36 to 55 
 
 646 
 
 611 
 
 " 55 to 100 
 
 325 
 
 241 
 
 " 100 and upwards, 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 Total, 
 
 4,688 
 
 4,779 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 
 
 Males, 1 j Females, - 
 
 - - - 5 
 
 Deaf and Dumb, 
 
 colored, 9. 
 
 
 RECAPITULATIO 
 
 Whites. Free colored. 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 Total. 
 
 926,311 9,567 
 
 6 
 
 935,884 
 
 Progressive Population.— -The settlement of Marietta, 
 1787, or 49 years ago, commenced that of Ohio. In 1890, 
 the population of the state amounted to 45,365 ; in 1810, 
 it was 230,760; and in 1820, 581,434. 
 
 The population of Ohio is at present increasing with a 
 rapidity unexampled in any other country. 
 
 17 
 
194 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 Q. What Indians are to be found in Ohio, and what 
 quantity of land do they claim ? 
 
 A. The annexed table is taken from Davenport's Ga- 
 zetteer: 
 
 TRIBES, 
 
 Wyandotts, 
 
 Shawnees, 
 
 SenecaSj 
 
 Delawares, 
 
 Ottowas, 
 
 Number of 4 
 • each, tribe. 
 
 <■ '542 
 800 ; 
 551 ■ 
 80' 
 377 
 
 Number of a~ 
 cres claimed by 
 each tribe. 
 
 ' 163,840 
 
 117,616 
 
 55,505 
 
 5,760 
 
 50,581 
 
 393,301 
 
 2350 
 f Q. What are the civil divisions of Ohio ? 
 
 A. For civil purposes, this state is divided into seventy 
 five counties, and these are again subdivided into town- 
 ships. Their names, date of organization, number of 
 square miles, number of organized townships, seats of 
 justice and bearing distance from Columbus are exhibited 
 in the following. 
 
 
 3 
 
 3" 
 
 •? 
 
 p 
 
 n 
 
 _- 3 O 
 
 
 3 
 
 g 
 
 
 
 
 C O £J 
 3 co S. 
 
 3 » n 
 
 
 o 
 
 to 
 
 a 
 
 
 o 
 
 2 
 
 O 
 
 G 
 
 CO 
 
 ig and 
 from 
 bus. 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 O Or 
 
 ? B" 
 
 Adams, 
 
 1797 
 
 550 
 
 10 
 
 West Union, 
 
 Mls - 101 s. 
 
 Allen, 
 
 1831 
 
 542 
 
 
 Lima, 
 
 iion. w. 
 
 Ashtabula, 
 
 1811 
 
 700 
 
 27 
 
 Jefferson, 
 
 200 " " 
 
 Athens, 
 
 1805 
 
 740 
 
 19 
 
 Athens, 
 
 73 S. E. 
 
 Belmont, 
 
 1801 
 
 536 
 
 16 
 
 St. Clairsville, 
 
 116 E. 
 
 Brown, 
 
 1818 
 
 470 
 
 14 
 
 Georgetown, 
 
 104 S. 
 
 Butler, 
 
 1803 
 
 480 
 
 13 
 
 Hamilton, 
 
 101 S. W. 
 
 Carroll, * 
 
 1833 
 
 * 
 
 
 Carrollton, 
 
 1£5 E. N. E. 
 
 Champaign. 
 
 1805 
 
 417 
 
 12 
 
 Urbanna, 
 
 50 W.N. W. 
 
 Clark, 
 
 1818 
 
 412 
 
 10 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 44 W. 
 
 Clermont, 
 
 1806 
 
 515 
 
 12 
 
 Batavia, 
 
 86 S. W. 
 
 Clinton, 
 
 1810 
 
 500 
 
 8 
 
 Wilmington, 
 
 60 S. W. 
 

 
 OF 
 
 ohio. ; 
 
 195 
 
 Columbiana, 
 
 1803 " I " New Lisbon, , 
 
 150 E. N. E. 
 
 Coshocton. 
 
 1811 
 
 56221 
 
 Coshocton, 
 
 68 N. E. 
 
 Crawford, 
 
 1326 
 
 594 
 
 12 
 
 Bucyrus, 
 
 60 N. 
 
 Cuyahoga, 
 
 1810 
 
 475' 
 
 19 
 
 Cleveland, 
 
 140 E. N. E. 
 
 Dark, 
 
 1817 
 
 664 : 
 
 10 
 
 Greenville. 
 
 93 W. 
 
 Delaware, 
 
 1808 
 
 610! 
 
 23 
 
 Delaware, 
 
 24 N. 
 
 Fairfield, 
 
 1800 
 
 540! 
 
 14 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 28 S. E. 
 
 Fayette, 
 
 1810 
 
 435 
 
 7 
 
 Washington, 
 
 38 S. W. 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 1803 
 
 520 
 
 18 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 H (« 
 
 Gallia, 
 
 1803 
 
 500 ! 
 
 15 
 
 Gallipolis, 
 
 102 S. S. E, 
 
 Geauga, 
 
 1805 
 
 600 
 
 23 
 
 Chardon, 
 
 157 N. E. 
 
 Greene, 
 
 1803 
 
 400 
 
 8 
 
 Xenia, 
 
 56W.S.W. 
 
 Guernsey, 
 
 1810 
 
 621 
 
 19 
 
 Cambridge, 
 
 76 E. 
 
 Hamilton, 
 
 1790 400 
 
 14 
 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 110 S. W. 
 
 Hancock, 
 
 1828 
 
 576 
 
 b 
 
 Findlay, 
 
 90 N. N. W. 
 
 Hardin, 
 
 1833 
 
 570 
 
 a 
 
 Kenton, 
 
 70 « .. « 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 1813 
 
 ci 
 
 13 
 
 Cadiz, 
 
 124 E. N. E. 
 
 Henry, 
 
 u 
 
 744 
 
 2 
 
 Napoleon, 
 
 161 N. W. 
 
 Highland, » 
 
 1805 
 
 555 
 
 11 
 
 Hillborough, 
 
 62 S. S. W. 
 
 Hockhing, 
 
 1818 
 
 432 
 
 
 
 Logan, 
 
 46 S. S. E. 
 
 Holmes, 
 
 1825 
 
 422 
 
 14 
 
 Millersburg, 
 
 81 N. E. 
 
 Huron, 
 
 1815 
 
 800 
 
 29 
 
 I Norwalk, 
 
 106 N. 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 1816 
 
 490 
 
 i3 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 13 S. S. E. 
 
 Jefferson, 
 
 1797 
 
 400 
 
 13 
 
 Steubenville, 
 
 147 E. N. E. 
 
 Knox, 
 
 1808 
 
 618 
 
 24 
 
 Mt. Vernon, 
 
 47 N. N. E. 
 
 Lawrence, 
 
 1817 
 
 430 
 
 12 
 
 Burlington, 
 
 130 S. S. E. 
 
 Licking, 
 
 1808 
 
 666 
 
 25 
 
 Newark, 
 
 33 E. N. E. 
 
 Logan, 
 
 1818 
 
 425 
 
 9 
 
 Bellefontaine, 
 
 50 N. W. 
 
 Lorain, 
 
 1824 
 
 580 
 
 19 
 
 Elyria, 
 
 130 N. N. E. 
 
 Lucas, f v 
 
 1835 
 
 M 
 
 t< 
 
 Tolido, 
 
 150 N.N. W. 
 
 Madison, 
 
 1810 
 
 480 
 
 10 
 
 London, 
 
 25W. S. W. 
 
 Marion, 
 
 1824 
 
 527 
 
 15 
 
 Marion, 
 
 45 N. 
 
 Medina, 
 
 1818 
 
 475 
 
 14 
 
 Medina, 
 
 HON. N. E. 
 
 Meigs, 
 
 1819 
 
 400 
 
 12 
 
 Chester, 
 
 94 S. S. E, 
 
 Mercer, 
 
 1824 
 
 576 
 
 4 
 
 St. Mary's, 
 
 111 N. W. 
 
 Miami, 
 
 1807 
 
 410 
 
 12 
 
 Troy, 
 
 68N.byW 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 1815 
 
 563 
 
 18 
 
 Woodsfield, 
 
 120 E. S. E. 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 1803 
 
 480 
 
 12 
 
 Dayton, 
 
 68 W. 
 
 
 
 
 
 McConnels- 
 
 
 Morgan, 
 
 1819 
 
 500 
 
 15 
 
 ville, 
 
 75 S. E. 
 
 Muskingum, 
 Paulding H 
 
 1804 
 ci 
 
 665 
 432 
 
 23 
 3 
 
 Zanesville, 
 
 CI u 
 
 52 E. 
 
 M70 N. W. 
 
 Perry, 
 
 1818 
 
 402 
 
 12 
 
 Somerset, 
 
 46 E. S. E. 
 
 Pickaway 
 
 1810 
 
 470 
 
 14 
 
 Circle ville, 
 
 26 S. 
 
 Pike, 
 
 1815 
 
 421 
 
 9 
 
 Piketon, 
 
 Ci " 
 
196 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Portage, 
 
 1807 
 
 750 
 
 30 
 
 Ravenna, 
 
 135 N. E.- 
 
 Preble, 
 
 1808432 
 
 12 
 
 Eaton, 
 
 50 W. 
 
 Putnam || 
 
 " ^576 
 
 2 
 
 « ('< 
 
 148 N. W T . 
 
 Richland, 
 
 1813 
 
 900 
 
 25 
 
 Mansfield, 
 
 74 N. W. E. 
 
 Ross, 
 
 1798 
 
 615 
 
 16 
 
 Chillicothe, 
 
 45 S. 
 
 Sandusky, 
 
 1820 
 
 600 
 
 10 
 
 Lo. Sandusky 
 
 105 N. 
 
 Scioto, 
 
 1803 
 
 700 
 
 14 
 
 Portsmouth, 
 
 90S. 
 
 Seneca, 
 
 1824 
 
 540 
 
 11 
 
 Tiffin, 
 
 87 N. 
 
 Shelby, 
 
 1819 
 
 418 
 
 10 
 
 Sidney, 
 
 70 N. W. 
 
 Stark, 
 
 1809 
 
 cc 
 
 16 
 
 Canton, 
 
 1 16 N. E. 
 
 Trumbull, 
 
 1800 
 
 875 
 
 34 
 
 ..Warren, 
 
 I60A T . E. 
 
 Tuscarawas, 
 
 1808 
 
 at 
 
 19 
 
 New Phila. 
 
 100 E. N. E. 
 
 Union, 
 
 1824 
 
 450 
 
 9 
 
 Marysville, 
 
 30 N. W. 
 
 Vanwert, || 
 
 ct 
 
 432 
 
 k 
 
 U (f 
 
 100 " " 
 
 Warren, 
 
 1803 
 
 400 
 
 9 
 
 Lebanon, 
 
 80 S. W. 
 
 Washington, 
 
 1788 
 
 713 
 
 19 
 
 Marietta. 
 
 106 S. E. 
 
 Wayne, 
 
 1812 
 
 660 
 
 20 Wooster, 
 
 89 N. E. 
 
 Williams, 
 
 1824" 
 
 600il0j Defiance, 
 
 130 N. W. 
 
 Wood, 
 
 1820 
 
 750 
 
 7 
 
 Perrysburg, 
 
 135 " " 
 
 * Carroll county has been formed from Columbiana^ 
 Harrison, Stark and Tuscarawas, since the edition of the 
 Ohio gazeteer 1833 was published, from which the forego- 
 ing was constructed. Hence the townships in each are 
 not given. 
 
 f Lucas county has been recently formed from parts ta- 
 ken from Sandusky and Wood counties, and from the dis- 
 puted country claimed by Michigan. 
 
 I! Paulding, Putnam and Vanwert counties had not been 
 organized at the period of our information. 
 
 Q. Can you now dsecribe, or give a tabular view of 
 the acres of land, total amount of taxable property, dur- 
 ing the year 1833? 
 
 A. The following is as correct a statement of the statis- 
 tics you require as can be procured. It is taken from 
 Peck's guide for emigrants. It should be noted that in all 
 the western states, lands purchased of the government of 
 the United States, are exempted from taxation for five 
 years after sale. 
 
OF OHIO. 
 
 197 
 
 It is supposed, such lands are not included in the table. 
 You will bear in mind that great changes have taken place 
 in the population since the last census. 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 Adams, 
 
 Alien, 
 
 Ashtabula, 
 
 Athens, 
 
 .Belmont, 
 
 Brown, 
 
 Butler, 
 
 Carroll, 
 
 Champaign, 
 
 Clark, 
 
 Clermont, 
 
 Clinton, 
 
 Columbiana, 
 
 Coshocton, 
 
 Crawford, 
 
 Cuyahoga, 
 
 Dark, 
 
 Delaware, 
 
 Fairfteld, 
 
 Fayette, 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Gallic, 
 
 Geauga, 
 
 Greene, 
 
 Guernsey, 
 
 Hamilton, 
 
 Hancock, 
 
 Hardin, 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 Highland, 
 
 Hocking, 
 
 Holmes, 
 
 Huron, 
 
 Population 
 in 1830. 
 
 ~ 12,231 
 
 578 
 14,584 
 9,787 
 28,627 
 17,867 
 27,142 
 
 12,131 
 13,114 
 
 20,466 
 11,436 
 35,592 
 11,161 
 4,791 
 10,873 
 6,204 
 11,504 
 24.786 
 8,132 
 14,741 
 9,733 
 15,883 
 14,801 
 18,036 
 ~52,317 
 813 
 210 
 20,916 
 16,345 
 4,008 
 9,135 
 13,346 
 
 17* 
 
 Acres ofland. 
 
 234,322 
 14,159 
 449,742 
 365,348 
 301,511 
 267,130 
 257,989 
 185,942 
 233,493 
 247,083 
 280,679 
 239,404 
 317,796 
 246,123 
 79,582 
 292,252 
 107,730 
 338,856 
 308,163 
 234,432 
 525,155 
 205,727 
 381,380 
 251,512 
 275,652 
 239,122 
 9,302 
 195,607 
 2^,412 
 517,079 
 92,332 
 182,439 
 - 504,689 
 
 Fotal amount 
 of taxable 
 property. 
 
 £832,565 
 51,214 
 1,347,900 
 481,479 
 1,591,716 
 1,358,944 
 2,514,007 
 529,575 
 908,571 
 1,114,995 
 1,542,627 
 785,770 
 1,491,099 
 850,708 
 217,675 
 1,401,591 
 260,259 
 831,093 
 1.992,697 
 544,539 
 1,663,315 
 427,962 
 1,427,869 
 1.441,907 
 908,109 
 ,7,726,091 
 50,929 
 118,425 
 1,025,210 
 1,065,863 
 215,272 
 556,060 
 | 1,512,65£ 
 
 I 
 
GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 Jefferson, 
 
 Knox, 
 
 Lawrence, 
 
 Licking, 
 
 Logan-, 
 
 Lorain, 
 
 Madison, 
 
 Marion, 
 
 Medina. 
 
 Meigs, 
 
 Mercer, 
 
 Miami, 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 Morgan, 
 
 Muskingum, 
 
 Perry, 
 
 Pickaway, 
 
 Pike, 
 
 Portage, 
 
 Preble, 
 
 Richland, 
 
 Ross, 
 
 Sandusky, 
 
 Scioto, 
 
 Seneca, 
 
 Stark, 
 
 Shelby, 
 
 Trumbull, 
 
 Tuscarawas, 
 
 Union, 
 
 Warren, 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Wayne, 
 
 Williams, and others. 
 
 not organized, 
 Wood, 
 
 Total , 
 
 5,941 
 
 57,874 
 
 22,489 
 
 230,145 
 
 17.085 
 
 315,823 
 
 5,397 
 
 56,862 
 
 20,869 
 
 393,205 
 
 6,440 
 
 203,509 
 
 5,696 
 
 360,863 
 
 6,19o 
 
 256,421 
 
 6.55i 
 
 168,164 
 
 7,56 
 
 296,257 
 
 6,158 
 
 229,004 
 
 1,110 
 
 12,688 
 
 12,807 
 
 240,093 
 
 8,768 
 
 95,520 
 
 24,362 
 
 267,349 
 
 11,800 
 
 169,135 
 
 29,334 
 
 366,609 
 
 13,970 
 
 175,123 
 
 16,001 
 
 300,969 
 
 6,024 
 
 129,153 
 
 18,826 
 
 472,156 
 
 16,291 
 
 246,678 
 
 24.008 
 
 433,620 
 
 24,068 
 
 328,065 
 
 2,851 
 
 95,822 
 
 8,740 
 
 10.5,539 
 
 6,159 
 
 108,758 
 
 26,583 
 
 374,101 
 
 3,671 
 
 66,863 
 
 26,123 
 
 556,011 
 
 14,298 
 
 237,337 
 
 3,192 
 
 259,101 
 
 21,468 
 
 248,517 
 
 11,731 
 
 282,498 
 
 23,333 
 
 382,254 
 
 1,089 
 
 17,797 
 
 1,102 
 
 16.981 
 
 935,8841 
 
 25,600,000 
 
 8197,932 
 
 1,855,064 
 
 1,252,294 
 
 241,782' 
 
 2,101,495 
 
 519,622 
 
 889,552 
 
 600,578 
 
 590.602 
 
 931^599 
 
 380,172 
 
 54,118 
 
 1,000,748 
 
 280.572 
 
 2,293,419 
 
 452,991 
 
 2,362,616 
 
 729.241 
 
 1,798,665 
 
 521,109 
 
 2,019,029 
 
 1.6-86,322 
 
 1,354.169 
 
 2,897,605 
 
 275,992 
 
 963.882 
 
 302,089 
 
 1,854,967 
 
 194,468 
 
 1.807,792 
 
 902,778 
 
 380,535 
 
 2,143,065 
 
 681,301 
 
 1,451,996 
 
 90,066 
 
 127,862 
 
6r oiiio. 199 
 
 Q. Can you give the boundaries of Adams county ? 
 
 A. Adams, county is bounded by Brown county W. ; 
 Highland N. W., Pike N, E., Sott E., and by the Ohio riv- 
 er separating it from Lewis and Mason counties of Ken- 
 tucky S. Length 23 miles, breadth 22. It is divided 
 into the following townships : Franklin, Meigs, Jefferson, 
 Green, Tiffin, Monroe, Sprigg, Liberty, Wayne, and 
 Scott. The general slope of this county is to the south- 
 ward and towards the Ohio river ; it is hilly but fertile. 
 Chief town West Union. 
 
 Q. Give the boundaries &e, of Allen county ? 
 
 A. Allen county is bounded W. by Mercer, and Van- 
 wert N. by Putnam, E. by Hardin, and S. by Logan and 
 Shelby. It extends about 23 miles from N. to S., with a 
 width of 22 miles from E. to W. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Ashtabula county ? 
 
 A. Ashtabula is bounded N. E. by Erie county Penn- 
 sylvania, E. by Crawford county Pennsylvania, S. by 
 Trumbull county Ohio, W. by Geauga, and N. by Lake 
 Erie. Greatest length along Pennsylvania 32 miles, on 
 the western border the length is about 26 miles, mean 
 length 29, and breadth 28. It is divided into the follow- 
 ing townships : Andover, Ashtabula, Austinburg, Cherry- 
 valley, Colebrook, Denmark, Geneva, Harpersfield, Harts- 
 grove, Jefferson, Kingsville, Lenox, Millsford, Monroe, 
 Morgan, New Syme, Orwell, Pierpont, Richmond, Rome, 
 Salem, Saybrook, Trumbull, Wayne, Williamsfield, and 
 Windsor. 
 
 The southeastern angle of this county slopes, to the 
 S. E. and gives source to the Shenango and other branch- 
 es of Big Beaver. The western and central sections have 
 a S. western declivity, and are drained by the sources of 
 Grand river of Lake Erie, while the N. eastern part slopes 
 IV. wardly, and is watered by Connaeut and Ashtabula 
 rivers. From the preceding elements, we find this coun- 
 
200 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 ty occupying a part of the table land between the vallies 
 of Erie and Ohio. Chief town Jefferson. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Athens county ? 
 
 A. Athens, county is bounded S. by Meigs, S. W. by 
 Galia and Jackson, W. by Hocking, N. W. by Perry, N. E. 
 by Morgan, E. by Washington, and S. E. by Ohio river 
 separating it from Wood county of Virginia. The Long- . 
 est line that can be drawn over this irregularly formed 
 county is diagonal from S. W. to N. E. 40 miles. Mean 
 breadth 20 miles. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Alexander, Ames, Athens, Berne, Canaan, Carth- 
 age, Dover, Elk, Homer, Lee, Lodi, Rome, Trimble, Trey, 
 Vinton, Waterloo, and York. 
 
 The southern margin of this county declines to the 
 southward and gives source to some creek flowing in that 
 direction into Ohio river. The central and rather most 
 extensive section is watered by the Hocking river and its 
 confluents. The Hocking enters at the extreme north- 
 western angle, and flowing to the S. E. diagonally over 
 the county falls into the Ohio river at the extreme south- 
 western angle. The surface of Athens county of Ohio is 
 excessively hilly, but fertile. Chief town Athens. 
 
 (£. What are the boundaries, &c. of Belmont county ? 
 A. Belmont county is bounded S. by Monroe, W. by 
 Guernsey, N. W. by Harrison, N. E. by Jefferson, and 
 E. by Ohio river separating it from Ohio county Virginia. 
 Greatest length along the northern border, 30 miles the 
 breadth 20, and mean length 26, the area 520 square miles. 
 It is divided into the following townships: Colerain, 
 Flushing, Goshen, Kirkwood, Mead, Pease, Pultney, Rich- 
 land, Smith, Somerset, Union, Warren, Wayne, Wheel- 
 and York. 
 
 This eounty is divided into two very nearly equal sec- 
 tions, by the divided table land between the vallies of 
 Ohio and Muskingum, from which flow eastward small 
 
OF OHIO. ' 201 
 
 creeks into Ohio river and issue westward the sources of 
 Will's and Stillwater branches of Muskingum. The sur- 
 face is a series of hills, with deep and narrow intervening 
 vallies. Soil almost uniformly fertile. Chief town St. 
 Clairsville. 
 
 Q. "What are the boundaries &c. of Brown county ? 
 
 A. Brown county is bounded by Ohio river separating 
 it from Mason and Bracken counties of Kentucky S. by 
 Clermont county Ohio W., Clinton N. W., Highland N. 
 and N. E., and Adams E. Length from S. to N. 30, miles, 
 mean breadth 17. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships: By rd, Clark, Eagle, Franklin, Huntington, Jack- 
 son, Lewis, Perry, Pike, Pleasant, Scott, Sterling, Union, 
 and Washington. 
 
 The N. western part between Clermont and Highland 
 counties slopes to the S. E. and is drained by the E. Fork 
 of Little Miami. The southern and larger section declines 
 towards Ohio river and is drained by White Oak and sev- 
 eral smaller creeks. The surface of the whole county is 
 broken, but soil excellent. Chief town Georgetown. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, Arc. of Butler county"? 
 
 A. Butler, a western county, bounded on the N. by 
 Preble, and Montgomery counties, E. by Warren county, 
 S. by Hamilton county, and W. by the state of Indiana. 
 It is 27 miles long from E. to W., by 18 broad from N. to 
 S. containing, It is divided into the following town- 
 spips : Fairfield, Hanover, Lemon, Liberty, Madison, Mil- 
 ford, Morgan, Oxford, Reiley, Ross, St Clair, Union, and 
 Wayne. It contains also, the towns of Hamilton, the 
 county seat, Jacksonburg, Middletown, Trenton, Millville, 
 Monroe, Chester Oxford, and Princeton. The land is 
 mostly of an excellent quality for farming. Its waters 
 are the Great Miami, Dicks, Indian, St. Clair, Four mile, 
 and Seven mile creeks. Hamilton is the county town, 
 
202 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Carroll county > 
 
 A. Carroll, is a new county of Ohio, formed in the year 
 1833, and taken from Stark, Columbiana, Jefferson, Har- 
 rison and Tuscarawas counties, and bounded on all sides 
 by them. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Champaign coun- 
 ty? 
 
 A. Champaign county is bounded by Clarke S., Miami 
 S. W., Shelby N. W., Logan N., Union N. E., and Madi- 
 son S. E., Length 29 miles, breadth 16. 
 - Though the extreme sources of Darby's creek a branch 
 of Scioto river flows from the eastern border, and some 
 fountains of creeks flowing into the Great Miami, issue 
 from the westward, the great body of this county slopes 
 S. ward and is included in the valley of Mad river. Chief 
 town Urbana. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 
 
 A. Clark county, is bounded by Champaign N., 
 Madison E., Greene S., and S. W. and N. W. by Mont- 
 gomery and Miami. Length 30 miles, breadth 18, area 
 412 square miles. It is divided into the following 
 townships: Pleasant, Harmony, Madison, Greene, Mad 
 river, Springfield, and Moorefield on the E. side of Mad 
 river, and German, Bethel and Pike on the W. County 
 seat is Springfield. The soil is generally rich and fertile. 
 This county was organized in March 1818, out of the 
 counties of Champaign and Greene. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clermont county ? 
 
 A. Clermont, a river county, bounded on the N. by 
 Warren county, on the E. by Brown county, on the S. 
 by the Ohio river, and on the W. by Hamilton county. 
 It is 30 miles long from N. to S. and 15 broad from E, to 
 west. 
 
 A large portion of the land in this county is rich and 
 
ev O^OHIO. 203 
 
 fertile, although some parts of it are wet and unfit for 
 cultivation. Seat of justice is Batavia. The principal 
 water is a stream running westwardly into the Little Mi- 
 ami river called E. Fork. The land is broken and hilly 
 on the banks of the Ohio river, and the smaller streams 
 emptying into it. Farther back, much of the land is wet 
 and marshy. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Batavia, Franklin, Goshen, Miami, Ohio, Stonelick, 
 Tate, Union, Washington, Wayne, and Williamsburg. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clinton county ? 
 
 A. Clinton county is bounded S. E. by Highland, S. W. 
 by Brown, W. by Warren, N. by Green, and N. E. by 
 Fayette. Length 22 miles, mean breadth 18. 
 
 This county is a real table land, from which creeks flow 
 literally in every direction, On its surface are the sour- 
 ces of Paint creek branch of Scioto, and of E. Fork, 
 Todd's Fork, and other branches of Little Miami. The 
 soil is generally productive. Chief town Wilmington. 
 
 The portion of this county that is so broken as to injure 
 the cultivation, is so small as not to be worth mentioning. 
 The southwest quarter is the poorest land in the county, 
 and has the most marshy ground. The E. end comes 
 in next for flat lands, although it is but a small portion that 
 is too wet for ploughing, and th ai is excellent meadow 
 land. There are two prairies on Anderson's Fork con- 
 taining apout 1,200 or 1,500 acres. This seems to be all 
 the prairie worth mentioning. This county is generally 
 very heavy timbered ; among which timber are various 
 kinds, such as white, black, red and bur oak ; white, blue, 
 and black ash ; yellow and white poplar ; black and 
 white walnut ; hickory ; red and white elm ; hackberry ; 
 buckeye &c. Nearly the whole county is supplied with 
 sugar trees 
 
 Clinton county was first settled in 1804 — 5, principally 
 
204" GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 by some friends or quakers from North Carolina, Tennes- 
 see and Virginia, and by a few Kentuckians. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Columbiana coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Columbiana county, is bounded on the N. by Trum- 
 bull, county, on the west by Stark county, on the south 
 by Harrison and Jefferson counties, and Ohio river ; and 
 on the E, by Beaver county Pennsylvania. It is a large, 
 fertile and wealthy county, lying in a square form of 30 
 miles each way, excepting an area of about 36 square 
 miles, which is cut off from the southeastern corner by a 
 bend in the Ohio river. It contained 22,038 inhabitants 
 in 1820 ; and in 1827, 5,399 electors. It is divided into 
 the 24 following townships : St. Clair, Middleton, Unity, 
 Springfield, Beaver, Fairfield, Elkrun, Madison, Yellow 
 creek, Saline, Wayne, Centre, Salem, Green, Goshen, But- 
 ler, Hanover, Franklin, Fox, Washington, Augusta, West, 
 Knox, and Smith. In various parts are also laid out the 
 16 following towns or villages, namely, New-Lis"bon, the 
 seat of justice, Columbiana, Bellefonte, Clarkson, Ports- 
 mouth, Pottsgrove, Salem, Fairfield, Petersburg, West- 
 Union, New-Garden Achoistown, Hanover, Fawcetts- 
 town, Wellsville, and New Alexandria. Little Beaver 
 Creek, together with its various branches, waters above 
 half the eastern parts of the county. 
 
 The land is mostly hilly, or rolling : considerable quan- 
 tities, however, are level. It contains inexhaustible beds 
 of iron ore, and stone coal, of the easiest access. Upon 
 Yellow creek, one of its waters, salt is manufactured, in 
 very considerable quantities. The water ,is obtained from 
 wells sunk only from 150, to 200 feet. It has also, sever- 
 al paper manufactures, oil mills, and breweries. 
 
 Columbiana, a small post town of Fairfield township, 
 in the above described county 8 miles northerly from 
 
OF OHIO. 205 
 
 New Lisbon, and 160 miles northeast from Columbus, the 
 Capitol of the state. 
 
 <4. What are the boundaries, &c. of Coshockton coun- 
 ty ? a 
 
 A. Coshocton is an interior county, bounded on the 
 north by Holmes, on the east by Tuscarawas, south by 
 Muskingum, and on the west by Knox county. It is 30 
 by 20 miles in extent. It is divided into the 20 following 
 townships : Bedford, Bethlehem, Clark, Crawford, Frank- 
 lin, Jackson, Jefferson, Keene, Linton Mill creek, Monroe, 
 Newcastle, Oxford, Perry, Pike, Tiverton Tuscarawas, 
 Virginia, Washington, Whiteyes. Its principal waters, 
 besides the Muskingum river, which runs through the S. 
 eastern quarter, are Wills-creek, and White Womans 
 river, together with its extensive branches. The land is 
 generally hilly, and rough, although in some places, level 
 and fertile. 
 
 The Ohio and Erie canal runs centrally across this 
 county, which gives additional value to its mineral and 
 agricultural productions. This county was formerly oc- 
 cupied by indians of the Delaware tribe, who had villages 
 on the present site of Coshocton, of Caldersburg, and two 
 miles S. of the former place. Coshocton was the scene of 
 
 a massacre by general Broadhead, in 17 . .Mounds 
 
 and burial places are common throughout the county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 
 
 A. Crawford county is bounded by Marion S., Hardin 
 southwest, Hancock northwest, Seneca. north, Huron N. 
 east, and Richland east. Length from east to_west 32 
 miles, mean breadth 20. 
 
 This county is nearly commensurate with the higher 
 part of the valley of Sandusky river, and is drained N. 
 by the various constituents of that stream. The surface 
 is level, and is a rather elevated table land. Chief town 
 Bucyrus. 
 
 18 
 
206 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 This county is divided into 12 following, townships, 
 Antrim, Bucyrus, @hatfield, Cranberry, Crawford,- Hol~ 
 mes, Liberty, Pitt, Sandusky, Sycamore, Tyamochty, and 
 Whetstone. There is an indian reservation of about 12 
 by 19 miles in extent in the central part of the county. It 
 was named in rememberance of an American officer, who 
 was most barbarously burnt to death by the indians on 
 one of its plains, 
 i Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cuyahoga county ? 
 
 A. Cuyahoga is bounded by Geauga county northeast r 
 Portage southeast, Medina southwest, Lorain west, and 
 lake Erie north. Length from east to west 32 miles. 
 mean breadth 17. 
 
 The surface of this county is a rather rapidly inclining 
 plain, the farms have a fall of at least 400 feet from the 
 southern and higher, to the lower border on lake Erie, 
 Chief town, Cleveland. 
 
 It is divided into the 19 following townships : Bedford, 
 Bricksville, Brooklyn, Chagrine, Cieaveland, Dover, Euc- 
 lid, Independence, Mayfield, Middleburg, Newburg, Olm- 
 stead, Orange, Parma, Rockport, Royalton, Solon, 
 Strongsvilie and Warrensviiie. The principal waters 
 are the Chagrine, Cuyahoga', and Rock rivers, all running 
 northwardly into lake Erie. Of these the Cuyahoga is 
 the largest, and gives name to the county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Darke county ? 
 
 A. Darke county is bounded N. by Mercer, N. east by 
 Shelby, S. E. by Miami and Montgomery, S. E. by Wayne 
 county Indiana, and W. by Randolph county Indiana. 
 Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 52 seconds to 40 de- 
 grees 27 seconds, and in longitude 7 degrees 26 to 7 de- 
 grees 48 west, Washington City. Breadth 21 miles from 
 E. to West, and mean length 36. Darke county is nearly 
 commensurate with the region drained by, and giving 
 s ource to the higher branches of the West Fork of Great 
 
OF OHIO. *4 ^07 
 
 Miami, with a general S. E. slope. Surface pleasantly di- 
 versified by hill and dale, soil in part productive. It is di- 
 vided into the following townships : Adams, Butler, Ger- 
 man, Greenville. Harrison, Neave, Richland, Twin, Wash- 
 inton and Wayne. There is considerable prairie land in 
 the county. Greenville the seat of justice is the only town 
 of considerable note in the county. Its principal streams 
 are Stillwater and Greenville creeks, which are the head 
 waters of the southwest branch of Great Miami river, 
 
 Q. "What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 
 
 A. Delaware county is bounded S. by Franklin, W. by 
 Union, N. by Marion, N. E. by Knox, and S. E. by Lick- 
 ing. Greatest Length 28 miles, mean breadth 25. The 
 E. border of this county extends from S. to N. along the 
 summit between the valleys of Muskingum and Hocking 
 on the E., and the Scioto on the west. The extreme sour- 
 ces of White Woman's Fork, of Muskingum and of the 
 Hocking rise along the east border of Delaware and flow 
 eastwardly. The body of the county has a slope almost 
 due south, and is traversed in that direction, by the two 
 main constituent streams of Scioto, the Whetstone and 
 Scioto Proper ; Allum and Walnut creeks, also tributary 
 waters of Scioto rise in its eastern section. Chief town 
 Delaware. Population 1820, was 7,639. It is divided in- 
 to 23 townsnips, viz: Bennington, Berkshire, Berlin, 
 Brown, Concord, Delaware, Genoa, Herlem, Harmony, 
 Kingston, Liberty, Lincoln, Marlborough, Orange, Oxford, 
 Peru, Porter, Radnor, Scioto, Sunbury, Thompson, Troy, 
 and Westfield. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fairfield county ^ 
 
 A. Fairfield, a large, wealthy, interior county, is bound- 
 ed on the north by Licking, east by Perry, south by Hock- 
 ing, and west by Pickaway and Franklin counties. It is 
 30 miles long by 24 broad ; and contains 540 square mis. 
 It is divided into the 14 following townships viz : Aman- 
 
208 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 da, Liberty, Madison, Bern, Bloom, Hocking, Violet, 
 Greenfield, Clear- creek, Pleasant, Walnut, Richland r 
 Rush-creek, and Perry. The villages regularly laid out 
 and called towns, are in addition to Lancaster, the coun- 
 ty seat, the eight following namely : Rushville, Pickering- 
 ton, Greencastle, Lithopolis, Baltimore, Carroll, Basil and 
 Monticello. This county embraces perhaps, the most el- 
 evated tract of country, of similar extent, between the 
 Muskingum and Scioto rivers. The land is therefore, 
 drier and more peculiarly adapted to the production of 
 wheat, and other kinds of grain, than that of several adja- 
 cent counties. The principal streams are the head wa- 
 ters of Hockhocking river. The face of the country 
 about Lancaster in the central part of the county presents 
 a peculiar aspect.— The land seems generally level ; ab- 
 rupt, precipitous, and uniform piles of rocks, producing 
 very little timber or herbage, are occasionally interspers- 
 ed in a promiscuous manner, in every direction. 
 
 They are of divers altitudes and magnitudes, some 
 might perhaps, conjecture them to have been works of 
 art, did not their numbers, and magnitude preclude the 
 idea. 
 
 One of those called Mount-Pleasant, about one mile 
 northeasterly from Lancaster, is very remarkable. It is 
 '• situated near a large prairie, and is encompassed by a 
 large plain. The southwest front of this large pile of 
 rocks is about 21 1 feet in perpendicular height : the base 
 is about a mile and a half in circumference, while the top 
 is about 30 by 100 yards across, the northeast side is tol- 
 erably easy of ascent, and it can be ascended in one or 
 two other directions , but those who ascend it find it tire- 
 some, and are glad when they reach the summit, which 
 is level and commands a very extensive prospect of the 
 surrounding country, which it may be truly said is mag- 
 nificently sublime. On approaching Lancaster, across a, 
 
OF OHIO. 209 
 
 prahie, the bold front and great height of Mount-Pleasant 
 has a romantic appearance, and forms a pleasing contrast 
 with the surrounding country. From this mount the 
 town is supplied with its stone and sand." The soil in 
 this vicinity is rather hard of tillage, but tolerably good for 
 grain. Some parts of the county, particularly in the S. 
 eastern quarter, are very hilly, and a thin barren soil : 
 but all taken together, may be considered valuable. 
 
 The internal improvements are considerable, there be- 
 ing within the limits of the county, three fulling mills, 8 
 carding machines, and 30 gristmills, beside double that 
 number of sawmills. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 
 
 A. Fayette, is an interior county, bounded on the N. 
 by Madison, E. by Pickaway, and Ross, S, by Highland, 
 west by Clinton and Green counties. 
 
 It is 23 by 21 miles in extent. The principal waters are 
 Deer and Paint creeks. The land is generally level and 
 of a moderately good quality. County seat Washington. 
 It is divided into 7 townships, namely : Paint, Madison, 
 Union, Wayne, Green, and Concord. It has the four post 
 offices of Washington, Bloomingburg, Duffs fork, and 
 Main Paint creek. 
 
 The settlement of this county commenced about the 
 year 1805. It was so named in honor of the Marquis de 
 Lafayette, whose devotedness to the cause of American 
 liberty in our revolutionary contest, w^as, and still is. 
 warmly cherished by all American citizens. 
 
 What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county ? 
 
 A. Franklin county, is bounded south by Pickaway, 
 southwest and West, by Madison, northwest by Union, 
 north by Delaware, northeast by Licking, and southeast 
 by Fairfield. Length 25 miles, mean breadth 22. The 
 slope is directly southward, and in that direction the coun- 
 ty is traversed by Whetstone and Scioto rivers, which 
 
 18* 
 
210 GEOGRAPHICAL CATiJCIIlSM 
 
 entering on the northern border, and uniting betweer* 
 Franklin, and Columbus, the combined waters, assuming 
 the name of Scioto, continue south over the residue of 
 the county. The eastern side is also traversed in a 
 southern course by Big Walnut ; as is the western by 
 Darby creek. The soil is productive. But the main bo- 
 dy of the land is more peculiarly fitted for grazing, than 
 for raising grain. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Blendon, Brown, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, 
 Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Mifflin, Montgomery, Nor- 
 wich, Perry, Plain, Pleasant, Prairie, Sharon, Truro, and 
 Washington. In point of extent of territory, number of 
 townships, amount of taxable property, of taxes annual- 
 ly paid ; in population, and general progressive annual 
 increase, Franklin county may be considered a fair sam- 
 ple of the average of all the counties of the state. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries <&c. of Gallia county ? 
 
 A. Gallia county is bounded N. by Athens and Meigs 
 counties, E. by the Ohio river, S. and W. by Lawrence 
 and Jackson counties. Its greatest extent is 36 miles 
 from north to south, and 24 from east to west ; contain- 
 ing about 500 square miles. The land in the interior, 
 southern and western parts, is hilly, of a poor soil, and 
 consequently not much settled ; but in the upper parts, 
 and bordering on the Ohio river, are numerous tracts of 
 fertile and valuable land. The principal water is Rac- 
 coon creek, with several smaller ones, all running south- 
 wardly into the Ohio river, which skirts the whole length 
 of the county, from the northeastern, to its southwestern 
 most extremity. The name is derived from the circum- 
 stance of some of its earliest settlements having been 
 made by emigrants from France anciently called Gaul, 
 or Gallia. It is divided into the following townships : Ad- 
 dison, Cheshire, Galliopolis, Green, Greenfield, Guyan, 
 
OF OHIO. 211 
 
 Harrison, Huntington, Morgan, Ohio, Perry Raccoon, 
 Springfield, Walnut, and Wilksville. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Geauga county ? 
 
 A. Geauga, a lake county, is bounded on the north by 
 Erie, east by Ashtabula and Trumbull counties, S. by 
 Portage, and on the west by Cuyahoga county. It is 35 
 miles long, and 20 broad, containing about 600 square 
 miles. The name is said to signify in an indian dialect, 
 Grand, which is the name of the principal river. Beside 
 that river, some of the sources of Chagrine and Cuyaho- 
 ga rivers water this county. In 1820 it contained 7,- 
 777 inhabitants. It is divided into the following town- 
 ships : Madison, Thompson, Montville, Huntsburg, Bata- 
 via, Parkman, Welchfield, Burton, Claridon, Hambden, 
 Leroy, Perry, Painsville, Concord, Chardon, Munson, 
 Newbury, Auburn, Bainbridge, Russel, Chester, Kirtland, 
 and Mentor. 
 
 (J. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 
 
 A. Greene county is bounded S. E. by Clinton, S. W, 
 by Warren, W. by Montgomery, N. by Clarke, N. E. by 
 Madison, and E. by Fayette. Length, 28 miles, mean 
 breadth, 18. Extending in latitude from 39 deg. 30 min, 
 to 39 deg. 51 min., and in long, from 6 deg. 33 min. to 7 
 deg. 8 min W, Washington City, This county is drained 
 by some of the higher branches of Little Miami. Slopes 
 S. westward. Chief town Xenia. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Bath, Bea- 
 ver creek, Sugar creek, Silver creek, Ross, Miami, Ce- 
 sar's creek, and Xenia. It also contains the 5 villages or 
 towns of Xenia, Fairfield, Bellbrook, Jamestown, and 
 Winchester. This county abounds with springs of ex- 
 cellent water, and is considered generally healthy. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Guernsey county 
 
 A. Guernsey county is bounded S. E. by Monroe, by 
 Morgan southwest, Muskingum west, Coshocton north- 
 
 — ^^^^ 
 
212 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 west, Tuscarawas north, Harrison northeast, and Bel- 
 mont east. Length from south to north, 28 miles ; mean 
 breadth 25. 
 
 Extending in latitude from 39 degrees 51 minutes to 
 40 degrees 12 minutes; and in longitude from 4 degrees 
 13 minutes to 4 degrees 43 minutes west Washington 
 City. It is almost commensurate with the higher valley 
 of Wills' creek ; slope northwardly in the general course of 
 that stream; surface hilly, with good soil. It is divided 
 into the following townships: Adams, Eeaver, Buffalo, 
 Cambridge, Centre, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox Liberty, 
 Londonderry, Madison, Monroe, Oxford, Richland, Spen- 
 cer, Washington Westland, Wheeling, and Wills. The 
 towns are Cambridge, the seat of justice, Washington, 
 Frankfort, Fairview, Winchester Londonderry and Liv- 
 erpool. The land is generally hilly, and of a moderately 
 good quality; there are however, several tracts of excel- 
 lent land along Wills creek; which stream and its bran- 
 ches compose its principal waters. There are excellent lo- 
 calities for the raising of the grape, and of sheep, both of 
 which are going through a course of experiment, which 
 if the result should equal the expectations of good judges, 
 the county of Guernsey may yet be as famous for excel- 
 lence of its wine, and the fineness of its fleeces as any 
 country in Europe. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hamilton county ? 
 A. Hamilton county is bounded west by Dearborn 
 county, Indiana, north by Butler county, Ohio, northeast 
 b^Warren, east by Clermont, southeast by the Ohio river 
 separating it from Campbell county, Ky., and southwest 
 by Ohio river, separating it from Boone county, Kentucky. 
 Length from east to west, 30 miles, mean breadth, 10. 
 This county occupies a part of that great buttress of hills, 
 which skirt the right bank of Ohio river from its head 
 near Pittsburg, to below the influx of Wabash. Great and 
 
OF OHIO. 213 
 
 Little Miami traverse Hamilton in deep valleys. The sur- 
 face of the county is hilly, but the soil in an especial man- 
 ner productive. Bituminous mineral coal abounds. The 
 Miama canal, connecting the stream of the Great Miami 
 with the Ohio, reaches the latter in Cincinnati. In 1830* 
 this county exclusive of the city of Cincinnati, contained 
 a population of 22,317, including the inhabitants of that 
 city, 52,317, or with the city a distributive population of 
 109 to the square mile. Its townships are as follow : An- 
 derson, Cincinnati, Colerain, Columbia, Crosby, Delhi* 
 Fulton, Greene, Miami, Mill Creek, Sycamore, Symmes, 
 Springfield, Whitewater. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries. &c. of Hancock county ? 
 
 A. HanGock, a county situated in the new purchase, 
 bounded north by Wood, east by Seneca and Crawford, 
 south by Hardin, and west by Putnam county. It is 24 
 miles square, containing 576 square miles. The town of 
 Findlay is the seat of justice. It is divided into the five 
 townships of Amanda, Delaware, Findlay, Jackson, and 
 Oldtown. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hardin county ? 
 
 A. Hardin county is bounded by Union southeast, Lo- 
 gan south, Allen west, Hancock north, Crawford north- 
 east, and Marion east. It is very nearly a square of 24 
 miles each way. This county occupies a table land from 
 which the branches of Sandusky and those of Blanchard's 
 river flow to the north; the extreme sources of Scioto 
 southeast, those of Sandy creek branch of Great Miami 
 southwest, and those of Au Glaize river west. Chief town' 
 Hardy. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Harrison county? 
 
 A. Harrison county is bounded southeast by Belmont ; 
 southwest by Guernsey ; west by Tuscarawas ; northwest 
 by Stark ; north by Columbiana ; and east by Jefferson. 
 Length from south to north, 27 miles, mean breadth 18.—*.. 
 
214 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Archer, At. 
 Cadiz, Freeport, German, Green, Moorfield, North, Not- 
 tingham, Rock, Rumley, Short creek, Stock, Union, and 
 Wabash. 
 
 The dividing ridge between the valleys of Ohio 
 Tuscarawas rivers extends from south to north the entire 
 length of this county, dividing it into two unequal sec- 
 tions. The eastern side slopes to the east, and gives 
 source to creeks flowing over Jefferson into Ohio river. 
 The western side declines westward, towards the Tusca- 
 rawas ; surface excessively broken and hilly, but soil 
 highly fertile. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c of Henry county ? 
 A. Henry county is bounded east by Wood, south by 
 Putnam, southwest by Paulding, west by Williams, and 
 north by Lenawe county, Michigan. 
 
 This county lies entirely in the valley of Great Miama, 
 and is traversed by the main volume of that river flowing 
 northeastward, and dividing the county into two not very 
 unequal sections. Chief town, Damascus. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Highland county ? 
 A. Highland county is bounded E. by Adams county, 
 southwest and west by Brown, northwest by Clinton, S. 
 by Fayette, northeast by Ross, and east by Pike. This 
 county derives its name from occupying a table land be- 
 tween the Ohio, Scioto, and Little Miami valleys. The 
 southeastern sources of Paint creek flow to the northeast 
 towards the Scioto ; those of Brush and Eagle creeks 
 southward towards Ohio river, and the eastern branches 
 of Little Miami westward. The surface is hilly and bro- 
 ken. Soil various, but generally productive. Chief town, 
 Hillsboro'. 
 
 The county is divided into the following townships :— 
 Brush creek, Concord, Fairfield, Jackson, Liberty, Madi< 
 son, New Market, Paint, Salem, Union, and White oak. 
 
OF OHIO. 215 
 
 Q,. What arc the boundaries, &c. of Hocking county P 
 
 A. Hocking is an entire county bounded on the north 
 by Fairfield and Perry, east by Athens, south by Jackson, 
 and west by Ross counties. It is 26 by 24 miles in extent, 
 containing 432 square miles. The land is generally hilly 
 and broken. It contains, however, considerable fertile 
 and valuable land, particularly along the borders of Hock- 
 hocking river, which runs across the northeastern quar- 
 ter of the county. The head waters of Raccoon and Salt 
 creeks are also in this county. 
 
 It is divided into the nine townships of Eagle, Falte; 
 Good Hope, Green, Laurel, Salt Creek, Star, Swan, and 
 Washington. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Holmes counti ; 
 
 A. Holmes county is bounded east by Tuscarawas. 
 south by Coshocton, southwest by Knox, northwest by 
 Richland, and north by Wayne. Length from east to 
 west 30 miles, breadth 18. 
 
 Latitude 40 degrees 27 minutes to 40 degrees 40 min- 
 utes, longitude 4 degrees 42 minutes to 5 degrees 13 min- 
 utes west Washington City. This county is traversed 
 from north to south by Kilbuck branch of White Woman's 
 river and the western border by Mohiccon river, slope 
 southward. Chief town Millersburg. Holmes county 
 was formed since the census of 1820, from the southern 
 part of Wayne, and northern of Coshocton. The soil is 
 of various qualities both poor and rich. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Huron county ? 
 
 A. Huron county is bounded east by Lorain county, S. 
 by Highland, southwest by Crawford, west by Seneca 
 and Sandusky, and north by lake Erie. Greatest length 
 from south to north along the western border 48 miles; 
 mean length is about 40, breadth 28. Latitude 40 deg. 
 to 40 deg. 38 minutes, longitude 5 degrees 18 minutes to 
 
216 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 5 degrees 48 minutes west Washington City. Vermillion 
 river of Erie flows northwardly along its eastern border 
 Sandusky river after a northern course over Marion, 
 Crawford, Seneca and Sandusky counties, inflects to the 
 east widens into a bay, the lower part of which traverses 
 Huron county and separates Sandusky point from the 
 other parts of the county; Huron river however, from 
 which the county takes its name, drains the much greater 
 part of its surface. The whole area is an inclined plain 
 falling by gentle slopes northward towards lake Erie. 
 The soil is generally fertile. Chief town Sandusky, 
 though Norwalk is the seat of justice. It is divided into 
 following townships : Brunson, Clarksfield, Danbury, El- 
 dridge, Fairfield, Fitchville, Florence, Greenfield, Green- 
 wich, Hartland, Huron, Lyme, Margaretta, Milan, New 
 Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Oxford, Perkins, 
 Peru, Portland, Ridgefield, Ripley, Ruggles, Sherman, 
 Townsend, Vermillion, and Wakeman. 
 
 i ;Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county ? 
 
 A. Jackson county is bounded southeast by Meigs, S. 
 by Lawrence, southwest by Sciota, west by Pike, north- 
 west by Ross, north by Hocking, and northeast by Athens'. 
 Length, 30 miles ; mean breadth, 15. Latitude, 38 degrees, 
 50 min, to 39 deg. 17 min. ; longitude, from Washington 
 city, 5 degrees 16 min. to 5 deg. 45 min, west. It is a ta- 
 ble land, discharging creeks northwestward into Scioto 
 river, southward and southwestward into Ohio river. — 
 Surface extremely broken. Chief town, Jackson. 
 
 It is divided into the thirteen townships of Clinton, 
 Milton, Bloomfield, Madison, Franklin, Scioto, Lick, Jack- 
 son, Richland, HamiltOB, Harrison, Washington, and Jef- 
 ferson. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Jefferson county? 
 
 A. Jefferson county is bounded north by Columbiana, 
 
OF OHIO. 217 
 
 by the Ohio river E. separating it from Brooke county, 
 Va. ; by Belmont, Ohio, S., and Harrison, west. Length, 
 27 miles, breadth 20. Lat. 40° 10' to 40° 33'; long. 3° 50' 
 west from Washington city. Slopes Eastward towards 
 Ohio river, and in that direction is drained by Yellow 
 Cross and Short creeks. Surface hilly, but soil fertile and 
 abounding in bituminous mineral coal. Chief town, Steu- 
 benville. 
 
 It contains the thirteen townships of Knox, Island creek, 
 Cross creek, Steubenville, Wells, Warren, Mount Pleasant, 
 Smithfield, Wayne, Salem, Ross, Clinton, and Springfield. 
 The principal streams are Yellow creek, Short creek, and 
 Cross creek. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Knox county ? 
 A. Knox county is bounded S. by Licking, Delaware 
 west, Marion N. W., Richland N., Holmes N. E., and Co- 
 shocton E. Length, 30 miles, mean width 21. Lat. 40° 
 14' to 40° 32', long, from Washington city 5° west. Slopes 
 southeastward, and is drained by the sources of Mohiccon 
 creek. Chief town, Mount Vernon. 
 
 The county contains the following townships, viz 
 Berlin, Bloomfield, Brown, Butler, Chester, Clay, Clinton 
 Franklin, Harrison, Hilliar, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson 
 Liberty, Middlebury, Milford, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, 
 Morris, Pike, Pleasant, Union, and Wayne. 
 
 i Q. Can you give the boundaries, etc. of Lawrence coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Lawrence county is bounded by Scioto county N 
 west, Jackson N., Gallia N. E., by Ohio river separating 
 it from Cabell county, Va., and by Ohio river separating it 
 Greenup county, Kentueky. Length, 30 miles, mean 
 breadth, 13. 
 
 It lies directly opposite the mouth of Big Sandy river 
 slopes southward, and in that direction is drained by 
 
 19 
 
216 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Synime's creek, and some smaller streams. Chief : 
 Burlington. 
 
 The county is divided into the following townships . 
 Aid, Decatur, Elizabeth, Fayette, Lawrence, Mason, Perry. 
 Rome, Symmes, Union, Upper, and Windsor. Iron ore is 
 found in most parts of the county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries. <kc. of Licking county I 
 A. Licking county is bounded southeast by Perry, south 
 by Fairfield, Franklin southwest, Delaware nor:;. 
 Knox north, Coshocton northeast, and Muskingum east. 
 It is 30 miles from east to west, and 24 broad. The 
 is eastward, and the whole surface very nearly com 
 surate with the higher part of the valley of Licking creek, 
 or more correctly, river. 
 
 The great central Ohio canal enters this coiml 
 southern border near Hebron, sweeping a northern 
 past Newark, the seat of justice ; this work passes 
 the Licking valley, and leaves the county near the m 
 of its eastern side. 
 
 Though a level country, it is a rather elevated : 
 land ; the level of the canal at Newark is 834 feet above 
 mean level of the Atlantic ocean, and 219 feet above thai 
 of the Ohio river at the mouth of Scioto river. The a 
 land of the county is from 900 to 1 100 feet above the com- 
 mon ocean tides. The excellence of the soil is she; 
 its progressive population. 
 Describe Logan county. 
 
 Logan county is bounded by Champaign sou:: : 
 west, Allen northwest. Hardin north, and Union east. — 
 Latitude, 40° 25' longitude. 6 C 45' west : slopes southward, 
 and is principally drained by Sandy creek branch of 
 Great Miami, and the sources of Mad river. Chief town, 
 Beilefontaine. 
 The county contains the following townships. 
 
OF OHIO. 219 
 
 sor^ Lake, M' Arthur, Miami, Monroe, Perry, Rush 
 . Union and Zane. 
 Describe Lorain county. 
 
 Lorain county is bounded northeast by Cuyahoga, east 
 by Medina, southeast by Wayne, southwest by Richland, 
 west by Huron, and north by lake Erie. From S. to N. 40 
 miles, mean breadth 15. 
 
 The county is divided into the following townships : 
 Amherst, Avon, Black river, Brighton, Brownhelm, Car- 
 lisle, Columbia, Eaton, Elyria, Grafton, Henrietta, Hunt- 
 ington, Lagrange, Penfield, Ridgefield, Russia, Sheffield, 
 Sullivan, and Willington. 
 
 Slopes almost due north, and is drained by Black river, 
 and some smaller streams. Chief town, Elyria. 
 Describe Madison county. 
 
 Madison county is bounded by Lafayette south, Greene 
 southwest, Champaign northwest, Union north, Franklin 
 <?ast, and Pickaway southeast. Slopes southeastward, 
 and is principally drained by Darby's creek. Chief town, 
 London. 
 
 This county embraces large quantities of land, peculiar- 
 ly adapted for grazing farms, and large herds of neat 
 cattle are annually raised here. 
 Describe Marion county. 
 
 Marion county is bounded north by Crawford county, 
 east by Richland, south by Delaware and Union, and west 
 by Hardin. Length from east to west 33 miles, mean 
 breadth 18. Slopes southward, and drained by the higher 
 branches of the Scioto river. Chief town, Marion. 
 
 This county comprises the height of land between the 
 Sandusky and Scioto rivers. Much of it is open plain, 
 or table land, composing the southernmost part of what 
 are called Sandusky plains. Much of it is however hea- 
 vily timbered, and of a very rich and fertile quality. It is 
 well watered. 
 
220 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Marion county contains the townships of Big Island, 
 Canaan, Claridon, Grand Prairie, Green camp, Marion, 
 Morven, Pleasant, Richland, Saltrock, Scott. Tully, and; 
 Richmond. 
 
 Describe Meigs county. 
 
 Meigs county is bounded southwest by Gallia, north- 
 west and north by Athens : Ohio river separating it from 
 Mason county, Va. east, southeast and south. Length 
 from east to west, 30 miles, mean breadth 15. Surface- 
 very broken, but some tolerably productive. Chief town, 
 Chester. 
 
 Its townships are Chester, Columbia, Lebanon, Letart,, 
 Olive, Orange, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Scipio, and 
 Sutton. 
 
 Besides being washed by the Ohio river, it has also 
 Shade and Leading creeks. 
 Describe Mercer county. 
 
 Mercer county is bounded by Vanwert north, Allen N, 
 east, Shelby southeast, Darke south, and the state of In- 
 diana west. Length 28 miles, mean breadth 20. 
 
 This county occupies the table land from which flows 
 St. Mary's branch of the Great Maumee,, and on which 
 rise the extreme sources of the Wabash. It is remarka- 
 ble that both rivers assume a nearly parallel northwest 
 course, which they maintain over Mercer into Indiana, 
 and thence converge into directly opposite courses ; the 
 Wabash to the southwest and Maumee northeast. It is 
 obvious from the foregoing circumstances in the course 
 of its streams, that Mercer is among the most elevated 
 tracts between the valleys of Ohio and St. Lawrenc e 
 Chief town, St. Mary's. 
 
 The county contains the following townships, viz : — 
 Amanda, Bath, Dublin, St. Mary's, Union and Wilt- 
 shire. 
 
OF OHIO. 221 
 
 Describe Miami county . 
 
 Miami county is bounded by Montgomery south, Darke 
 west. Shelby north, Champagin northeast, and Clarke S. 
 east. Length and breadth nearly equal, 20 miles. It is 
 traversed in a direction from N. N. west to S. S. E. by 
 the main stream of Great Miami, and also by its southwest 
 branch.. The soil is generally fertile. Principal town, 
 Troy. 
 
 Its townships are: Brown, Lost creek, Elizabeth, Be- 
 thel, Staunton, and Spring creek, on the east side of the 
 Great Miami river, and Washington, Concord, Monroe, 
 Union, Newton, and Newbury on the west. It was first 
 settled by John Knoop from Pennsylvania, and Shadrach 
 Hudson from New Jersey, in 1799. 
 
 Describe Monroe county. 
 
 Monroe county is bounded by Washington south, Mor- 
 gan west, Guernsey northwest, Belmont north, and the 
 Ohio river, separating it from Ohio county, Va. east. — 
 Length from east to west, 36 miles; mean breadth 16. 
 
 The central part of this hilly but fertile county is a real 
 table land, from which Sunfish creek flows eastward into 
 Ohio river. Little Muskingum southward also into Ohio 
 river, but by a southwest course over Washington coun- 
 ty. Chief town, Woodsfl eld. 
 
 Monroe county has the following townships : Centre, 
 Eik, Enoch, Franklin, Greene, Jackson, Malaga, Ohio, 
 Perry, Salem, Seneca. Sunbury, Switzerland, Union, and 
 Wayne. 
 
 Mines of stone coal, and iron ore have been found and 
 are likely to be a source of profit. 
 
 Describe Montgomery county. 
 
 Montgomery county is bounded by Warren'southeast, 
 Butler southwest, Preble west, Darke northwest, Miami 
 north, Clarke northeast, and Greene east. Length 24 
 miles, mean breadth 20. 
 
 19* 
 
222 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 The main stream of the Great Miami receives Mad river 
 in the northeast part of this county at Dayton, the seat of 
 justice, from whence the Miami canal commences. The 
 general course of the Great Miami, and the slope of. the 
 county, is to the south-southwest. The surface is finely 
 diversified by hill and dale, and sc il fertile. 
 
 Its townships are, (beginning on the north,) Wayne, 
 Dayton, Washington, and Miami, on the east side of the 
 Miami river, and Butler, Randolph, Clay, Perry, Madison, 
 Jefferson, Jackson, and German on the west, 
 j Describe Morgan county. 
 
 Morgan county is bounded southeast by Washington* 
 Athens southwest, Perry west, Muskingum northwest, 
 Guernsey northeast, and Monroe east. Length, 32 miles, 
 mean breadth 18. Slopes south southeast, and is travers- 
 ed in that direction by the Muskingum river. Surface 
 moderately hilly, and soil fertile. Chief town, MacCon- 
 neJlsville. 
 
 Morgan county contains the following townships : — 
 Brookfield, Noble, Olive, Olivegreen, Centre, Manchester, 
 Bristol, Meigsville, Windsor, Penn, Morgan, Bloom, Union* 
 Deerfield, and York, 
 
 Describe Muskingum county. 
 
 Muskingum county is bounded by Morgan county south 
 east and south, Perry southwest, Licking west, Coshoc- 
 ton north, and Guernsey east. Length, 27 miles ; mean 
 breadth, 26. It is traversed from north to south, and ve- 
 ry nearly equally divided by Muskingum river. Surface 
 moderately hilly, and soil fertile. Principal town, Zanes- 
 vilie. 
 
 The northwestern angle is traversed by the Ohio and 
 Erie canal, and in the opposite direction the U. S. road 
 passes over at the greatest breadth. 
 
 Muskingum county is divided into the *following town- 
 Ships : Zamesville, Washington, Perry Salem, Adams 
 
OF OHIO. 223 
 
 Madison, Monroe, Highland, Union, Richhill, Meigs, Blue- 
 rock, Saltcreek, Brushcreek, Newton, Springfield, Falls, 
 Hopewell, Licking, Muskingum, Jefferson and Jackson on 
 the west. Bluerock, however, is divided by the river 
 which runs across it from north to south. 
 
 In numerous places adjacent to and in the bed of the 
 valley of the Muskingum river, are extensive and almost 
 inexhaustible beds of stone coal. A peculiar kind of clay, 
 suitable for crucibles, for the manufacture of glass, is here 
 lound. The uncommon natural advantages for mills or 
 factories, to be propehed either by water or steam, which 
 concentrate in and about Zanesville, combine to render 
 this an important point in the state. 
 
 Describe Paulding county. 
 
 Paulding is a western county, bounded north by Wil- 
 liams, east by Henry and Wood, south by Vanwert, and 
 on the west by the state of Indiana. It is 24 miles long 
 from east to west, by 13 broad from north to south. It is 
 watered by the Maumee and Auglaize rivers. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county ? 
 
 A. Perry county is bounded by Athens south, Hocking 
 southwest, Fairfield west, Licking north, Muskingum N- 
 east, and Morgan east and southeast. Length north to S. 
 23 miles, mean breadth 18. It is a table land, between the 
 valleys of Hockhociung and Muskingum rivers, and from 
 which creeks of the former flow west and southwest, and 
 o[ the latter north and northeast. The surface is in most 
 parts hilly, and in several mineral coal has been found. 
 
 It is found to be excellent for the production of wheat. 
 It is diveded into the following townships : Bearfield, Clay- 
 ton, Harrison, Hopewell, Jackson, Madison, Monday 
 creek, Monroe, Pike, Readings Saltlick, and Thorn. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pickaway county ? 
 
 A. Pickaway, a fertile interior county, bounded on the 
 NL by Franklin, east by Fairfield, south by Ross, west by 
 Fayette, and Madison counties. It is 22, by 21 miles in. 
 
224 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECIIIS.il 
 
 extent, containing 421 square miles. It is divided into 
 the following townships: Harrison, Addison. Walnut. 
 Washington, Pickaway, and Salt creek east of Scioto riv- 
 er,and Scioto, Jackson, Wayne, Deer creek, Perry, Mon- 
 roe, and Darby on the west. A considerable portion of 
 the land is of a very superior quality, particularly that on 
 the eastern side of Scioto river, and produces immense 
 quantities of the different kinds of grain. The plain land 
 equals, and perhaps exceeds any other land in. the west- 
 ern country, for the production of wheat, generally pro- 
 ducing from 40 to 45 bushels per acre of the best, quality 
 The prairies are best for corn and grass, and the barrens 
 produce excellent pasture. Scioto river runs from north 
 to south nearly through the middle of this county. The 
 other principal streams are Lower Walnut, Darby and 
 Deer creeks. The Ohio and Erie canal runs entirely a- 
 cross this county, from north to south. From the north- 
 ern limits, it pass along the valley of the Scioto river, so 
 far as Circleviile ; where it crosses on a splendid aque- 
 duct, and then follows the western side of the river, for 
 the remaining distance. County seat, Circleviile, with 
 a population of 1,136. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county? 
 
 A. Pike county is bounded south by Scioto, Adams S. 
 west, Highland west, Ross north, and Jackson east. 
 Lenghth from east to west 32 miles, mean width IS. It is 
 traversifled in a S. S. west course by Scioto river; soi] 
 productive in grain, fruits and meadow grasses. Chief 
 town Piketon. It is divided into the following townships : 
 Camp creek, Beaver, Jackson, Mifflin, Peepee, Pebble, 
 Perry, Seal, and Sunflsh. 
 , Q. What are the boundaries, &e. of Portage county ? 
 
 A. Portage county is bounded southeast by Columbi- 
 ana ; Stark south ; Medina west ; Cuyahoga northwest ; 
 Geauga north; and Trumbull northeast. The greatest 
 
OF OHIO. 225 
 
 length 30 miles is from east to west ; breadth 24, and area 
 750 square miles ; latitude 41° 12', longitude Washington 
 City 4° 20' west. This county is a true table land be- 
 tween the valleys of Big Beaver and Cuyahoga rivers. 
 The southwestern angle also giving source to Tuscara- 
 was river or the northeastern constituent of Muskingum 
 river. 
 
 The arable surface of Portage county exceeds a mean 
 of 1,000 feet above tide water in the Atlantic, or rather 
 more than an equivalent to two degrees of latitude. The 
 surface is rather level, and in part deficient in good foun- 
 tain water. The soil moderately fertile. The Ohio and 
 Erie canal traverses this county in its greatest breadth 
 and near the western border ; and within it is the summit 
 level of that work, 973 feet above the Atalntic tides. Chief 
 town Ravenna, 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Preble county ? 
 
 A. Preble county is bounded north by Darke, Montgom- 
 ery east Butler south, Union, Indiana southwest, and 
 Wayne, Indiana northwest. Length from south to north 
 24 miles, breath 18, and area 432 square miles. Latitude 
 39° 45' longitude Washington City 7° 40' west. General 
 slope southeast, and drained in that direction by St. Clair 
 and Franklin creeks branches of Great Miami. The soil 
 productive. Chief town Eaton. 
 
 This county was so called after Commodore Preb.'e, 
 who had a few years previously, distinguished himself in 
 the war against Tripoli. Iron ore is abundantly found in 
 this county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Putnam county ? 
 
 A. Putnam county is bounded south by Allen, Vanwert 
 southwest, Paulding northwest, Henry north, and Han- 
 cock east. Length 24 miles, width 24, and area 576 sq. 
 miles. Latitude 41°, and longitude 7° west intersect in 
 this county. The general slope northwest, the whole sur- 
 
226 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 face, with a very small exception, being in the vallley of 
 Au Giaize river. Chief town Sugar Grove. It is a new 
 settlement. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Richland county ? 
 A. Richland county is bounded south by Knox, Marion 
 southwest, Crawford west, Huron north, Lorain northeast, 
 Wayne east, and Holmes southeast. It is a square of 30 
 miles ; area 900 square miles. Latitude 40° 46', longi- 
 tude 5° 33' west Washington City. The northern border 
 extending along north latitude 40°, and also along the 
 summit ridge between the valley of Ohio and that of Erie 
 merely gives source to creeks flowing towards the latter. 
 The northwestern angle gives source to the higher foun- 
 tains of Sandusky, and along the western border rise the 
 extreme sources of Scioto river. Though two sides are 
 thus drained, the body of the county including at least 
 seven-eights of its surface, is drained by, and gives source 
 to, Mohiccon branch of White Woman's river, and slopes 
 to the southeast. It is a comparatively elevated and lev- 
 el table land, which when compared with the known 
 height, 768 feet of the water level at Coshocton, at the 
 mouth of White Woman's river, the table land of Rich- 
 land county must be 1,000 feet above the Atlantic tides. 
 The soil is generally good. Chief town Mansfield. 
 
 Q- What are the boundaries, &c. of Ross county ? 
 
 A. Ross county is bounded on the south by Pike, south- 
 west Highland, northwest Fayette, north Pickaway, north- 
 east Hocking, and southeast Jackson. Length from east 
 to west 34 miles, mean breadth 22, and area 650 square 
 miles. Latitude 39° 20', and longitude Washington City 
 6° west, intersect near Chillicothe and near the centre of 
 this county, and near the same point the Scioto river re- 
 ceives from the west Paint creek. The former traversing 
 the county in a S. S. E. direction. It is also traversed in 
 all its breadth by the Ohio and Erie canal, which follows 
 
OF OHIO. 227 
 
 the right or western bank of Scioto. The face of the co. 
 is peculiarly and finely diversified. Soil productive. Chief 
 town Chillicothe. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Sandusky county ? 
 A. Sandusky is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, 
 east by Huron county, south by Seneca, and on the west 
 by Wood county. It is 30 miles long from east to west 
 and 25 broad from north to south. The southern section 
 slopes to the north, but towards the centre, all the streams 
 which traverse its surface, curve in common to north- 
 east. There are tracts of good land in Sandusky, but the 
 general features of its surface are low, and it is conse- 
 quently wet. The asperity of soil is shown by its pro- 
 gressive population, which was in 1820 852; in 1830, 2,- 
 851. County town is Lower Sandusky. It is divided in- 
 to the following townships : Ballville, Bay, Groghan, 
 Green creek, Hams, Portage, Riley, Sandusky, Townsend, 
 and York. 
 Q. AVhat are the boundaries, &c. of Scioto county } 
 A. Scioto county is bounded by Adams west, Pike X, 
 Jackson northeast, Lawrence east, and Ohio, river separa- 
 ting it from Greenup county Kentucky south, and Lewis 
 county Kentucky, southwest. Length from east to west 
 34 miles, mean breadth 15. It is divided into two not un- 
 equal sections by Scioto river which traverses it from N. 
 to south. The general slope is southward ; surface hilly, 
 and soil tolerably fertile. Chief town Portsmouth. It is divi- 
 ded into the foiowing townships : Bloom, Vernon, Green, 
 Porter, Madison, Jefferson, Clay, Wayne, Morgan, Union, 
 Washington, Brush creek and Nile. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Seneca county } 
 A. Seneca county is bounded by Crawford south, Han- 
 cock southwest, Wood northwest, Sandusky north, and 
 Huron east. Length from east to west 32 miles, breadth 
 20. Sandusky river traverses this county flowing north- 
 
228 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ward. The gensral slope is of course in that direction, 
 but from the southwest angle issues the extreme fountains 
 of Blanchard's branch of Au Glaize river. Chief town 
 Tiffin. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships: Adams, 
 Bloom, Clinton, Eden, Reed, Fort Seneca, Thompson, Sen- 
 eca, Scipio, Hopewell, and Venice. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Shelby county ? 
 
 A. Shelby county is bounded by Miami county south, 
 Dark county southwest, Mercer northwest, Allen north, 
 Logan northeast, and Champaign southeast. It is about 
 20 miles each side. 
 
 The extreme sources of Saint Mary's and Au Gluize 
 rivers rise on the northwestern and northern borders, 
 but the much greater part slopes southward, and gives 
 source to Great Miami river. The extreme higher sour- 
 ces of Wabash rise also in Mercer county, very near the 
 northwestern angle of Shelby. The latter comprises, 
 therefore, a part of the high and fiat table land of Ohio. 
 Chief town Sidney. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Clinton, 
 Cynthian, Grayson, Green, Lormie, Orange, Pery, Salem, 
 and Turtle creek. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries «fcc. of Stark county ? 
 
 A. Stark county is bounded by Jefferson southeast, 
 Tuscarawas south, Holmes south west, Wayne west, Me- 
 diana northwest, Portage north, and Columbiana east. 
 Length along the eastern border 33 miles, mean breadth 
 25. The extreme source of Big Beaver rises in the north 
 east angle of this county, but the far greater part of the 
 surface is drained by the Tuscarawas and its branches : 
 general slope southward. The main volume of Tuscara- 
 was crosses the county from north to south nearly, along 
 the valley of which }he Ohio and Erie canal has been con- 
 structed. 
 
 
OF OHIO. 229 
 
 The level of the canal at Massillon, near the the middle 
 of the county is 942 feet above tide water ; the whole ar- 
 able surface no doubt exceeding a mean of 1,000 feet of 
 similar extent of comparative height. The soil is fertile in 
 grain, pasturage and fruit. Chief town Canton. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships: Lexington, 
 Paris, Washington, Brown, Harrison, Rase, Sandy, Osna- 
 burg, Pike, Nimishillen, Marlborough, Canton, Plain, Lake, 
 Green, Jackson, Perry, Bethlehem, Sugar creek, Tuscara- 
 was, Lawrence, and Franklin. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Trumbull county ? 
 
 A. Trumbull county is bounded south by Columbiana, 
 southwest and west Portage, northwest Geauga, north 
 Ashtabula, northeast Crawford, Pennsylvania, and 
 east and southeast Mercer county Pennsylvania. Length 
 36 miles, breadth 25. Slope southeastward and drained 
 by the Mahoning or western constiuent of Big Beaver, 
 and its branches. The soil is generally good. Chief town 
 Warren. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships: Kinsman, 
 Vernon, Hartfood, Brookfield, Hubbard, Coitsville, Po- 
 land, Broadman, Lordstown, Liberty, Vienna, Towler, 
 Johnston, Gustavus, Green, Mecca, Bazetta, Howland* 
 Weathers field, Austintown, Canfield, Ellsworth, Jackson, 
 Lordstown, Warren, Bristol Bloomfield, Mesopotamia, 
 Farmington, Southington, Bruceville Newton, Berlin, and 
 Milton. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Tuscarawas coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Tuscarawas county is bounded by Harrison, east 
 and southeast, Guernsey south, Coshocton southwest, 
 Holmes northwest, and Stark north. Length from south 
 to north 30 miles, mean breadth 23. 
 
 The slope of the northern part is to the south, but in- 
 flects with the course of Tuscarawas river, which in the 
 20 
 
230 GEORAPGHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 southern parth of the county bends to the southwest by 
 west. Tuscarawas river enters at the extreme northern 
 angle, and flowing south and thence inflecting gradually 
 to the S. S. west divides it into two nearly equal sections, 
 and has long its entire course the Ohio and Erie canal. 
 The level of the canal near the centre of this county is 
 874 feet above the canal level ; the arable soil averages 
 from about 850 to above 1,000 feet of similar relative 
 height. Chief town New Philadelphia. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Bucks, Clay, 
 Dohrmon, Dover, Fairfield, Goshen, Lawrence, Oneleg, 
 Oxford, Perry, Rush, Salem, Sandy, Sugar creek, Warren, 
 Warwick, Washington, Wayne, and York. 
 
 This county has abundant supplies of iron ore and 
 stone coal which promise wealth to adventurers. 
 
 Q. What aie the boundaries, &c. of Union county ? 
 
 A. Union county is bounded by Franklin south east, 
 Madison south, Champaign southwest, Logan west, Har- 
 din northwest, Marion northeast, and Delaware east. 
 Length 27 miles, breadth \7. 
 
 Slope southeastward, and drained by numerous conflu- 
 ent creeks of the Scioto river. Chief town Marysviile. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Allen, Darby, 
 Jackson, Jerome, Leesburg, Liberty, Mill creek, Paris, 
 and Union. 
 t Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Vanwert county / 
 
 A. Vanwert county is bounded north by Paulding east 
 by Putnam and Allen, south by Mercer, and west by the 
 state of Indiana. It is 24 miles long by 18 broad. 
 
 It was named in honor of Van Wert one of the three 
 men who captured Major Andre. It was constituted by 
 name and boundaries in February 1820 : but was not or- 
 ganized at the period of our information. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Warren county ? 
 
 A. Warren county is bounded by Clermont, southwest 
 
OF OHIO. 231 
 
 by Hamilton, Butler west, Montgomery northwest, Greene 
 northeast, and Clinton east. Length 24 miles, mean 
 width 
 
 The Miami river and canal cross the northwest angle 
 of this county; whilst the central parts are traversed by 
 Little Miami. The course of both rivers, and the slope 
 of the county to the southeast. Surface rolling and soil 
 excellent. Besides at Lebanon, the county seat, there 
 were in 1S30. post offices at Deerfieldville, Edwardsville, 
 Franklin, Hopkinsville, Kirkwood, Red Lion, Ridgeville, 
 Rochester, Springboro', Twenty Mile Stand, and Way- 
 nesviile. Lebanon postville and seat of justice for this coun- 
 ty, is situated near the centre of the county 31 miles N. 
 east Cincinnati, and by post road 83 miles southwest by 
 Columbus. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships: Wayne, 
 Washington, Salem, Hamilton, Deerfield, Union, Turtle 
 creek, Clear creek and Franklin. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Washington coun- 
 ty ? 
 
 A. Washington county is bounded by Athens south- 
 west and west, Morgan northwest, Monroe northeast, 
 Ohio river separating it from Tyler county Virginia east, 
 and from Wood county Virginia south. Length on the 
 northern border along Monroe and Morgan counties 50 
 miles. It lies in a wide resemblance to a triangle, mean 
 breadth 15. 
 
 The slope is southward towards the Ohio river. The 
 Muskingum enters the north western angle, and winding 
 thence eastward to near the centre of the county, inflects 
 to the south and falls into the Ohio river at Marietta. 
 The surface of this county is generally very hilly, but 
 soil productive. By the post list of 1831, besides at Mari- 
 etta, the county seat, there were offices at Pelpre, Bent's, 
 Brown's Mills, Carroll, Fearing, Little Hockhocking, Low- 
 
232 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 er Salem, Newport, Point Harmer, Waterford, Water- 
 town, and Wesley. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Adams. Au- 
 relius, Barlow, Belpre, Decatur, Fearing, Grand view, 
 Lawrence, Ludlow, Marietta, Newport, Roxbury, Salem, 
 Union, Warren, Waterford, Watertown, and Wesley. 
 ; Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 
 
 A. Wayne county is bounded by Stark east, Holmes 
 south, Richland west, Lorain northwest, Medina north. 
 Length from east to west 30 miles, mean breadth 24. 
 
 Slope southward, and drained by numerous branches 
 of Tuscarawas, Kilbuck, and Mohiccon rivers. The N. 
 ern border approaches very near the dividing summit lev- 
 el between the waters of Ohio river and lake Erie. It is 
 comparatively an elevated tract, being upwards of 500 ft. 
 above lake Erie at a mean, and the arable surface exceed- 
 ing 1,000 feet above the Atlantic tides. Chief town Woo- 
 ster. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Baughman, 
 Canaan, Chester, Chippewa, Clinton, Congress, East Uni- 
 on, Franklin, Green, Jackson, Lake, Milton, Mohican, 
 Paint, Perry, Plain, Salt creek, Sugar creek, Wayne, and 
 Wooster. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Williams county? 
 A. Williams county is bounded by Henry east, Pauld- 
 ing south, the state of Indiana west, Hillsdale county 
 Michigan north, and Lenawee county Michigan northeast. 
 Length from south to north 37 miles, breadth 24. 
 
 Slope southward, and in that direction traversed by St. 
 Joseph's and Tiffin's rivers, branches of Maumee. Chief 
 town, Defiance. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Crane, Da- 
 mascus, Defiance, Delaware, Jennings, Perry, and Rich^ 
 land. 
 
OF OHIO. 
 
 233 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wood county ? 
 
 A. Wood county is bounded by Sandusky, on the east, 
 Seneca southeast, Hancock south, Henry west, Lenawee 
 county Michigan, northwest, and Monroe county Mich- 
 igan, north. It is a parallelogram of the same length and 
 breadth, as the adjacent county of Henry, 32 by 27 miles 
 from south to north. 
 
 Slope southeastward, and traversed in that direction by 
 Portage, river, to the southeast, and Maumee northwest. 
 Chief town, Perrysburg. 
 
 It is divided into the following townships : Waterville, 
 Waynesfield, and Weston. 
 Describe .lledina* county. 
 
 Medina county is bounded north by Lorain and Cuya- 
 hoga, south by Wayne and Richland, east by Portage, and 
 west by Huron. Length, 24 miles ; mean breadth, 24. 
 
 The county contains the townships of Bath, Brunswick. 
 Copley, Granger, Guilford, Harrisville, Hinckly, Liverpool, 
 Medina, Montville, Norton, Richfield, Wadsworth, and 
 Westfleld. 
 
 Q. Can you give a description of the cities or towns of 
 Ohio ? 
 
 A. To enter upon a minute description, or even name all 
 these, would much exceed the bounds of this work. 
 Q. Can you give a descriptive sketch of Cincinnati ? 
 
 A. Cincinnati, city of Ohio, and seat of justice for Ham- 
 ilton county situated on the right bank of Ohio river, by 
 post read 597 miles ( differing only 13' of latitude) from 
 due west from Washington 112 miles southwest by west 
 from Columbus, and 79 a little east ot north Frankfort,Ken- 
 
 * The description of Medina county should have been inserted on- 
 page 220, but through the carelessness of the compositor was omitted. 
 
 20* 
 
234 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 tucky Latitude 39° 06', longitude 7° 32' west Washington 
 City according to Tanner's map of the United State but 
 7° 24' 45" according to Flint. The position of Cincinnati 
 is admirable. It stands on two plains or bottoms of the 
 Ohio, the higher elevated about 60 feet above the lower, 
 with a rather steep intermediate bank. To an eye in the 
 vicinity, placed on elevated ground, the city seems to oc- 
 cupy the centre and base of an immense basin, the view 
 being in every direction terminated by swelling hills. The 
 streets, laid out at right angles to each other, present an 
 endless, though rather monotonous variety of landcape. 
 
 Fourteen of the streets are 6Q feet wide, and 396 apart ; 
 7 extending each way and crossing the other 7. Thus the 
 intermediate squares comprise 156,816 square feet. 
 
 The public buildings already erected occupy 1 square 
 and a fraction of another ; and that part of the city built 
 upon, approaches the form of a parallelogram. 
 
 The public buildings are, the Cincinnati college, Catho- 
 lic athenaeum, medical college, the mechanics institute, a 
 theatre, two museums, hospital, and lunatic asylum, Uni- 
 ted States branch bank, court house, prison, 4 market 
 houses, a bazaar, and the Woodward high school, a fine 
 house. 
 
 Of churches there are 26 of which several are fine 
 buildings, 3 banks. Commercial bank, capital $500,000, 
 and savings bank ; there are 3 insurance companies, be- 
 longing to the city, with two branches of companies at 
 Hartford, Connecticut. 
 
 A water company supplies the city with water from Ohio 
 river. It is elevated by steam power to the height of 158 
 feet above low water mark in the river, and flowing into 
 reservoirs, is thence distributed over the city, at an annu- 
 al expense of $8 per family at an average. 
 
 The public prints are 20 comprising, one Quarterly Me- 
 dical Journal, one Monthly Magazine, one Monthly Agri- 
 
OF OHIO. 235 
 
 cultural Journal, two semi monthly, two semi weekly, 
 10 weekly, and three daily gazettes. Thirty-two mails 
 arrive weekly. There are two fire companies, 34 chari- 
 table and 27 religious societies. 
 
 The progressive population ot this city is perhaps une- 
 qualled on a region where rapid advance is every where 
 remarkable. It was laid out in January, 1787, but until 
 after the treaty of Greenville, 1795, progressed but slow- 
 ly. In 1810, the total population was 2,540, 1820, 9642, 
 and in 1826, 16,230. By a very accurate enumeration in 
 1831, 28,014, with afloating population, not included, of 
 1,500, making the total at this time (1836) more than 36,- 
 000. By the census tables for 1830, the population of Cin- 
 cinnati was composed of white males, 12,495 ; white fe- 
 males, 11,256; free colored males, 528, and females, 562 : 
 total 24,831. 
 
 This city, second only in population to New Orleans, 
 amongst the western cities of the United States, has al- 
 ready become the seat of immense and increasing manu- 
 factures, of almost every species known in our country. 
 Of steamboats 111 have been built here. 
 
 The iron manufactures include nearly every article ot 
 that metal demanded by a civilized and active population, 
 Cabinet, hatting, shoe and boot making, saddlery, &c. 
 
 The imports of the city are supposed to exceed $6,000, 
 000, and by a recent estimate, the exports of 1835 exceed 
 34,500,000. There was transported to the city during one 
 year by the Miami canal 97,578 barrels flour, 40,455 bar- 
 rels whiskey, 19,758 barrels pork, 30,960 kegs, and 1,156 
 barrels of lard, 1,877,240 pounds of bacon, 53,539 pounds 
 of butter and 99 barrels of linseed oil, including ginseng, 
 leathers, beeswax, tallow, beans, pot and pearl ashes, 
 cheese, &c. &c., and it was also estimated that at least as 
 great an amount of produce was brought to the city by 
 wagons, and the river, during the same period. Among 
 
236 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 the article exported it was estimated that $1,000,000 con- 
 sisted of steam engines, steam boat hulls, sugar mills, 
 hats, cabinet- ware, candles, soap, type, printing presses, 
 beer, porter, coopers' ware, cordage, books, and articles 
 not mentioned, which are mostly sent down the Ohio. 
 
 About 45 manufacturing establishments are propelled 
 by steam. Revenue of the city 1831, was $35,231, and 
 expenditure was $33,858. Business is the chief object of 
 this young city, but education has not been neglected. 
 The Lane Seminary, now a flourishing institution, is lo- 
 cated about 2 miles from the city, at Walnut Hills-. 
 
 The president is professor of theology, beside which 
 professorship, there are 4 others, 1 of church history and 
 polity, 1 of biblical literature, 1 of languages and 1 of 
 chemistry. A building for the purpose of the institution, 
 100 feet long and 40 deep, was commenced in 1832, and is 
 now completed ; cost estimated at $8,000. 
 
 There are 2 departments in this institution, theological 
 and literary ; expences at the former per annum, includ- 
 ing board, (tuition gratis) $60 at the latter school, includ- 
 ing tuition, $80. A farm is connected with the seminary. 
 The medical college of Ohio, located here, has G profes- 
 sorships, and another has recently commenced called the 
 Reformed medical college. 
 
 There are 29 public teachers of free schools, who give 
 instruction to 4,000 children annually. The private 
 schools are numerous; and many of them very respecta- 
 ble. Mr. Flint states that 450 substantial buildings have 
 been added to city yearly, for the last three years. 
 Q. can you now give a sketch of Columbus ? 
 A. Columbus, post town and seat of justice for Frank- 
 lin county and seat of the state government of Ohio. Lat- 
 itude 39° 57', longitude 6° west and distance 330 (by p-r, 
 396) miles from Washington City. Flint gives its rela- 
 tive position 551 miles from New York, 477 from Philadel- 
 
OF OHIO. 237 
 
 phia, 755 from Boston, 429 from Baltimore, 991 from New 
 Orleans, 377 from Nashville, and i 12 from Cincinnati. It 
 is 216 miles almost exactly due south, from Detroii. It is 
 seated on the eastern or left bank of Scioto river, immedi- 
 ately below the influx of Whetstone river, the site being 
 a gentle acclivity from the stream. 
 
 In the spring of 1812, the ground on which this now 
 flourishing town stands, was a wilderness. By the cen- 
 sus of 1830, the population was then 2,435. It contains a 
 state house on, a public square, of brick, 75 by 50 feet 
 with a cupola 106 feet high, a building for public offices 
 100 by 25 feet ; the necessary county buildings, peniten- 
 tiary numerous and respectable private schools, and a 
 classical academy, four printing offices, market-house, 
 and an asylum for the deaf and dumb. A canal of 1 1 
 miles connects this place with the Ohio and Erie canal. 
 
 There are 6 or 7 places of public worship, and from 360 
 to 390 dwelling houses. The relative position of this town 
 being very near the physical centre of the state, almost 
 ensures its permanence as the seat of state government 
 and having a navigable canal to unite it with the Ohio 
 river and lake Erie, give stability to commercial prosper- 
 ity. 
 
 Q. Can you describe Chillicothe ? 
 
 A. Chillicothe is a post town, and capitol of Ross coun- 
 ty. It is handsomely situated on the west bank of the 
 Scioto river, in Scioto township, 45 miles in a direct line* 
 and 70 according to its various meanderings, from its 
 mouth. It is situated on the western border of an exten- 
 sive and fertile plain of about 10,000 acres. The scite of 
 the town is a level, elevated, alluvial plain, about 35 or 40 
 feet above low water mark in the river. The Scioto river 
 washes the northern limits of the town; while Paint creek 
 winds along its southern verge, the two streams being 
 here about three-fourths of a mile distant from each other. 
 
238 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 The plan and situation of Chillicothe nearly resembles 
 that of Philadelphia : the Scioto river and Paint creek 
 representing in this case the Delaware and Schuylkill ri- 
 vers. 
 
 The principal streets of Chillicothe run parallel with 
 the course of the river at the town, and are crossed at 
 right angles by others, which extend from the river to 
 the creek. The main streets which cross each other at 
 the centre of the town, are 99 feet wide, and all the 
 others are 66. The regular in-lots are 99*feet in front, 
 extending back 198 feet to alleys 12£ feet wide. 
 
 The town was laid out in 1796, and contained in 1832, 
 2,827 inhabitants. It has three printing offices, each pub- 
 lishing weekly papers ; 1 bank, and between 30 and 40 
 mercantile, and two medical stores. Here are also a num- 
 ber of cotton spinning factories, a rope walk, several 
 flourishing mills, including one of steam power. Also, 
 an oil mill, fulling mill, several saw mills, and a paper 
 mill. 
 
 Among the public buildings are a Presbyterian, Metho- 
 dist, Seceder, and Episcopal churches ; an academy, court* 
 house, jail, and large stone market house. The market, 
 which is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is well sup- 
 plied with the various productions of the country. From 
 the summit of a hill, rising very abruptly on the west end 
 of the town, to the perpendicular elevation of 300 feet, is 
 a most delightful view of the town and circumjacent 
 country; interspersed , alternately, with woods and ver- 
 dant lawns, among which the Scioto river and Grand ca- 
 nal romantically meander in their way to the Ohio. 
 
 The improvements of the town have been nearly sta. 
 
 tionary for several years past ; but the construction of 
 
 the Ohio Grand canal through it, has given new life and 
 
 activity to its business end improvements. 
 
 In the midst of this town formerly stood one of the most 
 
OF OHIO . ». 039 
 
 interesting mounds, of the cone shaped forms. In levelling 
 it for the purpose of building lots, there were discovered 
 great quantities of human bones. Chillicothe is 55 miles 
 south of Columbus, 75 northeast from Maysville, Ky., and 
 93 N. E. from Cincinnati. 
 
 Q. Can you give a description of Cleaveland ? 
 
 A. Cleaveland is situated on the southern shore of lake 
 Erie, and is the county town of Cuyahoga county. Its 
 position is at the mouth of Cuyahoga river. During the 
 late war it was a depot of provisions ; and a place where 
 many boats and lake crafts were built; and it is a 
 noted place of embarkation on the lake. Here the Great 
 Ohio canal connects with the lake, and passes through 
 the central parts of Ohio, preserving for some distance, a 
 course parallel to the Scioto ; and finally connecting with 
 the Ohio near the mouth of that river. It is the interme- 
 diate town between Buffalo and Cincinnati, and the de_ 
 pot of the vast amounts of merchandize destined east and 
 west. It cannot fail of soon becoming an important town. 
 It is distant 130 miles westward from Pittsburg, and 150 N. 
 easterly from Columbus. 
 
 CJ. Can you describe Zanesville ? 
 
 A. Zanesville is a flourishing inland town, and seat of 
 justice for the county of Muskingum ; containing an ele 
 gant courthouse and public offices, two glass factories, 3 
 printing offices, several churches for Presbyterians, Bap- 
 tists, Methodists, Catholics, &c, and many neat dwellings. 
 
 The Muskingum river connects it to the northwest with 
 the Ohio canal, and below with the Ohio river at Ma- 
 rietta. 
 
 Zanesville is becoming an extensive manufacturing 
 town ; at the falls, which afford great water power, are 
 a number of flour, saw, rolling and oil mills, and a nail 
 .and woollen factory. 
 
 This town is, however, limited in size, containing but 
 
240 * GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 little more than a square mile. It is situated on the east 
 bank of the Muskingum river in a township of the same 
 name. It is 74 miles westerly from Wheeling, in Va., 60 
 northwesterly from Marietta, 70 northeast from Chilli- 
 cothe, and 58 east from Columbus. 
 
 The great national road from Cumberland to, and 
 through the western states passes directly through this 
 town. 
 
 Q. Can you give a description of Steubenville ? 
 
 A. Steubenville is the seat of justice for Jefferson co., 
 and is situated on the west bank of the Ohio. It was 
 laid out with great regularity in 1798, and is in the cen- 
 tre of a rich and populous country. The town was in- 
 corporated in 1805, with city privileges. It contains 3 
 churches, an academy, a handsome market house, a wool- 
 len factory, a steam paper mill, a flour mill, and cotton 
 factory. 
 
 A manufacturing spirit is increasing, and new estab- 
 lishments are in progress, and in contemplation. Mercan- 
 tile business flourishes here, likewise the mechanical arts, 
 in an eminent degree. Its distance is 38 miles southwest 
 from Pittsburg, 25 northeast from St. Clairsville, and 150 
 northeast from Columbus. 
 
 Q,. Can you give a description of Circleville ? 
 
 A. Circleville is the county town of Pickaway county. 
 It is situated on the east branch of the Scioto river. In 
 limits of the town are two Indian mounds, the one square 
 and the other circular. The town derives its name from 
 being chiefly built on the limits of the circular mound. 
 These mounds are among the most interesting in the 
 western country. The great road leading from Chilli- 
 cothe runs directly across the middle of the circles from 
 north to south ; and this is again crossed in the centre by 
 Another street running due east and west. In the centre 
 of the circle, at the point of intersection of these streets, 
 
OF OHIO. 241 
 
 is erected an elegant brick octagonal courthouse, 55 feet 
 in diameter, which makes a conspicuous appearance. — 
 Near the courthouse, on the north, is a small market- 
 house ; on the southwestern side of the circle, and imme- 
 diately adjoining, is a conical hill, or eminence, over- 
 looking the whole town. 
 
 Just beneath the brow of a hill bounding the plain, on 
 the north, upon which the town is built, runs Hagar's 
 creek, a small but valuable mill stream. 
 
 Circleville, central to a great extent of fertile soil, must 
 become of importance. It has recently exhibited a rapid 
 progress. Its distance south of Columbus, is 20 miles 
 north of Chillecothe 19 miles, and west of Lancaster 20 
 miles. 
 
 Q. Can you give a description of Dayton? 
 A. Dayton is the chief town of Montgomery county, 
 and is charmingly situated on the eastern bank ^of the 
 Great Miami, just below the confluence of Mad River, 
 near where the Miami canal connects with the Miami c 
 The waters of Mad river are artificially conducted from 
 that river to the Miami, so as to afford a great number of 
 mill seats. 
 
 No town in the state possesses more extensive water 
 privileges ; which are partly occupied by a number of 
 saw mills, grist mills, cotton factories, and various sorts 
 of machinery moved by water power. 
 
 The striking increase of its prosperity is owing to its 
 being the terminating point of the Miami canal, connect- 
 ing it with Cincinnati. It is central to a rich and popu- 
 lous agricultural country, the trade of which this town 
 commands. It is expected that the canal will be continued 
 to lake Erie. 
 
 Dayton is situated 68 miles southwest from Columbus, 
 and fifty-two by land, and 67 by the canal from Cincin- 
 nati. 
 
 21 
 
242 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 4 Qi What is the situation of Athens ? 
 
 A. Athens is situated on an elevated bluff in a bend of 
 Hockhocking, in a position equally beautiful and healthy. 
 It is the county town of Athens county. It is notable as 
 the location of the Ohio University. The funds, the libra- 
 ry, and philosophical apparatus are respectable ; and it 
 promises to be an institution of great utility to the inter- 
 ests of the state. 
 
 The town of Athens is situated 52 miles northwesterly 
 from Marietta, and 160 northeasterly from Columbus. 
 
 Q,. What can you say of the Internal Improvements of 
 Ohio ? 
 
 A. The people of the state of Ohio possess in a good 
 degree the spirit of some of her sister states in this re- 
 spect ; and may in a few years vie with her competitors. 
 There are already five considerable turnpikes, besides 
 many shorter ones. The length of the first is 16 miles ; 
 of the second 48; of the third 51; of the fourth 106; this 
 connects Sandusky with Columbus. The fifth is the Mc- 
 Adamized road leading from Cincinnati to the interior. 
 The national road is McAdamized in the best possible 
 manner. 
 
 Q. What can yon say of Canals ? 
 
 A. The Grand Canal, connecting Lake Erie and the 
 Ohio passes nearly through the centre of the state from 
 Cleaveland on the lake to Portsmouth on the Ohio. It is 
 doubtless now complete, and in full operation. This won- 
 derful work of uniting the waters of the Mississippi and 
 Atlantic, has already imparted a new aspect to the coun- 
 try through which it passes, and has in many places 
 quadrupled the value of the land near its course. 
 
 The Miami canal, 67 miles in length, connects Cincin- 
 nati with Dayton. These noble and beautiful modes of 
 conveyance will soon supercede the draught of beasts of 
 
OF OHIO. 243 
 
 burden, on deep and muddy roads, in all practicable di- 
 rections. 
 
 Surveys have been made, and grants of land from the 
 General Government obtained for continuing the Dayton 
 canal to lake Erie. It traverses the counties of Scioto, 
 Pike, Ross, Pickaway, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Musk- 
 ingum, Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Stark, Cuyahoga, and 
 almost or altogether a boundary line between Medina 
 and Portage counties. The principal places on the ca- 
 nal are Akron, New Portage, Masillon, Bolivar, New Phi- 
 ladelphia, Coshocton, Newark, Bloomfield, Circleville, 
 Chillecothe, Piketon, and Portsmouth. Private property 
 iias risen from five to ten fold along its line, 
 
 LENGTH OF THE OHIO AND ERIE CANAL. 
 
 Miles. 
 Main trunk from Cleaveland to Portsmouth, 310 
 Navigable feeder from main trunk to Columbus, 1 1 
 
 do do do Granville, 6 
 
 Muskingum side-cut from the Muskingum river 
 
 at Dresden, 3 
 
 Navigable feeder from the Tuscarawas river, 3 
 
 Navigable feeder from the Walhonding river, 1 
 
 334 
 <£. Describe the Miami canal* 
 
 A. The Miami canal commences at Cincinnatti, and 
 extends northwardly along the valley of the Great Miami 
 river ; a total distance of 67 miles. It passes the town of 
 Hamilton, Middletown, Franklin, ^and Miamisburg, and 
 terminates at Dayton. It has been navigated from Day- 
 ton to the head of main street, Cincinnati, since the spring 
 of 1829. An extension of the work is now in progress 
 to be carried along the valleys of St. Mary's and Au 
 Glaize rivers, and unite with the Wabash and Erie canal 
 at Defiance : distance from Cincinnati about 190 miles.-* 
 
244 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISJ1 
 
 Thence northeastwardly along the Maumee to its mouth 
 in the western extremity of lake Erie. A grant from the 
 Udited States of 300,000 acres of land to the state, on 
 condition that the work should be prosecuted, has been 
 accepted ; the lands have been selected, sales effected to 
 the amount of $40,000, and it is expected the work will 
 be commenced within the time specified by the act of 
 Congress. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the Mahoning and Bearer ca- 
 nal ? 
 
 A. This canal is in progress, though not yet construct- 
 ed. The Ohio portion will leave Beaver county, Penn- 
 sylvania, and continue along the valley of the Mahoning 
 river to Akron, near the Portage Summit of the Ohio and 
 Erie canal; 77 miles of which will be in Ohio. 
 Describe Sandy creek and Little Beaver canal. 
 A. This canal is also in progress by a chartered com- 
 pany. It commences near the town of Bolivar, on the 
 Ohio and Erie canal in Tuscarawas county, and passes 
 along the line of Stark and Carroll counties, to the Little 
 Beaver in Columbiana county, and from thence to the 
 Ohio river. 
 
 Q. Can you describe the Railroads of Ohio ? 
 A. The Mad river and Sandusky Railroad will extend 
 from Dayton, on the Miami canal, to Sandusky, through 
 Springfield, Urbanna, Bellefontaine, Upper Sandusky, 
 Tiffin, and down the valley of the Sandusky river to lake 
 Erie. The route is remarkably favorable for locomo- 
 tive power. Length, 153 miles ; estimated cost, J 1,000 
 dollars per mile. The work was commenced in Septem- 
 ber, 1835. 
 
 The Erie and Ohio railroad is intended to be construct- 
 ed from Ashtabula on the lake, through Warren to Wells- 
 yille on the Ohio river, a distance of 90 miles. Other 
 railroads are in contemplation in this state, the most iro* 
 
 
OF OHIO. 245 
 
 portant of which is the Great Western railroad, from Bos- 
 ton, by Worcester, Springfield, and Stockbridge, through 
 New York, by Albany, Utica, and Buffalo, along the sum- 
 mit ridge, dividing the northern from the southern wa j 
 ters, through Pennsylvania and Ohio, to intersect the Wa- 
 bash and Erie canal at Lafayette, in Indiana. From thence 
 provision is" already made for it to pass to the eastern 
 boundary of Illinois, from which a company has recent* 
 \y been chartered to construct it across the state of Illi- 
 nois, by Danville, Shelbyville, Hillsborough, to Alton, on 
 the Mississippi. It must be a somewhat untoward cir- 
 cumstance that shall prevent this splendid work from be* 
 ing completed the whole length before 1850. 
 
 The project of a railroad from Cincinnati, to Charleston 
 in S. Carolina, has been entered upon with great spirit 
 in the South, and in all the states more directly concerned 
 in the enterprise. It will, most undoudtedly, be carried 
 into effect. 
 
 Q. What can be said of the Turnpikes of Ohio ? 
 
 A. The state of Ohio has incorporated a number of 
 turnpike companies, some of which have gone into opera- 
 tion. 
 
 The first is near the northeasternn corner of the state, 
 from Pierpont through Monroe and Salem townships to 
 the mouth of Conneaut creek, 16 miles long. 
 
 The second is the Trumbull and Ashtabula turnpike, 
 leading from Warren to Ashtabula, 48 miles. 
 
 The third is from the town of Wooster, through Medi- 
 na, to Cleaveland, 51 miles. 
 
 The fourth is from Columbus to Sandusky, 10G miles, 
 now in the course of construction. 
 
 Another from Cincinnati, through Lebanon and Colum- 
 bus, to Wooster, has been commenced on the McAdam- 
 ized plan, but is not completed. 
 21* 
 
246 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 A McAdamized road from Cincinnati to Chillicothe is in 
 progress. 
 
 The National Road, constructed by the General Gov- 
 ernment and transferred to the state, passes from Wheel- 
 ing through Columbus to the Indian line. 
 
 Q. lVaat are the Agricultural Productions of Ohio F 
 
 B. The agricultural productions of Ohio are such as are 
 common to the middle and eastern states. Indian corn, 
 as in other western ststes, is a staple grain, raised with 
 much ease, and in great abundance. More than 100 bu- 
 shels are produced from an acre, on the rich alluvial soils 
 of the bottom lands, though from 40 to 50 bushels per 
 acre ought to be considered an average crop. 
 
 The state generally has a fine soil for wheat, and flour 
 is produced for exportation in great quantities. 
 
 Rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, potatoes, melons, pump- 
 kins, and all manner of garden vegetables, are cultivated 
 to great perfection. 
 
 No markets in the United States are more profusely and 
 cheaply supplied with meat and vegetables, than those of 
 the large towns in Ohio. 
 
 Hemp is produced to some extent, and the choicest kinds 
 of tobacco is raised and cured in some of the counties east 
 of the Muskingum river. 
 
 Fruits of all kinds are raised in great plenty, epecial- 
 ly apples, which grow to a large- size, and are finely fla- 
 vored. 
 
 The vine and the mulberry have been introduced, and 
 with enterprise and industry, wine and silk might easily 
 be added to its ezports. 
 
 Q. Can you gire a description of the Animals, &c. of 
 Ohio? 
 
 Bears, wolves, and deer, are still found in the unsettled 
 portions of the state. The domestic animals are similar 
 
or onio. 247 
 
 to other states. Swine is one of the staple productions, 
 and Cincinnati has been denominated the " pork market 
 of the world." 1 Other towns in the west, and in Ohio, are 
 beginning to receive a share of this trade, especially along 
 the lines of the Miami, and the Erie canals. 150,000 hogs 
 have been slaughtered and prepared for market in one 
 season in Cincinnati. About 75,000 is the present esti- 
 mated number, from newspaper authority. Immense 
 droves of fat cattle are sent every autumn from the Scioto 
 valley and other parts of the state. They are driven to 
 all the markets of the east and south. 
 Q. What is the Commerce of Ohio . ; 
 
 A. By the local position of this state, the advantages 
 secured for trade, may be perceived by glancing at the 
 map. The Ohio river affords it a direct intercourse with 
 all the country in the valley of the Mississippi ; while by 
 means of lake Erie on the north, it communicates with 
 Canada and New York. 
 
 The Ohio canal completes a line of internal navigation 
 from New York to New Orleans through this state. Ohio 
 enjoys the most active commerce of all the western states. 
 The northern and eastern counties export to Montreal 
 and New York, by the lake, great quantities of agricul- 
 tural produce. But the chief of the exports are to New 
 Orleans. The articles are flour, grain, pork, bacon, lard, 
 whiskey, horses, and cattle. 
 
 Q. What are the Manufactures of the State of Ohio? 
 
 A. This state, more populous than any other in the west, 
 and possessing in many respects manufacturing capa- 
 bilities, has taken precedence of all the rest in manufac- 
 tures. 
 
 The principal factory for woollen goods is at Steuben- 
 ville. 
 
 A number of cotton factories are in the towns along the 
 river. 
 
243 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Furnaces for smelting iron ore are in operation in the 
 counties bordering on the Ohio, near the mouth of the 
 Scioto. 
 
 Glass is manufactured in several towns. 
 
 Considerable salt is made on the Muskingum below 
 Zanesville, on the Scioto, and on Yellow creek above 
 Steubenville. About half a million of bushels of it were 
 made in the state in 1830. 
 
 Cincinnati rivals Pittsburg in the number, variety and 
 extent of its manufacturing operations. 
 
 In every town and village through the state, mechanics' 
 shops are established for the manufacture of all articles of 
 ordinary use. 
 
 In 1810, the manufactures of the State amounted to 
 nearly two millions of dollars. They must now amount 
 to more than triple that sum. From a single township, 
 175 tons of cheese, worth twenty thousand dollars, were 
 ex ported in one year. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the state of Education in Ohio? 
 
 A. There is a laudable zeal to advance science and ed- 
 ucation here ; but it is a question if this and the other 
 western states have not been too fond of multiplying col- 
 leges, or small institutions so called, to the neglect of com- 
 mon schools. 
 
 Charters for eight or ten colleges and collegiate institu- 
 tions have been granted. Congress has granted 92,800 
 acres of public land to this state for colleges and acade- 
 mies. One township, (23,040 acres,) and a very valuable 
 one, has been given to the Miami University, at the Ox- 
 ford. Two townships of land, (46,080 acres,) though of 
 inferior quality, have been given to the Ohio University. 
 Academies have been established in most of the principal 
 towns. 
 
 A common school system has been established by the 
 legislature. Each township has been divided into school 
 
OF OHIO. 249 
 
 districts. Taxes are levied to the amount of three-fourths 
 of a mill upon the dollar of taxable property in the State, 
 which, with the interest accruing from the different school 
 funds already noticed, are applied towards the expenses 
 of tuition. Five school examiners are appointed in each 
 W county, by the Court of Common Pleas, who are to exam- 
 ine teachers. The Governor, in his recent message, speaks 
 of the common school system as languishing- in proportion 
 to other improvements. 
 
 Ohio University, at Athens, was founded in 1802 ; — has 
 ■an endowment of 46,080 acres of land, which yields 2,300 
 dollars annua ly. A large and elegant edifice of brick 
 was erected in 1817. Number of students about 90. 
 
 Miami University was founded in 1824, and is a flour- 
 ishing institution at Oxford, Butler county, 37 miles from 
 Cincinnati. It possesses the township of land in which 
 it is situated, and from which it receives an income of 
 about $5000. Number of students about 200. Patron- 
 ized by Presbyterians. 
 
 The Cincinnati College was incorporated in 1819, con- 
 tinued to be sustained as a classical institution for some 
 years, and then suspended operations. It has been re- 
 vived and re-organized lately, and will probably be sus- 
 tained. 
 
 Kenyon College, at Gambier, Knox county, in a central 
 part of fhe state, was established in 1828, through the efforts 
 of the Rev. Philander Chase, then Bishop of Ohio Diocess, 
 who obtained about $30,000 in England to endow it. Its 
 chief patrons were those excellent British noblemen, 
 Lords Kenyon and Gambier. It is under Episcopal ju- 
 risdiction, and has a theological department, for the edu- 
 cation of candidates for the ministry in the Episcopal 
 church. It has about 150 students. 
 
 Western Reserve College is at Hudson. It was founded! 
 
250 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 by Presbyterians and Congregationalists in 1826, and has 
 82 students in all its departments. 
 
 Franklin College is in New Athens, Harrison county, on 
 the eastern side of the state, and has about 50 students. 
 
 The Granville Literary and Theological Institute ori-„. 
 ginated under the patronage of the Baptist denomination 
 in 1831. It is designed to embrace four departments, — - 
 preparatory, English, collegiate, and theological. It is ra- 
 pidly rising, and contains more than 100 students. 
 
 Oberlin Institute has been recently established in Lor- 
 rain county, under the influence of "new measure" Pres- 
 byterians, with four departments, and has 276 students, 
 as follows : In the theological department, 35 ; collegiate, 
 37; preparatory, 31; female, 73. The citizens of Cleave- 
 land have recently contributed to it $15,000, of which six- 
 persons gave $1000 each. 
 
 The Willibough Collegiate Institute is in the lake coun. 
 try of Ohio, and has been gotten up within a few years 
 past. 
 
 The Marietta Collegiate Institute is said to be a flour « 
 ishing and respectable institution, having a large number 
 of students in various departments. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the Religion of Ohio ? 
 A. There is a vast number of religious societies, con- 
 sisting of all the known existing sects. But the„Presby- 
 terians and Methodists are the most prevalent denomina- 
 tions. The Shakers and Tunkers have establishments in 
 this state. German Lutherans are likewise considerably 
 numerous. Most people are desirous of being thought to 
 belong to some religious denomination. It is affirmed 
 by a gentleman, well known for his researches into the 
 antiquities of this state, that there is a greater number of 
 professors of religion, in proportion to the whole number 
 of the people, than in any state in the Union. There are 
 many religious societies, that have no regularly establish* 
 
OF OHIO. 251 
 
 >tors. The custom of itinerating preaching, as a 
 supply, is very prevalent. The people are generally a 
 quiet, orderly, peaceable, moral and industrious race. — 
 Suicide, excesses, murders in affray, and instances of de- 
 liberate and atrocious cruelty, are rare ; and the general 
 moral character of the people is highly respectoble. 
 Describe the Penitentiary System of Ohio. 
 This establishment, at Columbus, is a humane and effi- 
 cient one. Of the great number who have been confined 
 there, nearly half have been pardoned out. 
 Namejthe Banks of Ohio. 
 
 A. Cleaveland, Circleville, Chillicothe, Clinton, at Co- 
 lumbus, Commercial at Cincinnati, Columbia at New Lis- 
 bon, Commercial bank of Lake Erie at Cleaveland, Com- 
 mercial bank of Scioto at Portsmouth, Dayton bank, Far- 
 mers' bank of Canton, Farmers' and Mechanics' bank at 
 Steubenville, Franklin bank, Franklin bank of Columbus, 
 Hamilton bank, Geagu bank, Lancaster Ohio bank, La- 
 fayette bank, Masillon bank, Marietta bank, Muskingum 
 Nor walk, Sandusky, Urbana bank Company, Wooster, 
 Western Reserve bank, Warren. 
 Tell me something of the Revenue of this State. 
 A. From the Auditor's report to the legislature of 1836 
 the following items are extracted. The general revenue 
 is obtained from moderate taxes on landed and personal 
 property and collected by the county treasurers, — from 
 insurance, bank, and bridge companies, — from lawyers 
 and physicians, &c. Collected in 1835, by the several 
 county treasurers, 8150,080, omitting fractions : paid by 
 banks, bridges, and insurance companies, -$26,060 ; by 
 lawyers and physicians $1,598; other sources, $24,028 ; 
 making an aggregate of $201,766. The disbursements 
 are: amount of deficit for 1834, $16,622; bills redeemed 
 at the treasury for the year ending November, 1,835, $182 7 
 
2o2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 005; interest paid on school funds, $33,101, &c. amount- 
 ing to $236,369 and showing a deficit in the revenue of 
 $33,590. 
 
 Q. . What can you say of the Canal Fnnd ? 
 
 A. The amount of money arising from the sales of ML 
 ami canal lands up to the 15th of November, 1835, is 
 $310,178. This sum has been expended in the extension 
 of the canal north of Dayton. 
 
 The amount of taxes collected for canal purposes for 
 the year 1834, including tolls, sales of canal lands, school 
 lands, balance remaining in the treasury of last year, &c. 
 is $509,322. Only $38,242 of the general revenue were 
 appropriated to canal purposes, of which 35,507 dollars 
 went to pay interest on the school funds borrowed by the 
 state. 
 
 The foreign debt is $4,400,000 ; the legal interest of 
 which is $260,000 per annum. The domestic debt of the 
 state, arising from investing the different school funds 
 is $579,287 ; the interest of which amounts to $34,757, — , 
 making an aggregate annual interest paid by the State 
 on loans, of $294,757 The canal tolls for the year 1835, 
 amount to $242,357, and the receipts from the sale of 
 Ohio canal lands, $64,549, making an aggregate income to 
 the canal fund of $306,906 per annum; a sum mre than 
 sufficient to pay the interest on all loans for canal pur- 
 poses. 
 
 ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE. 
 
 Under this head the principal items of the expenditures 
 of tne state government are given. 
 Members and officers of the General Assembly „ 
 
 per annum, $43,987 
 
 Officers of government, 20,828 
 
 Keeper of the Penitentiary, U$Q9 
 
OF OHIO. 253 
 
 For New Penitentiary buildings, $46,050 
 State printing, 12,243 
 Paper and Stationery for the use of the State, 4,478 
 Certificates for wolf scalps, 2,824 
 Adjutant and Quartermaster Generals, and Bri- 
 gade Inspectors, 2,276 
 Treasurer's mileage on settlement with the Audi- 
 tor of State, 1,027 
 Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 5,700 
 Periodical works, &c. 400 
 Postage on Documents, 
 
 Reporter to Court in Bank, 300 
 Members and clerks of the Board of Equaliza- 
 tion, and articles furnished, 1,960 
 Paymaster General, Ohio Militia, 2,000 
 The extra session of the legislature on the boundary 
 line, in June, 1835, was $6,823. 
 
 LAND TAXES. 
 
 The amount of lands taxed, and the revenue arising 
 therefrom, at several different periods, are herewith given, 
 to show the progressive advance of the farming and other 
 interests of the State. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Acres. 
 
 Taxes paid. 
 
 1809 
 
 9,924,033 
 
 $63,991 87 
 
 1810 
 
 10,479,029 
 
 67,501 60 
 
 \1811 
 
 .12,134,777 
 
 170,546 74 
 
 From 1811 to 1816, the average increase of the taxes, 
 paid by the several counties, was $69,351. From 1816 
 the 1816 the state rapidly rose in the scale of prosperity 
 and the value of property. In 1820, the number of states 
 returned as taxable, exceeded a fraction of 13 millions 
 while the aggregate of taxes was $205,346. 
 
 The period of depression and embarrassment that fol- 
 22 
 
 I : 
 
254 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 lowed throughout the west, prevented property from ad- 
 vancing in Ohio. 
 
 In 1826, '27, '28, '29, '30, a considerable change in the 
 amount of property taxable took place, from a few hun- 
 dred thousands, to more than fifty millions. The total 
 value of taxable property of the state for 1835, (exclusive 
 of three counties from which returns had not been re- 
 ceived, amounts to the sum of ninety-four millions four 
 hundred and thirty-seven thousand, nine hundred and fifty 
 one dollars. 
 
 Describe the Antiquities of the State. 
 
 We have space to add but little upon this subject. The 
 most remarkable are at Worthington, Granville, Athens* 
 Marietta, Gallipolis, Paint creek, Circleville, and on the 
 Little Miami. The domestic utensils, pottery, vases, and 
 trinkets of the inhabitants who probably reared them, are 
 iound in and about the mounds. The instruments of 
 their warfare are discovered, too, and give clear indica- 
 tions that they cultivated the horrid art of shedding hu- 
 man blood. Most of the human bones, which are dug in 
 great quanties from the mounds, moulder on exposure to 
 the air. The skulls in most instances remain, and great 
 numbers are shown in the museums. They evidence a 
 surprising variety in the retreat of the facial angle of the 
 skulls. It is affirmed, that marks of iron tools are found 
 upon the wood dug up from the depths below the surface 
 of the prairies. A sword is preserved as a curiosity, 
 which is said to have been enclosed in the w T ood of the 
 root of a tree which could not have been less than 600 
 years old. We have not seen this sword, but we have 
 seen a diminutive horse shoe dug up at a depth below the 
 surface, in grading street near the mansion of Judge Bur- 
 net in Cincinnati. It was smaller than the kind of shoe 
 required for the smallest kind of asses. A number of the 
 nails was in it, and the corrosion by rust was such as might 
 
OF OHIO. 255 
 
 be expected to result from the oxidation of 500 years. 
 Many of these mounds are composed of different earths 
 from that which is found in their vicinity. It is the most 
 inexplicable of all the mysterious circumstances connect- 
 ed with these mounds, that the material of these immense 
 structures, some of which would require the labor of a 
 thousand men for some time in the erection, should have 
 been from a distance. There is no conceivable motive 
 why the earth, on which the mounds rest, should not have 
 subserved all purposes that we can imagine the builders 
 to have had in view. We know with what scrupulous 
 care the Jews threw a little of the earth of the Holy Land 
 into the graves of their friends. Possibly this transfer of 
 earth for the mounds, from a distance may have reference 
 to affecting remembrances, like those of the Jews. 
 
 "We have elsewhere described the most remarkable 
 mounds at Circleville. Engravings of its form may be 
 seen in books that treat upon this subject. 
 
 Q. What can you say of tiie History of Ohio ? 
 A. The first permanent settlement of Ohio, was made 
 at Marietta, on the 7th of April 1788, by 47 persons from 
 Massachusetts, Rhoad Island, and Connecticut. This 
 was the nucleous around which has grown up the pop- 
 ulous state of Ohio. Amongst the most active promoters 
 of the colony, were those called then the Ohio company. 
 "The nest settlement was that of Symmes, purchase, made 
 at Columbia, six miles above Cincinnati, in November 17- 
 89, by Major Stiles and 26 others, under the direction of 
 Judge Symmes. A colony of French emigrants settled 
 at Gallipolis, in 1791. In 1791 settlements were made by 
 New England emigrants at Cleaveland and Conneaut, on 
 the southern shore of Lake Erie. The intermediate coun- 
 try gradually filled up by emigration from various parts 
 of the United States. Some slight diversity exist, in dif- 
 
256 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ferent sections of the state, in manners, cuctoms, and 
 feelings, amongst the people, in accordance with the states 
 or counties from which they or their fathers emigrated. 
 These shades of character' will become blended, and the 
 next generation will be Ohioans. 
 
 In whatever aspect we contemplate this wonderful state 
 the mind is affected with surprise and pleasure. 
 
 We experience surprise, for the history of colonies af- 
 fords no similar example of colony of equal numbers, im- 
 provement and prosperity so rapidly springing from a so- 
 lid forest wilderness, with no adventitious aid, except the 
 fertility of its lands, the freedom of its institutions, and 
 the enterprising character of the American people. 
 
 The real lover of freedom, who firmly believes in the 
 strength and perpetuity of our institutions, contemplates 
 the prospect with unmingled pleasure. Ohio, all things 
 considered, and her character and institutions carefully 
 analyzed, is the most completely democratic community 
 with which we are acquainted, here, if the enemies of 
 democracy were to be credited, ought to be found the 
 most revolting effects of ferocity and misrule. Insurrec- 
 tion and anarchy, and lawless violence should be the or- 
 der of things. 
 
 This state, on the contrary, is making great exertions 
 to diffuse general education ; and there is not perhaps in 
 the world, a more peacible and orderly community, or 
 where the people are more entirely obedient to the laws 
 of the land, 
 
OF OHIO. 
 
 257 
 
 Q. What are the principal stage routes «&c. in Ohio ? 
 
 i. From Cleave- 
 larid to Cincin- 
 nati. 
 From Cleave!. to 
 
 Strongville, 
 
 Brunswick, 
 
 Medina, 
 
 Guilford, 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 "Wooster, 
 
 Londonville, 
 
 Mount Vernon, 
 
 Lunbury, 
 
 Geneva, 
 
 Biendon, 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 v 2. From Wheeling 
 Va. to Cincinna- 
 ti, via. Zanes- 
 villeand Colum- 
 bus. 
 
 Trom Wheeling 
 Va. to 
 
 St. Clairsville, 
 
 Morristown, 
 
 Fair view, 
 
 Middleburn, 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Cambridge, 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Zanesville, 
 
 Irville, 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 Newark. 
 
 Granville, 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 Franklinton. 
 
 15 
 
 7 
 7 
 6 
 
 »! 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 23 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 113 
 
 22 
 
 29 
 
 35 
 
 25 
 
 41 
 
 53 
 
 73 
 
 94 
 
 117 
 
 122 
 
 129 
 
 139 
 
 252 
 
 9 
 
 ! 
 
 9 
 
 18 J 
 
 10 
 
 28 
 
 8 
 
 36 l 
 
 6 
 
 42 
 
 8 
 
 50 
 
 12 
 
 62 
 
 12 
 
 74 
 
 11 
 
 85 
 
 7 
 
 92 
 
 S 
 
 100 
 
 8 
 
 103 
 
 2? 
 
 134 
 
 1 
 
 13? 
 
 Lawrenceville, 
 
 22 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 20 
 
 Yellow Springs, 
 
 7 
 
 Xenia, 
 
 10 
 
 Waynesville. 
 
 14 
 
 Lebanon, 
 
 10 
 
 Sharonville, 
 
 15 
 
 Reading, 
 
 4 
 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 10 
 
 3. From Wheeling 
 
 
 to Maysville, 
 
 
 Ken. 
 
 
 From Wheeli. tc 
 
 
 Zanesville, 
 
 74 
 
 Somerset, 
 
 18 
 
 Rushville? 
 
 8 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 10 
 
 Tarlton, 
 
 15 
 
 Kingston, 
 
 8 
 
 Chillicothe, 
 
 14 
 
 Bainbridge, 
 
 18 
 
 Sinking Spring, 
 
 16 
 
 TTesi Union, 
 
 23 
 
 Maysville, Ken. 
 
 18 
 
 4. From Wheeling 
 
 i 
 
 to Cincinnati, 
 
 
 via. Chillicothe. 
 
 
 From Wheeli. to 
 
 j 
 
 Zanesvile as in 
 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 
 Chillecothe as in 
 
 l 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 69 
 
 Cincinnati as in 
 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 93 
 
 22 ! 
 
258 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 
 5. From Wkeeling 
 to Cincinnati, 
 via Circlevile 
 and Lebanon. 
 From Wheeli. to 
 Zanesville, 
 Cincinnati as in 
 No. 12. 
 
 6. From Sandus- 
 ky to Cincinna- 
 ti, via. Dayton. 
 From Sandus. to 
 
 Lower Sandusky, 
 
 Fort Seneca. 
 
 Oakley, 
 
 Tymochtee, 
 
 Upper Sandusky, 
 
 Grand, 
 
 Hardin, 
 
 Bellefontaine, 
 
 West Liberty, 
 
 Urbanna, 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 Fairfield, 
 
 Dayton, 
 
 Alexandersville, 
 
 Miamisburg, 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Middletown, 
 
 Hamilton* 
 
 Carthage, 
 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 7. From Ashtabu- 
 la to Wkeeling, 
 Va. 
 From Ashtab. to 
 Jefferson, 
 Austinburg, 
 Morgan, 
 
 Mis 
 
 Mis- 
 
 74 
 
 
 161 
 
 235 
 
 28 
 
 | 
 
 9 
 
 37 
 
 6 
 
 43 
 
 12 
 
 55 
 
 9 
 
 64 
 
 10 
 
 74 
 
 16 
 
 90 
 
 20 
 
 no 
 
 10 
 
 120 
 
 10 
 
 130 
 
 13 
 
 143 
 
 13 
 
 156 
 
 10 
 
 166 
 
 7 
 
 173 
 
 3 
 
 176 
 
 7 
 
 183 
 
 6 
 
 189 
 
 ia 
 
 202 
 
 15 
 
 217 
 
 6 
 
 223 
 
 9 
 
 
 G 
 
 15 I 
 * 18 11 
 
 K a 
 
 
 Mis. 
 
 MIS. 
 
 Orwell, 
 
 11 
 
 29 
 
 Bloomfield, 
 
 5 
 
 34 
 
 Bristol ville, 
 
 4 
 
 38 
 
 Warren, 
 
 11 
 
 49 
 
 Canfield, 
 
 16 
 
 65 
 
 Columbiana, 
 
 11 
 
 76 
 
 New Lisbon, 
 
 10 
 
 86 
 
 Wellsville, 
 
 12 
 
 98 
 
 Knoxville, 
 
 8 
 
 106 
 
 Steubenville, 
 
 13 
 
 119 
 
 Wellsburg, 
 
 8 
 
 127 
 
 Wheeling Va. 
 
 16 
 
 143 
 
 8. From Sandus- 
 
 
 
 ky City to Cin- 
 
 
 
 cinnati, via. 
 
 
 
 Springfield and 
 
 
 
 Yellow Spring. 
 
 
 
 From Sand. C. to 
 
 
 
 Springfield as in 
 
 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 143 
 
 
 Cincinnati as in 
 
 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 70 
 
 213 
 
 9. From Zanes- 
 
 
 
 ville to Cleve- 
 
 
 
 land. 
 
 
 
 From Zanesv. to 
 
 
 
 Dresden, 
 
 14 
 
 
 Roscoe, 
 
 14 
 
 28 
 
 Coshocton, 
 
 I 
 
 29 
 
 Ne wcomersto wn , 
 
 ! 18 
 
 46 
 
 Gnaddenhuetten 
 
 11 
 
 57 
 
 New Philadelphia, 
 
 10 
 
 67 
 
 Zoar, 
 
 10 
 
 77 
 
 Sandyville, 
 
 4 
 
 81 
 
 Canton, 
 
 13 
 
 94 
 
 Grecntown, 
 
 10 
 
 104 
 
 Union, 
 
 4 
 
 108 
 
 Middleburg, 
 
 8 
 
 116 
 
 Talmadge, 
 
 3 
 
 119 
 

 
 Op OHIO. 
 
 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Mis. 
 
 Northampton, 
 
 6 
 
 125 
 
 Chardon, 
 
 9 
 
 Stow, 
 
 3 
 
 128 
 
 
 
 Cleveland, 
 
 28 
 
 154 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12. From Zanes- 
 ville to Cincin- 
 
 
 10. From Colum- 
 
 
 
 nati via. Leba- 
 
 
 bus to Sandus- 
 
 
 
 non. 
 
 
 kg. 
 
 From Coluaib. to 
 
 
 
 From Zanesv. to 
 
 
 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 36 
 
 Blendon, 
 
 10 
 
 17 
 
 22 
 
 45 
 
 52 
 
 61 
 
 71 
 
 83 
 
 94 f 
 
 99 
 112 
 116 ' 
 128 
 
 Circleville, 
 
 22 
 
 Genoa, 
 
 7 
 
 Williamsport, 
 
 10 
 
 Sunbury, 
 
 5 
 
 New Holland, 
 
 8 
 
 Mount Vernon, 
 
 23 
 
 Washington, 
 
 10 
 
 Fredericktown, 
 Bellville, 
 
 7 
 9 
 
 Wilmington, 
 Clarksville, 
 
 22 
 9 
 
 Mansfield, 
 
 10 
 
 Rochester, 
 
 8 
 
 Truxville, 
 Kew Haven, 
 
 12 
 11 
 
 Lebanon, 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 7 
 2.9 
 
 La Fayette, 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Nor walk 
 
 13 
 
 . 
 
 
 Milan, 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Sandusky, 
 
 12 
 
 13. From Cincin- 
 
 
 
 
 
 nati to Indian- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 opolis, via. 
 Brookvillc. 
 
 
 11. From Steur 
 
 
 
 From Cincinn. to 
 
 
 benville to Char- 
 
 
 
 Cheriot, " 
 
 7 
 
 don. 
 
 
 
 Miami, 
 
 10 
 
 From Steuben- 
 
 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 8 
 
 viile to 
 
 
 
 New Trenton, 
 
 7 
 
 Richmond, 
 
 11 
 
 
 Brookville. 
 
 11 
 
 Itocktown, 
 
 17 
 
 28 
 
 Somerset, 
 
 15 
 
 Centreville, 
 
 5 
 
 33 
 
 Rushville, 
 
 16 
 
 New Harrisburg, 
 
 7 
 
 40 
 
 Hanover,. 
 
 17 
 
 Waynesburg, 
 
 6 
 
 46 
 
 Indianopolis, 
 
 24 
 
 Canton. 
 
 12 
 
 58 
 
 
 
 Randolph, 
 
 15 
 
 73 
 
 
 
 Rootstown, 
 
 5 
 
 78 
 
 14. From Cincin- 
 
 
 Ravenna. 
 
 6 
 
 84 
 
 nati to Indian- 
 
 
 Shalersville, 
 
 5 
 
 89 
 
 opolis via. Law- 
 
 
 Mantua, 
 
 4 
 
 93 
 
 renceburg. 
 
 
 Auburn, 
 
 6 
 
 99 
 
 From Cincinn. to 
 
 
 Newbury 
 
 7 
 
 106 
 
 Cheriot, 
 
 7 
 
 259 
 
260 
 
 GEORAFGHICAL CATECI1IS3J 
 
 
 Mis 
 
 .'lis. 
 
 
 Mia. 
 
 Mi3. 
 
 Elizabethtown, 
 
 10 
 
 17 
 
 Eaton. 
 
 5 
 
 26 
 
 Hardinsburg, 
 
 O 
 
 20 
 
 Richmond, 
 
 16 
 
 42 
 
 Lawrenceburg, 
 
 2 
 
 22 
 
 Centreville, 
 
 *6 
 
 48 
 
 Manchester, 
 
 9 
 
 31 
 
 Germantown, 
 
 7 
 
 55 
 
 Napoleon, 
 
 21 
 
 52 
 
 Doublin, 
 
 4 
 
 59 
 
 Greensburg, 
 
 12 
 
 64 
 
 Lewis ville, 
 
 7 
 
 66 
 
 Shellyville, 
 
 22 
 
 86 \ 
 
 Middleton, 
 
 6 
 
 72 
 
 Indianopolis, 
 
 27 
 
 113 i 
 
 Charlottesville, 
 
 8 
 
 80 
 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
 Greenfield, 
 
 9 
 
 89 
 
 
 
 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 10 
 
 99 
 
 
 
 •. 1 
 
 Indianopolis, 
 
 12 
 
 111 
 
 15. From Cincin- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 nati to Green- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ville. 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 From Cigicirin«,t© 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Carthage, 
 Hamilton, 
 
 6 
 15 
 
 21 I 
 
 17. From Beaver 
 Pa. to Cleave- 
 land. 
 
 From Be a v. Fa. to 
 
 Griersburg, 
 
 Petersburg, 
 
 
 
 Middletovvn, 
 
 13 
 
 5£ I 
 
 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Miamisburg, 
 
 Alexandersville, 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 3 
 
 40 
 
 4 l 1 
 50 ; 
 
 57 \ 
 
 65 ! 
 
 69 
 
 75 
 81 
 
 Co 
 
 103 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 Dayton, 
 
 Little York, 
 
 Union, 
 
 West Milton, 
 
 Troy, 
 
 Piqua, 
 
 Greenville, 
 
 ? 
 8 
 4 
 6 
 6 
 2 
 25 
 
 Poland, 
 
 Boardmar., 
 
 Canfields, 
 
 Els worth. 
 
 Milton, 
 
 Palmyra, 
 
 Edinburg, 
 
 9 
 3 
 5 
 5 
 8 
 3 
 7 
 
 30 
 33 
 38 
 43 
 51 
 54 
 61 
 
 
 
 
 Bavenna, 
 
 6 
 
 67 
 
 
 
 
 Stow, 
 
 10 
 
 77 
 
 16. From Dayton 
 
 
 
 Hudson, 
 
 6 
 
 83 
 
 to Indianopolis. 
 
 
 
 Twins bun?, 
 
 4 
 
 8^ 
 
 From Dayton to 
 
 
 
 Bedford, 
 
 7 
 
 95 
 
 liberty, 
 
 7 
 
 
 Newburg, 
 
 5 
 
 ion 
 
 West Alexandria, 
 
 14 
 
 21 
 
 Cleaveland. 
 
 5 
 
 105 
 
INDIANA 
 
 Whence is the name Indiana derived ? 
 
 A. From the original tenants and owners of the land, 
 as the name indicates. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Indiana ? 
 
 A. Length 240, breadth 150 miles. Between 37° 48' 
 N. latitude, and 7° 45' and 11° west longitude. Bounded 
 north by the State of Michigan and lake Michigan, east 
 by Ohio, south by the Ohio river, which separates it from 
 Kentucky, and west by Illinois. It contains about 37,000 
 square, equal to 23,680,000 acres. 
 
 Q. What are the names of the mountains in Indiana ? 
 
 A. There are no mountains in Indiana ; the country is 
 however in some parts hilly, particularly towards the 
 Ohio river. A range of hills, called the Knobs extends 
 from the falls of the Ohio to the Wabash, and separates 
 the waters of the Ohio from those of the White river. 
 North of the Wabash, between Tippecanoe and Ouitanon, 
 the Wabash hills are found, which are rather precipitous. 
 These constitute the principal hills of Ohio. 
 
 Can you describe the rivers of Indiana ? 
 
 A. The description of the Ohio river will be found in the 
 account of the rivers of Ohio. 
 
262 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Wabash, river of the United State in Ohio, Indianna 
 and Illinois and the great northwestern constituent of the 
 Ohio river. Besides many minor streams, the Wabash is 
 composed of three main branches, Little Wabash on the 
 southwest Wabash proper in the centre, and White river 
 on the eastern side of the valley. Little Wabash rises in 
 Shelby county Illinois, interlocking sources with those of 
 Kaskaskia river, and flowing thence in a S. S. E. direc- 
 tion over Fayette, Clay, Wayne, and White counties Illi- 
 nois, falls into the main channel of the Wabash, between 
 White and Gallatin counties, about 10 miles direct course 
 above the influx of Wabash into Ohio river. 
 
 The entire course of Little Wabash is about 110 miles, 
 mean breadth of its valley 25, and area 2,750 square miles, 
 between latitude 37° 50', and 40° 30'. 
 
 Embarras river is another branch of the Wabash, the 
 whole valley of which lies in the state of Illinois, The 
 Embarras has its extreme source in Vermillion county 
 Illinois, interlocking sources with those of Vermillion, 
 Kaskaskia and Little Wabash rivers. 
 
 Flowing nearly parallel to the latter, over Edgar, Clark, 
 and Drawford counties, it falls into the Wabash 10 miles 
 below Vincennes, after a course of about 100 miles. Mean 
 width of the valley 20 miles, and area 2,000 square miles. 
 The valley of the Embarras occupies the space between 
 the higher sources of Kaskaskia, and the main Wabash. 
 In the distance of 100 miles, air measure, from the influx 
 of Embarras to that of Vermilion, the Wabash does not 
 receive a stream from the right, or from the state of Illi- 
 nois above the size of a large creek. 
 
 Vermillion river rises in the state of Illinois, to the N. 
 wards of Vermillion county, interlocking sources with 
 the Embarras and Kaskaskia, and with those of the Sang- 
 amon and Pickman branches of Illinois river. 
 
 Flowing 60 miles to the southward, it falls into the main 
 
OF INDIANA. 263 
 
 channel of the Wabash, after having traversed Vermil- 
 lion county of Illinois, and Vermillion county of Indiana. 
 Tippecanoe, as laid down by Tanner, is the extreme N. 
 ern source of the Wabash, rising at latitude 41° 30', and 
 longitude 9° west Washington City, interlocking sources 
 with those of Kankakee branch of Illinois river, and with 
 the Elkhart, or southern branch of the St. Joseph's of 
 river, of lake Michigan. Howing 70 miles, first to the S. 
 west, and thence curving south, Wabash in the northern 
 margin of La Fayette county. 
 
 The left inclined plane of the Wabash valley, is in 
 length about 330 miles, the breadth in no place extends to 
 GO, and averaging about 35 miles from the main channel ; 
 area 11,550 square miles. 
 
 Wabash proper rises on the great plateau, or table land 
 between the Ohio river and lakes Erie and Michigan, and 
 within five miles of the junction of St. Joseph's and Saint 
 Mary's rivers. 
 
 The country from which the Wabash rises, is amongst 
 the most remarkable on the earth. The constituents of 
 the Maumee, the St. Joseph rising in Michigan, and Saint 
 Mary's rising in the state of Ohio, each flow a distance of 
 70 miles, in complete accordance with the confluents of 
 Wabash ; but uniting at Fort Wayne, Allen county Indi- 
 ana, the united waters, in place of continuing what would 
 be apparently the natural course, down the channel of the 
 Wabash, turn in a directly opposite direction, and form 
 the Maumee ; this flowing northeastwardly 1 10 miles, is 
 lost in the southwestern bay of lake Erie. 
 
 The central plain is indeed so nearly a dead level, as to 
 admit but little current in the streams. That which is 
 laid down by Tanner as the main source of Wabash, ris- 
 es in Mercer and Darke counties Ohio, flowing thence N. 
 west by west, it enters Indiana, and after a course of 60 
 
264 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 miles, recieves Little river, from the central table land in 
 Allen county. 
 
 It is the sources of the latter stream, which so nearly 
 approach the junction of St. Mary's and St. Joseph's riv- 
 ers, and it is along its channel, that a canal has been pro- 
 posed to unite the Wabash and Maumee rivers. The 
 Wabash, already a navigable stream at the influx of Lit- 
 tle river, inflects a little south of west 50 miles, receiving 
 the Salamanic and Missisinewa from the southeast, Eel 
 river from the northwest. Below the influx of Eel river, 
 the main channel inflects to southwest 70 miles, receiving 
 the Tippecanoe 30 miles below the mouth of Eel river. 
 
 At the lower end of the last mentioned course, accord- 
 ing to Tanner's United State, the channel of Wabash is 
 only about 10 miles from the eastern boundary of Illinois; 
 but deflecting a very little west of south, it continues 60 
 miles entirely in Indiana, to a point between Vigo county 
 of the latter, and Clarke county of Illinois. 
 
 From hence the main channel continues a general 
 course 120 miles forming a boundary between the two 
 states, and receiving the Little Wabash from the north- 
 west, and the White river from the northeastward. 
 
 White river is the most considerable branch of Wabash 
 draining the large space between the main stream above 
 their confluence, and that part of Ohio river between the 
 mouths of Miami and Wabash. 
 
 The valley of White river, comprising an area of 11,000 
 square miles, is drained by innumerable smaller streams 
 which first unite in two branches, which again by their 
 union form White river. White river proper, or the N. 
 em branch, has its extreme source in Randolph county 
 Indiana, but almost on the western border of Darke coun- 
 ty Ohio. 
 
 Plowing thence westward 70 miles, over Randolph, Del- 
 aware and Madison counties into Hamilton county, i 
 
OF INDIANA. 265 
 
 inflects to southwest, and traverses Hamilton, Marion,. 
 Morgan, Owen, and Greene counties, thence separating 
 Daviess from Knox county, it receives the East Fork, af- 
 ter an entire course of upwards of 200 miles. 
 
 The East Fork, though not having an equal length of 
 course, drains very little, if any less surface, than the main 
 branch. 
 
 The former rises in Henry and Hancock counties, and 
 flowing a southwestern course, drains the counties of 
 Henry, Hancock, Rush, Shelby, Decatur, Bartholomew, 
 Jennings, Scott, Jackson, Monroe, Lawrence, Martin, Or- 
 ange, and part of Jefferson, Dubois, and Daviess. 
 
 It may be noticed, as a remarkable peculiarity of White 
 river, that its extreme eastern source rises within less 
 than one mile of the bank of Ohio river ; and flowing di- 
 rectly from than great stream, thus singularly turned by 
 the features of the country, its waters unite with the Wa- 
 bash, and finally with the Ohio, 160 miles in a direct line 
 from its source in Jefferson county. 
 
 A ridge of hills extends entirely over Indiana, from the 
 mouth of Great Miami to that of Wabash, across the 
 counties of Dearborn, Switzerland, Jefferson, Scott, 
 Washington, Orange, Crawford, Dubois, Spencer, War- 
 rick, Gibson, Vanderburg, and Posey. 
 
 From this ridge creeks are discharged on each side, in- 
 to the Ohio and White river respectively, the two streams 
 flowing very nearly parallel in a direction southwest by 
 west. 
 
 The entire valley of Wabash approaches the form of an 
 ellipsis, the longer axis 300 miles from the extreme south- 
 western sources of Little Wabash, to the northern foun- 
 tains of Eel river. 
 
 Its greatest breadth is 200 miles, from the sources of 
 GrahamXFork, near Madison in Jefferson county Indiana 
 
 23 
 
SOC GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 to the N. western fountains of Vermillion river, in the 
 state of Illinois, 
 
 The whole area of the valley contains about 40,000 sq, 
 miles, exceeding by a small fraction a fifth part of the su- 
 perficies of the whole Ohio valley. In fixing the relative 
 extent of the confluents of the Ohio, Wabash is the third 
 in the length of its course, and second in regard to the 
 areadrained; being in the former case, exceeded by Tem- 
 pee and Cumberland, but in thel atter by Tennessee only. 
 As a navigable channel, Wabash is a very important 
 stream. It is but slightly impeded by falls and rapids 
 and its course seems to be almost artificially drawn to 
 form a part of the line of commercial connexion between 
 the Mississippi river and Lake Erie. 
 
 Saint Joseph's, river of lake Michigan, has interlocking 
 sources with those of Eel river, branch ot Wabash ; those 
 of Saint Joseph's ofMaumee, Tiffin's of Maumee, the riv- 
 er Raisin of lake Erie, and with those of Kalamezoo 
 river of lake Michigan. 
 
 The most remote source is in Hillsdale county Michi- 
 gan, but the numerous confluents drain nearly all Branch, 
 Saint Joseph, Baso and Berrien, with part of Calhoun , 
 Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties Michigan ; and all 
 La Grange and Elkhart, with part of Saint Joseph's and 
 La Porte counties Indiana. 
 
 The various streams which contribute, to form Saint 
 Joseph's river, unite in Michigan, and the main stream in- 
 clining southwest, enters Indiana in the northeast part of 
 Elkhart county, and thence sweeping an elliptic curve 
 over the northern sections of Elkhart and Saint Joseph's * 
 counties, re-enters Michigan by a northwestern course r 
 which it maintains over Berrien county to its final en- 
 trance into lake Michigan. The Saint Joseph's river of 
 lake Michigan is a large stream in proportion to length. 
 The utmost length of the valley it drains is 110 miles. 
 
OF INDIANA. 267 
 
 whilst the mean breadth is fully 40 miles; area 4,400 sq. 
 sniles. 
 
 This valley is also amongst the finest regions of the 
 Saint Lawrence basin. In latitude it extends from 41° 
 15' to 42° 20' ; and from about 80 to 180 miles a little S. 
 of west from Detroit. 
 
 The valleys of Saint Joseph's, Kalamazoo, and Grand 
 rivers follow each other from south to north. 
 
 Elkhart, river of Indiana rising in the Putawatomie 
 country, interlocking sources with those of Tippecanoe 
 and Eel river branches of Wabash, and flowing thence 
 N. northwest enters and gives name to Elkhart county 
 within which it falls into the left side of St. Joseph's riv- 
 <er of Michigan after a comparative course of 40 miles. 
 The mouth of Elkhart river is almost exactly on longi- 
 iude 9° west of Washington City and at north latitude 
 41° 44'. 
 
 Some of the western branches of Elkhart interlock 
 £heir sources with those of Kankakee, and of course with 
 the extreme eastern tributary waters of Illinois river. 
 
 For Kankakee river, see Illinois river in the description 
 iof the state of Illinois. 
 
 <l. What can you say of the bays and harbors of this 
 .State ? 
 
 A. Very little.~^Michigan City in La Parte county sit- 
 uated at the point where the Wabash and Erie rail road 
 will unite with Michigan which opens a communication 
 between the river Wabash and the Lake ; is the only 
 place we can describe as a harbor. — This promises to be- 
 come a place of considerable importance to the state. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the face of the Country ? 
 
 A. The counties bordering on the Ohio river are hilly ; 
 — sometimes abrupt, precipitous, stony, occasionally de- 
 generating in Knobs and ravines. Commencing at the 
 mouth of White river on the Wabash, and following up 
 
 
 
268 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 that stream on its east fork, and thence along the Muska- 
 kituck, through Jennings, and Kipley counties to Law- 
 renceville, and you leave the rough and hilly portion of 
 Indiana, to the right. Much of the country we have de- 
 nominated hilly is rich, fertile land, even to the summits 
 of the hills. On all the streams are strips of rich alluvi- 
 an, of exhaustless fertility. 
 
 The interior, on the two White rivers and tributaries^ 
 is moderately undulating, tolerably rich soil, and much of 
 it heavily timbered with oaks of various species, poplar, 
 beech, sugar tree, walnut, hickory, elm and other varieties 
 common to the West. 
 
 There is much level, table land, between the streams. 
 Along the Wabash, below Terre Haute, is an undulating 
 surface, diversified with forest and prairie, with a soil of 
 middling quality, interspersed with some very rich tracts. 
 Along the Wabash and its tributaries above Terre Haute 
 the land in general is first rate, — a large portion forest., 
 interspersed with beautiful praries. 
 
 The timber consists of oaks of various species, poplar, 
 ash, walnut, chejry, elm, sugar tree, buckeye, hickory, 
 some beech, sassafras, lime, honey locust, with some cot- 
 ton wood, sycamore, hackberry and mulberry on the- 
 bottom lands. 
 
 The undergrowth is spice bush, hazel, plum, crab apple 
 hawthorn and vines. Along the northern part of the state- 
 are extensive praries and tracts of barrens, with groves 
 of various kinds of timber and skirts of burr oak. 
 
 Towards lake Michigan, and along the Kankakee and 
 St. Joseph rivers, are lakes, swamps and marshes. 
 
 Perhaps no part of the western world can show greater 
 extends of rich land in one body, than that portion of 
 White River country, of which Indianopolis is the cen- 
 tre. Judging of Indiana from travelling through the south 
 front from 12 to 20. miles from the the Ohio, we should 
 
 ~_ 
 
OF INDIANA. 
 
 269 
 
 not, probably, compare it with Ohio or Illinois. But now, 
 when the greater part of the territory is purchased of the 
 Indians, and all is surveyed, and well understood, it is 
 found that this state possesses as large a portion of first 
 rate lands, as any in the western country. With some 
 few exceptions of wide praries, the divisions of timbered 
 and prarie lands are more happily balanced, than in other 
 parts q[ the western country. Many rich prarries are 
 long and narrow, so that the whole an be taken up, 
 and timber be easily accessible by all the settlers. There 
 are hundreds of prairies only large enough for a few 
 farms. 
 
 Even in the large prairies are those beautiful islands of 
 timbered land which form such a striking feature in the 
 western prairies. The great extent of fertile land, the 
 happy distribution of rivers and springs, may be one 
 cause of the unexampled rapidity, with which this state 
 has peopled. Another reason may be, that it being a non- 
 slave holding state, and next in position beyond Ohio, it 
 was happily situated to arrest the tide of emigration, and 
 cause to settle beyond Ohio, after that state was filled. 
 
 We add a few remarks, in a single view, upon the qual- 
 ities of the soil, on the several rivers, and near the towns, 
 which we shall describe. There is a much greater pro- 
 portion of beech timber in this state than in Ohio. It is 
 clearly the principal kind of timber. This state is equal- 
 ly fertile in corn, rye, oats, barley, wheat, and the several 
 grains in general. Vast extents of the richer prairies, 
 and bottoms, are too rich for wheat, until the natural wild 
 luxuriance in the soil has been reduced by cropping. Up- 
 land rice has been attempted with success. Some of the 
 warm and sheltered valleys have yielded, in favourable 
 years, considerable crops of cotton. No country can ex- 
 ceed this in its adaptedness for rearing the finest fruits, 
 and fruit bearing shrubs. Wild berries are in many places 
 
 23* 
 
 
 
270 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 abundant ; and on some of the prairies the strawberries 
 are large and fine. It is affirmed, that in the northern 
 parts, in the low prairies* whole tracts are covered with 
 the beautiful fowl-meadow grass, of the north. It is a 
 certain fact, that wherever the Indians or the French have 
 inhabited long enough to destroy the natural prairie 
 grass, which it is well known, is soon eradicated, by 
 being pastured by the domestic animals, that surround a 
 farmer's barn, this grass is replaced by the blue grass of 
 the western country, which furnishes not only a beautiful 
 sward, but covers the earth with a mat of rich fodder, 
 not unlike the second crop Which is cut in the northern 
 state, as the most valuable kind of hay. For all the ob- 
 jects of farming, and raising grain, flour, hemp, tobacco. 
 cattle, sheep, swine, horses, and generally the articles of 
 the northern and middle states, emigrants could desire no 
 better country than may be found in Indiana. In the rich 
 bottoms in the southern parts, the reed cane, and uncom- 
 monly large ginsing are abundant. 
 
 Q. What are the minerals of Indiana ? 
 
 A. Stone coal of the best quality i& found in several 
 places. Native copper has been discovered in small 
 masses, in the northern part of the state. Iron ore is 
 also found in some places. But in general, it is a country 
 too level to be a mineral one. From the first settlement 
 of the country it has been asserted, that there is a silver 
 mine at Ouitanon. The mineral features will be noticed 
 in the description of each county. 
 
 Q. Are there any mineral or medical springs in this 
 State ? 
 
 There are salt springs in different parts of the state. 
 We do not know that any of them are worked to much 
 extent. The salt has hitherto been chiefly brought from 
 the United States' Saline, back of Shawneetown, or from 
 
 --■ 
 
CF IK DIANA. 271 
 
 the salines of Kenhawa. Medical springs are not found 
 in this state. 
 Q. Are there any caves in this state? 
 
 A. Like Alabama and Tennessee, this state abounds 
 • with subterranean wonders, in the form of caves. Many 
 of them have been explored, but few described. Not far 
 from Big Blue river, there is a large one, the entrance to 
 which is on the side of a hill, that is about 400 feet high. 
 Here are found great quantities of sulphate of magnesia, 
 or Epsom salt, and of nitre, &c. The annexed descrip- 
 tion is from the pen of Mr. Adams: 
 
 " The hill in which it is situated, is about 400 feet high 
 from the base, to the most elevated point ; and the pros- 
 pect to the south-east is exceedingly fine, commanding an 
 extensive view of the hills and valleys bordering on Big 
 Blue river. The top of the hill is covered principally 
 with oak and chestnut. The side of the south-east is 
 mantled with cedar. The entrance is about midway from 
 the base to the summit, and the surface of the cave pre- 
 serves in general about that elevation ; although I must 
 acknowledge this to be conjectural, as no experiments 
 have been made with a view to ascertain the fact. It is 
 probably owing to this middle situation of the cave, that 
 it is much drier than is common. After entering the cave 
 by an aperture 12 or 15 feet wide, and in height in one 
 place three or four feet, you descend with easy and gra« 
 dual steps into a large and spacious room, which conti- 
 nues ablut a quarter of a mile, varying in height from 8 
 to 30 feet, and iu breadth from 10 to 20. In this distance, 
 the roof is in some places arched, in others a plane, and 
 in one place it resembles the inside view of the roof of a 
 house. At the distance above named, the cave forks, but 
 the right hand fork soon terminates, while the left rises 
 by a flight of rocky stairs, nearly 10 feet high, into another 
 .story, and pursues a course at this place nearly south- 
 
272 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 east. Here the roof commences a regular arch, the height 
 of which from the floor varies from 5 to 8 feet, and the 
 width of the cave from 6 to 12 feet, which continues to 
 what is called the 'creeping-place' — from the circumstance 
 of having to crawl 10 or 12 feet into the next large room. ' 
 From this place to the pillar, a distance of about one 
 mile and a quarter, the visitor finds an alternate succes- 
 sion of large and small rooms, variously decorated ; 
 sometimes traveling on a pavement, or climbing over 
 huge piles of rocks, detached from the roof by some con- 
 vulsion of nature. The aspect of this large and stately 
 white column, as it heaves in sight "from the dim reflec- 
 tion of the torches, is grand and impressive. Visitors 
 have seldom pushed their inquiries further than 200 or 300 
 yards beyond this pillar. This column is about 15 feet in 
 diameter, from 20 to 30 feet high, and regularly reeded 
 from the top to the bottom." 
 
 Q. What are the natural productions of this State ? 
 A. See face of the country, soil, &c. In which is men- 
 tioned the principal forest trees. 
 
 Q. What is the climate of this State ? 
 A. In point of salubrity, we can do no more than re- 
 peat the remarks which have so often been found applica. 
 ble to the western country in general, and which from the 
 nature of things must apply to all countries. The high 
 and rolling regions of this State are as healthy as the 
 same kinds of land in the other parts of the United 
 States. The wet prairies, swampy lands, and tracts con- 
 tinuous to small lakes and ponds, and inundated bottoms, 
 intersected by bayous, generate fevers and ague, and au- 
 tumnal fevers, and impart a bilious tendency to all disor- 
 ders of the country. The beautiful prairies above Vin- 
 cennes on the Wabash, in the neighborhood of Fort Har- 
 rison and Tippecanoe, are found £q have some balance 
 against their fertility, beauty of appearance, and the ease 
 
 ^Mi 
 
OF INDIANA. 273 
 
 with which they are cultivated, in their insalubrity. That 
 the settlers in general, have found this State, taken as a 
 whole, favorable to health, the astonishing increase of the 
 population, bears ample testimony. 
 
 The winters are mild, compared with those of New 
 England or Pennsylvania. Winter commen ces in its se- 
 verity about Christmas, and seldom more than six weeks. 
 During this time, in most seasons, the rivers that have 
 not very rapid currents, are frozen. Though winters do 
 occur in which the Wabash cannot be crossed upon the 
 ice. 
 
 About the middle of February, the severity of winter is 
 past. In the northern parts of the state, snow sometimes, 
 though rarely, falls a foot and a half in depth. In the mid- 
 dle and southern parts it seldom falls more than six inches. 
 Peach trees are generally in blossom early in March. The 
 forest trees begin to be green from the 5th to the 15th of 
 April. Vast numbers of flowering shrubs are in full 
 flower, before they are in leaf, which gives an inexpressi- 
 ble charm to the early appearance of spring. Vegetation 
 is liable to be injured both by early and late frosts. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the Government of Indiana? 
 
 A. The constitution of Indiana was adopted on the 10th 
 of June, 1816, and contains the following essential pro- 
 visions : 
 
 Representatives shall be chosen annually, by the quali- 
 fied electors of each county respectively, on the first Mon. 
 day in August. 
 
 Senators shall be chosen for three years, on the first 
 Monday in August, by the qualified voters for represen- 
 tatives. 
 
 Qualifications for Representatives and Senators the 
 same as in Pennsylvania. 
 
 The Governor holds his office for three years, or until 
 a successor shall be chosen and qualified. He is required 
 
274 GEOGRAPHIC AX CATECHISM. 
 
 to be 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States 10 
 years, and have resided, in the state five years next pre- 
 ceding his election. He has the usual powers of govern- 
 ors of states. 
 
 The judiciary power of this state, both as to law and 
 equity, shall be vested in one supreme court, in circuit 
 courts, and such other inferior courts, as the general as- 
 sembly may, from time to time, direct and establish. 
 
 Every white male citizen ol the United States, of the 
 age of 21 years and upwards, who has resided in the 
 state one year immediately preceding such election, shall 
 be entitled to vote in the county where he resides. All 
 elections by ballot. There shall be neither slavery nor 
 involuntary servitude in this state. 
 
 The other provisions of the constitution of Indiana 
 have the ordinary features of those in other states. 
 
 Q. What can yon say of the Indians of this State ? 
 
 A. Until recently, they owned the greater part of the 
 fertile lands in this state. Most of these lands have lately 
 been purchased of them by treaty. The names of the 
 tribes, as they used to be, convey little idea of their pre- 
 sent position and numbers. Great numbers have emi- 
 grated far to the west, on White river and Arkansas. — 
 Others have strayed into Canada, as towards the sources 
 of the Mississippi, and their deserted places are rapidly 
 filling with the habitations of white men. Their names* 
 as they used to be, are Mascontins, Prankashaws, Kicka. 
 poos, Delawares, Miamies, Shawnees, Ouitanons, Eel 
 Rivers, and Pottawattomies. Their present numbers can- 
 not exceed four or five thousand souls. It is an unques- 
 tionable evidence of the fertility of the country in the 
 interior of Indiana, that it was once the seat of the most 
 dense Indian population in the western country. The 
 Indians invariably fixed in greatest numbers where the 
 soil was fertile, the country healthy, and the means of 
 
OF INDIANA. r ? 275 
 
 transport on w ater courses easy and extensive. Such 
 countries abounded in fish and game, and such was the 
 country in question. 
 
 The Indians in this country were invaded in 1791 by 
 Gen. Wilkinson. He destroyed their principal town. It 
 contained 120 houses, eighty- of which were roofed with 
 shingles. The gardens and improvements about it were 
 delightful. There was a tavern with cellars, bar, and 
 public and private rooms ; and the whole indicated no 
 small degree of order and civilization. The prophet's 
 town, destroyed by Gen. Harrison in November, 1811, 
 was a considerable place. 
 
 The Miamees possess a reservation near Logan's Port, 
 of 36 square miles of land of the finest quality. Their 
 numbers are 1,150. Beside their rich lands, they have an 
 annuity of $25,000, which, with their possessions, render 
 them wealthy. 
 
 Near the Kankakee Ponds, north of the Wabash, reside 
 the Pottawatomies, who are more numerous than the 
 Miamees. These Indians, in 1826, ceded lands to the 
 United States, for the purpose of causing a road to be 
 constructed from lake Michigan by way of Indianopolis, 
 to the Ohio. Congress confirmed the grant; and the road 
 has been laid out and rendered passable. 
 
 Q. What is the {Population of Indiana? 
 
 A. The population of the state in 1800, amounted to 
 4,875; in 1810 to 24,520 ; in 1820 to 147,178; and in 1830 
 to 343,031. The progressive population of Indiana was 
 132 per cent, during the 10 years preceding the last census. 
 
 Q. What are the Civil Divisions of Indiana ? * 
 
 A. It is divided into 69 counties. The following table 
 exhibits, at one view, the names of the counties, the date 
 of their formation, their area in square miles, their popu- 
 lation in 1830, and their seats of justice. 
 
^6 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 — 
 
 *a 
 
 Ul 
 
 »-d 
 
 J! 
 
 
 ° M 
 
 
 -. o 
 
 3 T3 
 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 3 & 
 
 P o 
 
 
 illation 1 
 1830. 
 
 SEATS OP JUSTICE. 
 
 Allen, 
 
 1823 
 
 ~720 
 
 1,000 
 
 Fort Wayne, 
 
 Bartholomew, - 
 
 1821 
 
 588 
 
 5,800 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 Boon, 
 
 1830 
 
 400 
 
 622 
 
 Lebanon > 
 
 Carroll, ~>j& ^ 
 
 1828 
 
 450 
 
 1,614 
 
 Delphi, 
 
 Cass, 
 
 1829 
 
 460 
 
 1,154 
 
 Logansport, 
 
 Clark, - 
 
 1802 
 
 400 
 
 10,719 
 
 Charlestown, 
 
 Clay, 
 
 1825 
 
 360 
 
 1,616 
 
 Bowlinggreen, 
 
 Clinton, - 
 
 1830 
 
 450 
 
 1,423 
 
 Frankfort, 
 
 Crawford, 
 
 1818 
 
 350 
 
 3,184 
 
 Fredonia, 
 
 Daviess, - 
 
 1816 
 
 460 
 
 4,512 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Dearborn, 
 
 1802 
 
 448 
 
 14,573 
 
 Lawrenceburgh. 
 
 Decatur, - 
 
 1821 
 
 400 
 
 5,854 
 
 Greens burg, . 
 
 Delaware, 
 
 1827 
 
 440 
 
 2,372 
 
 Muncytown* 
 
 Dubois, - 
 
 1817 
 
 420 
 
 1,774 
 
 Jasper, 
 
 Elkhart, - 
 
 1830 
 
 576 
 
 935 
 
 Goshen, 
 
 Fayette, - 
 
 1818 
 
 200 
 
 9,112 
 
 Connersville, 
 
 Floyd, - 
 
 1819 
 
 200 
 
 6,363 
 
 New Albany, 
 
 Fountain, 
 
 1825 
 
 400 
 
 7,644 
 
 Covington, 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 1810 
 
 400 
 
 10,199 
 
 Brookville, 
 
 Gibson, - 
 
 1813 
 
 450 
 
 5,417 
 
 Princeton, 
 
 Grant, - 
 
 1831 
 
 415 
 
 
 
 Marion, 
 
 Greene, - 
 
 1821 
 
 540 
 
 4,250 
 
 Bloomfield, 
 
 Hamilton, 
 
 1823 
 
 400 
 
 1,705 
 
 Noblesville* 
 
 Hancock, 
 
 1828 
 
 340 
 
 1,569 
 
 Greenfield, 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 1808 
 
 470 
 
 10,288 
 
 Corydon, 
 
 Hendricks, 
 
 1823 
 
 420 
 
 3,967 
 
 Danville, 
 
 Henry, - 
 
 1821 
 
 440 
 
 6,498 
 
 Newcastle, 
 
 Huntington, - 
 
 1832 
 
 400 
 
 
 
 
 Jackson, - 
 
 1815 
 
 500 
 
 4,894 
 
 Brownstown. 
 
 Jefferson, 
 
 1809 
 
 400 
 
 11,465 
 
 Madison, 
 
 Jennings, 
 
 1816 
 
 400 
 
 3,950 
 
 Vernon, 
 
 Johnson, - 
 
 1822 
 
 300 
 
 4,130 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Knox, 
 
 1802 
 
 540 
 
 6,557 
 
 Vincennes, 
 
 La Porte, 
 
 1832 
 
 420 
 
 
 
 La Porte, 
 
 La Grange, 
 
 1832 
 
 380 
 
 
 
 Mongoquinon, 
 
 Lawrence, 
 
 1818 
 
 460 
 
 9,237 
 
 Bedford, 
 
 Madison, 
 
 1823 
 
 420 
 
 2,442 
 
 Andersontown, 
 
 Marion, - 
 
 1821 
 
 440 
 
 8,181 
 
 [ndianopolis, 
 
 Martin, - 
 
 1818 
 
 340 
 
 2,010 
 
 Mount Pleasant. 
 
OF INDIANA. 
 
 277 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 TJ 
 
 
 
 So 
 
 pa 
 
 5- ■§ 
 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 3 £ 
 
 a 
 
 GO eT" 
 
 SEATS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 
 
 g 
 
 CD 
 
 • f 
 
 
 Miami, 
 
 1832 
 
 330 
 
 
 
 Miamisport, 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 1818 
 
 560 
 
 6,758 
 
 Bloomington, 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 1822 
 
 500 
 
 7,376 
 
 Crawford sville, 
 
 Morgan, 
 
 1821 
 
 530 
 
 5,579 
 
 Martinsville, 
 
 Orange, 
 
 1815 
 
 378 
 
 7,909 
 
 Paoli, 
 
 Owen, 
 
 1818 
 
 380 
 
 4,060 
 
 Spencer, 
 
 Parke, 
 
 1821 
 
 450 
 
 7,534 
 
 Rockville, 
 
 Perry, 
 
 1814 
 
 400 
 
 3,378 
 
 Rome, 
 
 Pike, - 
 
 1816 
 
 430 
 
 2,464 
 
 Petersburg, 
 
 Posey, 
 
 1814 
 
 500 
 
 6,»83 
 
 Mount Vernon, 
 
 Putnam, 
 
 1821 
 
 490 
 
 8,195 
 
 Greencastle, 
 
 Randolph, - 
 
 1818 
 
 440 
 
 3,912 
 
 Winchester, 
 
 Ripley, 
 
 1818 
 
 400 
 
 3,957 
 
 Versailles, 
 
 Rush, 
 
 1821 
 
 400 
 
 9,918 
 
 Rushville, 
 
 Scott, 
 
 1817 
 
 200 
 
 3,097 
 
 Lexington, 
 
 Shelby, 
 
 1821 
 
 430 
 
 6,294 
 
 Shelbyville, 
 
 Spencer, 
 
 1818 
 
 400 
 
 3,187 
 
 Rockport, 
 
 St. Joseph, - 
 
 1830 
 
 740 
 
 287 
 
 South Bend, 
 
 Sullivan, 
 
 1816 
 
 430 
 
 4,696 
 
 Merom, 
 
 Switzerland, 
 
 1814 
 
 300 
 
 7,111 
 
 Vevay, 
 
 Tippecanoe, 
 
 1826 
 
 500 
 
 7,161 
 
 Lafayette, 
 
 Union, 
 
 1821 
 
 224 
 
 7,957 
 
 Liberty, 
 
 Vandeburgh, 
 
 1818 
 
 225 
 
 2,610 
 
 Evansville, 
 
 Vermillion, 
 
 1823 
 
 280 
 
 5,706 
 
 New Port, 
 
 Vigo, - 
 
 1818 
 
 400 
 
 5,737 
 
 Terre Haute, 
 
 Wabash, 
 
 1832 
 
 380 
 
 
 
 
 Warren, 
 
 1828 
 
 350 
 
 2,854 
 
 William sport, 
 
 Warrick, - 
 
 1813 
 
 412 
 
 2,973 
 
 Boonville, 
 
 Washington, 
 
 1813 
 
 550 
 
 13,072 
 
 Salem, 
 
 Wayne, 
 
 1810 
 
 420 
 
 23,344 
 
 Centreville. 
 
 The total population in 1830, was 343,031. The esti- 
 mated population in the message of Gov. Noble to the 
 Legislature, December, 1835, was 600,000. 
 
 The counties in which the population has not been 
 
 24 
 
218 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 given in the foregoing table, have been formed since 
 1830. Probably other new counties, along the waters of 
 the Wabash and Kankakee, have been formed recently, 
 of which no intelligence has yet reached us. 
 
 Note. — For the want of space, we have omitted the 
 names of townships. 
 
 - Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Allen county ? 
 
 A. Allen county, Indiana, bounded E. by Paulding 
 county, Ohio ; it lies to the N. E. from Huntington coun- 
 ty, Indiana. To the W., N. and S. the bounding counties 
 uncertain. It is a square of 26 miles each side. 
 
 A canal to cross this county, and to unite the navigable 
 waters of Maumee and Wabash is in actual progress. 
 
 The streams are St. Joseph's and St. Mary's, which 
 form the Maumee of Lake Erie, navigable for small keel 
 boats — and numerous creeks. 
 
 It is generally heavy timbered ; the soil is clay ; — sandy 
 on the rivers.* 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &e. of Bartholomew 
 county ? 
 
 A. Bartholomew county, of Indiana, bounded by John- 
 son N. W., Shelby N, E., Decatur E., Jennings, S. E., 
 Jackson S., Monroe W. Length 24 miles; mean width 
 20. The slope of this county is nearly southward. 
 
 Streams— Driftwood, Clifty, Flat Rock, and Salt Creeks 
 — all mill streams. Surface level ; soil, a rich loam, mixed 
 with sand and gravel ; the western part hilly, with clay 
 soil. Minerals, limestone, coal, iron ore, red ochre. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Boone county ? 
 
 A. Boone county, of Indiana, bounded S. by Hendricks. 
 W. by Montgomery, N. by Clinton, E. by Hamilton, and 
 S. E. by Marion. Length 26, breadth 20 miles. The slope 
 is westward, and drained in that direction by Sugar and 
 
 * For seats of justice see table. page, 
 
OF INDIANA. 279 
 
 ;on creeks, and other streams flowing into Wabash 
 river. Surface level, and soil rich. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Carroll county ? 
 
 A. Carroll is bounded on the E. by Cass and Miami, 
 on the S. and S. W, by Clinton and Tippecanoe, and on 
 \. and N. W. by counties unknown. 
 
 Streams — Wabash river, Deer, Rock, and branches cf 
 Wildcat creeks. Considerable timber, some prairies, of 
 which Deer prairie is the largest and most beautiful. 
 Considerable quantities of limestone on the surface ; a 
 remarkable spring near Delphi — the water reddish. 
 
 Q. What are the bGirndaries, &c. of Cass county ? 
 
 A. Cass county, Indiana, bounded E. b}' Miami county, 
 & W. by Carroll county, on other sides boundaries un- 
 certain. As laid down in Tanner's improved map of the 
 United States, it is in length 24 miles from east to west; 
 mean breadth 18 miles. Slope very nearly due west. 
 The main stream of Wabash receives Eel river, from the 
 right at LoganspGrt, the seat of justice of this county, the 
 village standing on the point between the two rivers. 
 
 Logansport is the head of steamboat navigation of the 
 "Wabash, and termination of the w T est and east canal. 
 >S -.it-face generally level, rolling towards the rivers with 
 abrupt bluffs ; soil, near the rivers, a mixture of loam and 
 sand ; at a distance from them, fiat and clayey. Large 
 proportion forest land ; some prairies. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 
 
 A. Clark county, Indiana, bounded by Floyd S. W., 
 Washington W., Scott N., Jefferson N. E.; Ohio river 
 separating it from Oldham county, Kentucky, E. and S. 
 E., and from Jefferson county, Kentucky, S. The slope 
 of this county is almost directly south towards Ohio river. 
 Silver creek rises in Clark, and flowing south, falls into 
 Ohio river, at the lower end of the rapids at Louisville. 
 
^80 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Surface, rolling and hilly; soil, loam, mixed with sand* 
 Minerals, limestone, gypsum, water lime, marble, salt, 
 iron ore, copperas, alum. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clay county ? 
 
 A. Clay county, of Indiana, bounded S. W. by Sullivan, 
 W. and N. W. by Vigo, N. by Parke, N, E. by Putnam, 
 E. and S. E. by Owen, and S. by Greene. Length from 
 south to north, 30 miles, mean breadth 12, Slopes to the 
 southward, and is drained by Eel river, a branch of the 
 west fork of White river. Creeks flowing westward into 
 the Wabash river, rise along the western border of Clay, 
 but the body of the county is in the valley of Eel river. 
 
 The surface of this county is moderately undulating J 
 soil various, but chiefly clay and loam, and a mixture of 
 galld, in some places predominates ; but there are some 
 prairies. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Clintou county? 
 
 A. Clinton county, of Indiana, bounded by Boone S.„ 
 Tippecanoe W., Carroll N. W., Miami N. E., and 
 Hamilton county S. E. Length from east to west 24 
 miles; breadth 15. The slope of this county is nearly 
 due west, and drained by the eastern branches of Wild 
 Cat river, towards the more considerable stream of the 
 Wabash. 
 
 The surface of this county is gently undulating, or 
 level. Twelve Mile prairie extends from south-west to 
 north-east, 12 miles, and is three-fourths of a mile wide. 
 The remainder is timbered land. The soil, a rich sandy 
 loam, and exceedingly fertile. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 
 
 A. Crawford county, of Indiana, bounded by Perry S. 
 W., Dubois N. W., Orange N., Washington N. E., Harri- 
 son E., and Ohio river, separating it from Meade county, 
 Kentucky, S. Length 24, mean breadth 14 miles. The 
 
OF INDIANA. 281 
 
 is to the south, and towards Ohio river. The surface 
 very broken. 
 
 The waters of Crawford county are the Ohio and Blue 
 1 ivers, plenty of water power, and excellent springs. Sur- 
 face hi!!y and broken; in places tolerably productive; in 
 others, soil thin and rocky. It is a timbered region ; and 
 abundance of limestone. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, Sec. of Daviess county? 
 A. It is bounded on the north by Green, on the east by 
 Martin, on the south by Dubois, and Pike, and on the 
 by Knox counties. Its streams are Forks and 
 :■ river, with its tributaries, Smother's, Prairie, Veal, 
 Aikman's, and Sugar creeks. Level bottoms on the 
 rivers : sometimes inundated ; undulating on the high 
 grounds. Soil on the west Fork, sandy; much timber; 
 an extensive tract of sugar tree; some prairies. The 
 county is destitute of rock near the surface. Plenty of 
 and sandstone in the bed of West Fork of White 
 ■/, at the rapids ; plenty of coal. 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. cf Dearborn county ? 
 Dearborn county, Indiana, bounded by Switzerland 
 -., Ripley W., and Franklin N. ; again on the N. 
 E. it is bounded by Hamilton county, Ohio, and on the 
 S. E. by the Ohio river, separating.it from Boone county, 
 Kentucky. Length 27, mean breadth 15 miles. The slope 
 .is county is rather east of southeast, towards the 
 Miami and Ohio rivers. 
 
 This county is watered by tke Great Miami, White- 
 water, Loughery, Hogan's and Farmer's creeks. The 
 ice is hilly and broken, with rich, level bottom lands, 
 - n the Miami. Soil, one- fourth first rate, one-fourth second 
 rate, remainder inferior. It is a timbered region. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, «jcc. of Decatur county > 
 A. Decatur county, Indiana, bounded S. E. by Ripley, 
 S. by Jennings, S. W. by Bartholomew, N. W. by Shelby, 
 24* 
 
282 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 N. by Rush, and N. E. by Franklin. Length diagonally 
 from south-west to north-east 30 miles, mean breadth 10, 
 
 Flat Rock, Ciifty, and Sand creeks, are all good mili 
 streams. Surface, generally level — some parts undulat- 
 ing; soil, loam, with a substratum of clay; well adapted 
 to grain— timbered. Minerals, limestone, some iron ore 
 and coal. 
 
 A slip along the east border gives source to Loughery's 
 creek, flowing south-east, over Ripley and Switzerland 
 counties, into the Ohio, and. to Salt creek, entering White 
 Water branch of Great Miami ; but the body of the coun- 
 ty declines to the south-west, and is drained in that direc- 
 tion by Sand, Ciifty, and Flat Reck creeks, flowing into 
 the East Fork of White river. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Delaware county ? 
 
 A. Delaware county is bounded N. by Grant and Adams, 
 on the E. by Randolph, on the S. by Henry, and on the 
 W. by Harrison and the southern part of Grant county. 
 It is nearly 22 miles long by 20 broad. 
 
 The Mississinawa and White rivers rising in Randolph, 
 traverse Delaware in which they diverge ; the former to 
 the north-west, the latter to the west. Surface, tolerably 
 level; soil, loam, mixed with sand. Minerals, some lime- 
 stone, and granite bowlders scattered over the surface. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Dubois county ? 
 
 A. Dubois county, of Indiana, bounded X. E. by Martin 
 and the south-west part of Orange, E. by Crawford, S. E. 
 by Perry, S. by Spencer, W. by Pike, and JV. W. and N. 
 "by the East Fork of White river, separating it from Da- 
 viess. Length 24 miles, mean breadth 20. Though this 
 county bounds on the East Fork of White river, the far 
 greater part of the surface is drained by the Patoka and 
 confluent creeks, and slopes westward. Surface rolling; 
 some parts hilly and broken, — some level tracts; soil rich, 
 
OF INDIANA, 283 
 
 and sandy loam near the streams. Minerals, sand rock 
 and coal. 
 
 <J. What are the boundaries <&c. of Elkhart county ? 
 
 A. Elkhart county, of Indiana, bounded by La Grange 
 county, E., the Putawatomie territory S. E. and S., St. 
 Joseph's county W., Berrien county of Michigan N. W., 
 and Cass county of Michigan, N. E. Length from south 
 to north 26 miles, breadth 20. The south-western angle 
 gives source to the Kankakee branch of Illinois, and de- 
 clines westward, The northern part also declines west- 
 ward, but is traversed in that direction by the main 
 volume of St. Joseph river. Elkhart river, from which the 
 county derives its name, enters the southeastern angle, 
 and flowing N. N. W. falling into St. Joseph river, and 
 receiving confluents from both sides, gives a slope in that 
 direction to the body of the county. Surface, generally 
 level — a portion undulating ; soil various, but generally 
 rich ; forest and prairie, both w T et and dry. 
 
 Q. What ars the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 
 
 A. Fayette county, of Indiana, bounded by Franklin S., 
 Rush W., Henry N. W., Wayne N. E., and Union E. 
 Length from south to north, 13 miles, mean breadth 10. 
 This county is traversed by the main stream, and is chiefly 
 comprised in the valley of White river. It is also watered 
 by a small lake in the north. Surface undulating; soil on 
 the high ground clayey, and a mixture of sand ; on the bot- 
 to:n lands, a rich, sandy loam. Limestone found in masses 
 and quarries. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Floyd county ? 
 
 Floyd county, of Indiana, bounded by Harrison S. S. 
 W. and W., Washington, N. W., Clark N. E. and E., and 
 tiie Ohio river separating it from Jefferson county, Ken- 
 tucky S. E. Length 20 miles, mean breadth 15. This 
 county lies directly opposite Louisville in Kentucky. The 
 slope is southward. It is watered by the Ohio river, Sil- 
 
294 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ver creek, and some head branches of Big and Little 
 Indian creeks. Surface various — a range of knobs : east 
 of these knobs, it is gently undulating; soil inferior. 
 Minerals, shale, soft sandstone, limestone, freestone, iron 
 ore, and some traces of coal. A boiling spring is also 
 found in this county, from which is emitted an inflamma- 
 ble gas. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fountain county ? 
 A. Fountain county, of Indiana, bounded by Tippeca- 
 noe on the N. E., Montgomery E., Parke S., Wabash river 
 separating it from Vermillion, S. W., and Wabash river 
 again separating it from Warren W. and N. W. Great- 
 est length along the eastern border 30, mean breadth 16 
 miles. Slope southwestward towards the Wabash. It 
 is watered by the Wabash river, and Coal and Shawnee 
 creeks, with numerous mill sites, the water power in 
 same places being of a superior character. Surface gently 
 undulating ; soil, a black loam, mixed with sand, and ex- 
 ceedingly rich. Minerals, coal and some sandstone. 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county? 
 A. Franklin county is bounded by Dearborn S., Rip- 
 ley S. W., Decatur W., Rush N. W., Fayette and Union 
 N., and Butler county of Ohio E. Length nearly 24, 
 breadth 21 miles. This county is almost entirely com- 
 prised in the valley of W T hite Water river, the main vol- 
 ume of which traverses it from northwest to southeast. 
 The surface rather hilly. The soil in the central and 
 northern parts is black loam ; in the southwest thin and 
 clayey. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Gibson county ? 
 A. Gibson county is bounded N. by White river, sepa- 
 rating it from Knox county; N. E. and E. by Pike; S. E. 
 by Warrick; S. by Vanderburg; S. W. by Posey, and 
 VV. and N. W. by Wabash river, separating it from Wa- 
 bash county, Illinois. Greatest length from east to west 
 
OF INDIANA. 285 
 
 e>e> miles, mean breadth 16. Slope of the northern and 
 western section very nearly due west, and in that direc- 
 tion the northern part is traversed by Patoka river. The 
 southeastern angle gives source to Great Pigeon creek, a 
 confluent of Ohio river, and declines southwardly towards 
 that comparatively large recipient. The surface is rolling 
 and timbered; soil generally a sandy loam, and produc- 
 tive. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c, of Grant county ? 
 
 A. Grant county is bounded N. W. by Miami county, 
 S. by Wabash and Huntingdon counties, S. E. by Dela- 
 ware county, and S. by Madison. Breadth 18 miles, mean 
 length 20. The Mississinawa river enters near the south- 
 ern, and leaves it at the northwestern ""^ fannnrr ^ 
 the N. W., the general slope of the county being in that 
 direction. The extreme northern sources of White river 
 are, however, in the southwestern angle of this county, 
 and flow to the southwest, and from the opposite angle 
 issues a branch of Salamanic river, flowing to the north- 
 west. The surface is level ; generally heavily timbered. 
 Soil, clay and loam on the table lands, sandy on the river 
 bottoms. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 
 
 A. Greene county is bounded by Daviess S., Knox S. 
 W., Sullivan W., Clay N. W., Owen N. E., Monroe E., 
 and Lawrence S. E. It is a parellelogram. Length 30 
 miles from east to west, breadth 18. Slope a little west 
 of south, and in that direction traversed, and nearly 
 equally divided by the main stream of the Western Fork 
 of White river. Its streams are White and Eel rivers, and 
 Richland creek. Soil on the rivers is a rich loam ; on the 
 bluffs, sandy. East side is hilly and west side level. 
 White river is navigable. Minerals, lime, sandstone, coal, 
 and some iron ore. 
 
<JSG GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries? &c. of Hamilton county ? 
 
 A. Hamilton county is bounded S. E. by Hancock, S. 
 by Marion, W. by Boone, N. by Miamis and E. by Madi- 
 son. It is a square of 21 miles, each way. Slope south- 
 west, and in that direction is traversed by the mtrin stream 
 of While river, and also by Cicere, Coal, Stoney, and 
 Pall creeks. This county is as yet almost entirely forest } 
 some few prairies ; soil in some places clayey, but more 
 generally a sandy loam. Minerals, lime and some soft 
 sand rock. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Eanco:k county 
 A. Hancock county is bounded by Rush southeast, 
 Shelby south, Marion west, Hamilton northwest, Madison 
 rjprth; and Henry northeast. Length 20, mean breadth 1& 
 miles. Slope southward, and in that direction drained by 
 the northwestern sources of the Driftwood fork of White 
 river. 
 
 Watered by Blue river, Sugar and Brandy wine creeks, 
 with excellent mill sites, and well supplied with springs. 
 Surface, either level or gently undulating ; soil, a rich 
 loam, mixed with sand, heavily timbered. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hair son county ? 
 A. Harrison county is bounded by Crawford north- 
 west, Washington north, Floyd northeast, Ohio river sep- 
 arating it from Jefferson county, Kentucky, east ; and 
 Ohio river separating it from Meade county, Kentucky ^ 
 south and southwest. Slope southwest towards, and at 
 right angles nearly to, that part of Ohio river between 
 Otter creek of Kentucky, and Blue river of Indiana. 
 
 Harrison county is watered by Big and Little Indian, 
 and Buck creeks, and Blue river. Surface various,— 
 some parts hilly and broken, — some parts undulating,— 
 some parts level ; soil in the low grounds, a rich loam,— . 
 on the high grounds, calcareous and gravelly. A larg* 
 
OF INDIANA. 
 
 hart of " barrens" in the west. Minerals ; a quarry and 
 several caves of black flint, salt licks, and limestone. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hendricks county? 
 
 A. Hendricks county is bounded south by Morgan, W. 
 by Putnam, northwest by Montgomery, north by Boone, 
 and east by Marion. It is a square of 21 miles each way, 
 
 The waters are White Lick, and branches of Eel river, 
 with good mill sites. Surface gently rolling, and timbered 
 with the varieties of the Wabash country; soil, a mixture 
 of clay, loam, and sand. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Henry county ? 
 
 A. Henry county is bounded north by Delaware, on 
 the east by Wayne and Randolph, on the south by Fayette 
 and Rush, and on the west by Hancock and Madison. 
 
 Henry county is watered by Blue river, Flat 'Rock and 
 Fall creeks. Surface in some places, broken, — in most 
 parts, level ; soil, a mixture of sand with loam and clay^ 
 Plenty of springs and mill sites. Mostly timbered, but 
 several tracts of prairie. 
 
 Q. Can you describe Huntington county ? 
 
 A. Huntington is bounded by Grant county southwest^ 
 Wabash county west, and on the other sides boundaries 
 uncertain. Length from south to north 24 miles, breadth 
 fifteen. 
 
 The general slope of this county is westward, though 
 the Salamanic and Wabash proper traverse it in a north- 
 west direction, but the latter receives near the centre of 
 the county Little river from Allen county, flowing from 
 the northwest, and some smaller confluents from the 
 north. Below the junction^of the Wabash and Little ri- 
 ver, the united streams fall over rapids, at the foot of 
 which the river becomes navigable. The centre of this 
 county is about 90 miles N. northeast from Indianopolis. 
 Surface, on the rivers, level, — back, gently undulating ; 
 
288 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 soil loam and clay, with a slight mixture of sand. There 
 are several tracts of prairie, but it is generally forest land. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county ? 
 
 A. Jackson county is bounded southeast by Scott, south 
 by the south branch of White river, separating it from 
 Washington ; west by Lawrence, north by Bartholomew, 
 and east by Jennings. Length 30 miles, mean breadth, 
 twenty. 
 
 Slope southwest, and traversed by Driftwood, Indian, 
 White, Muscatatack, and Gum creeks. Surface rolling, 
 and in places hiJy ; soil clay and loam, mixed with sand. 
 In the forks of the creeks, sand predominates. On the 
 west and northwest inclined to clay. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 
 
 A. Jefferson county is bounded byOhio river, separat- 
 ing it from Gallatin county Kentucky, southeast ; Clarke 
 southwest ; Jennings northwest ; Ripley north ; and 
 Switzerland northeast. Length 25 miles, mean breadth, 
 fifteen. 
 
 The features of this county are remarkable ; though 
 bounded by the Ohio river, it is drained almost from the 
 margin of that stream by creeks, which flow directly 
 from it into the valley of White river, namely, Indian, 
 Kentucky, and Big creeks. Surface is various ; along the 
 river and creeks, it is low alluvion soil, loam mixed with 
 sand. The bottoms are bounded by precipitous bluffs, 
 with towering cliffs of limestone. The table lands are un- 
 dulating, and the soil inclined to clay. Timber various. 
 It abounds with limestone, masses of freestone, and scat- 
 tered granite bowlders. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jennings county r 
 
 A. Jennings is bounded by Jefferson county south, 
 Scott west, Jackson northwest, Bartholomew northwest, 
 Decatur north, and Ripley northeast. Length 26 miles. 
 
OP INDIANA. 289 
 
 mean breadth 20. Slope southwest. Drained by Gra- 
 ham's Fork, and the North Fork of the Muscatatack. 
 
 Surface in some parts level, in others very hilly. Soil is 
 calcareous, rich and productive. Timber of all varieties. 
 It abounds with limestone. 
 
 Describe Johnson county. 
 
 Johnson county is bounded by Bartholomew south, 
 Morgan west, Marion north, and Shelby east. Length 
 22 miles, breadth 18. 
 
 It is watered on the eastern side by Blue river, and 
 Sugar and Young's creeks ; on the western side by In- 
 diana, Crooked and Scott's creeks. Surface is gently un- 
 dulating ; soil a rich, black, sandy loam ; well timbered. 
 Minerals ; masses of freestone, and scattered granite 
 bowlders. 
 
 Describe Knox county. 
 
 Knox county occupies the lower part of the peninsula 
 between the Wabash and White rivers, opposite Wabash 
 and Lawrence counties, Illinois, and having Sullivan and 
 Greene counties on the north. Extreme length, 50 miles, 
 mean breadth 10. It has the Wabash on the west side, 
 White river south, the West Fork of White ri^er east, and 
 Maria and Duchain in the interior. Surface undulating, 
 soil, somewhat various, — a rich loam in places, — sandy 
 in other places ; some tracts of prairie, but timber predo- 
 minates. 
 
 Describe La Porte county. 
 
 Laporte county is bounded north by the lake and state 
 of Michigan, east by St. Joseph's county, south and west 
 by the Indian country. 
 
 it is watered by the Kankakee, Galena, and Trail creek* 
 at the mouth of which is Michigan city, and a harbor for 
 lake Michigan commerce. Surface, gently undulating; 
 abounds with large, rich prairies, with groves of timber, 
 
 25 
 
290 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 and lakes of clear water interspersed ; soil, a sandy loam, 
 rich and productive. 
 
 Describe La Grange county. f 
 
 La Grange is bounded by Elkhart county west; St* 
 Joseph's county, Michigan, northwest and north ; Branch 
 county, Michigan, northeast ; other boundaries uncertain. 
 Length from west to east 30 miles, mean breadth 18. 
 
 Slope northwest and west, and in that direction drain- 
 ed by Pigeon river and other confluents of St. Joseph's 
 river of lake Michigan. 
 
 Surface is gently undulating. In the northern part are 
 extensive prairies. The southern part is chiefly forest, — 
 Soil is loam and sand. 
 
 Describe Lawrence county. 1 
 Lawrence county is bounded south by Orange, Martin 
 southwest, Greene northwest, Monroe north, Jackson 
 east, and Washington southeast. It is about 22 miles 
 square. It is traversed from east to west by the main 
 volume of the south fork of White river, and is watered 
 by several creeks. Surface, generally hilly — some level 
 lands ; soil, on the water courses, sandy — back from the 
 streams, loam and clay. Limestone abundant. 
 
 Describe Madison county. 
 
 Madison county is bounded by Hancock south, Hamil- 
 ton west, Grant north, Delaware northeast, and Henry 
 southeast. Length 30 miles, breadth 18. Slope south- 
 west, and drained by the main stream and various 
 branches of White river. 
 
 The west fork of White river is navigable. The other 
 streams are Killbuck, Pipe, Lick, and Fall creeks. Sur- 
 face generally level, with some broken land near the 
 streams ; timbered with a wet prairie, 7 miles long and 
 | of a miles wide, soil, sand mixed with clay and loam, 
 
' OP INDIANA: 291 
 
 productive. Minerals; lime and freestone, marble that 
 polishes well, and some traces of iron ore. 
 Describe Marion county. 
 
 Marion county is bounded by Johnson south, Morgan 
 southwest, Hendricks west, Boone northwest, Hamilton 
 north, and Hancock east. It is a square of 20 miles each 
 way. 
 
 This county is traversed in a direction of south-south- 
 west by the main stream of White river, which divides it 
 into two not very unequal sections. The surface, every- 
 thing considered, is, perhaps, unsurpassed. Fall creek is 
 an excellent mill stream. The soil is a deep black loam 
 with a mixture of sand. Large granite bowlders are scat- 
 tered over the surface. 
 
 Describe Martin county. 
 
 Martin county is bounded on the north by Greene, 
 east by Lawrence and Orange, south by Dubois, and west 
 by Daviess. The east fork of White river passes through 
 it, and receives Lost river from the left, and Indian and 
 Flint creeks from the right. The surface on the east side 
 «f White river is broken and hilly ; the soil clay and loam 
 On the west side, it is leve], or gently undulating, with 
 portions of barrens and prairie land ; soil, clay and loam, 
 mixed with sand. Minerals: coal in large quantities, 
 lime, sand, and freestone. 
 
 Describe 3f iami county. 
 
 Miami county is bounded northeast by Wabash county, 
 southeast by Grant; Miami's territory south, Cass county 
 west, and to the north uncertain. Length from south to 
 north 30 miles, mean breadth 10. 
 
 Slope to the west, and in that direction it is traversed 
 by the main Wabash in the centre, by the Mississinawa 
 to the south, and Eel river to the north. These rivers 
 unite near its western border at Miamisport. 
 
 The Wabash and Erie canal passes through this county. 
 
292 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Surface gently undulating and beautiful, — chiefly forest, 
 and interspersed with small prairies ; soil, the richest in 
 the state, of loam, clay, and sand intermixed. 
 
 Describe the boundaries, etc. of Monroe county. 
 
 Monroe county is bounded by Lawrence S., Greene 
 southwest, Owen northwest, Morgan north, and east by- 
 counties uncertain. Length 24 miles, mean breadth 20. 
 
 The northern part slopes westward, and is drained by 
 Bean Blossom creek, a branch of White river, and the 
 southern section slopes to the southward and is drained 
 by Salt creek, a branch of the south fork of White river. 
 The waters of this county are pure springs, The sur- 
 face is hilly and undulating; soil, second rate. The mi- 
 nerals are limestone rock, and salt licks, with manufacto- 
 ries of salt. 
 
 Describe Montgomery county. 
 
 Montgomery county is bounded by Putnam south, 
 Parke southwest, Tippecanoe north, Boon east, and Hen- 
 dricks southeast. Length 24 miles, breadth 21. Slope to 
 the southwest, and in that direction is traversed by Sugar 
 and Raccoon creeks, branches of Wabash river. 
 
 The surface of this county is gently undulating; the 
 northern portion prairie, interspersed with groves, with 
 a rich soil of black loam, mixed with sand ; the middle 
 and southern portions are timbered. Excellent quarries 
 of rock in the middle, granite bowlders in the northern 
 parts. 
 
 Describe Morgan county. 
 
 Morgan county is bounded by Monroe south, Owen 
 southwest, Putnam northwest, Hendricks north, Marion 
 northeast, and Johnson east. Length 26 miles, breadth, 
 twenty-one. 
 
 This county approaching very nearly to a square, is en- 
 tered near the northeastern angle by the main stream of 
 White river, which crossing diagonally, leaves it at the 
 
OF INDIANA. ^ 293 
 
 southwestern angle, after having divided it into two not 
 very unequal sections. 
 
 The mill streams are White Lick, Sycamore, Highland, 
 and Lamb's creeks on the west side, and Crooked, Stott's, 
 Clear, and Indian creeks on the east side. Surface, gene- 
 rally rolling, — some parts hilly ; soil, calcerous and clayey 
 — on the bottoms, a rich sandy loam. Minerals, limestone, 
 and some iron ore. 
 
 Describe the boundaries, etc, of Orange county. 
 
 Orange county is bounded south by Crawford, souths 
 west by Dubois, northwest by Martin, north by Lawrence, 
 and east by Washington. It is a square of 21 miles each 
 way. 
 
 Streams : Lost river, French Lick, and Patoka. Sur* 
 face, hilly and broken, — limestone rock, — springs of wa- 
 ter, of which Half moon and French Lick are curiosi- 
 ties. On the alluvial bottoms, the soil is loamy, — on the 
 hills, calcareous, and incline I to clay. Excellent stones 
 for grit, equal to the Turkey oil stones, are found in this 
 county. 
 
 i/% Describe the boundaries, etc. of Owen county. 
 
 Owen county is bounded by Dubois south, Daviess 
 west, north by Martin, and by Lawrence and Orange 
 east. It is twenty-four miles in length, and eighteen in 
 breadth. 
 
 Owen county is watered by the west fork of White 
 river, with its tributaries, Raccoon, Indian, Mill, Rattle- 
 snake, and Fish creeks. The Falls of Eel river furnish 
 the best water power in the state. 
 
 Surface rolling ; soil, in some places, a dark loam, in 
 others clayey and calcareous. Minerals: immense bodies 
 of lime rock, and some iron ore. 
 
 2.5* 
 
294 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHIS3I 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Parke county ? 
 
 A. Parke county is bounded on the north by Fountain 
 and Montgomery, east and southeast by Putnam, south 
 by Vigo and Clay, and west by Vermillion. Length and 
 breadth nearly 27 miles each. 
 
 It is watered by the Big and Little Raccoon and Sugar 
 creeks, (with excellent mill seats,) all of which enter the 
 Wabash on its western side. Surface is generally level. 
 There are some beautiful quarries, but more forest land. 
 The soil is a loam mixed with sand, and is extremely rich, 
 The minerals are lime and sandstone, coal and iron ore. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Perry county ? 
 
 A. Perry county is bounded west by Spencer, north- 
 west by Dubois, north by Crawford, and by the Ohio 
 river, separating it from Meade county, Kentucky, east ; 
 Breckenridge county, Kentucky, south, and Hancock 
 county, Kentucky, southwest. Length from south to 
 north 30 miles, mean breadth 15. Slope southward to- 
 wards Ohio river. The surface is very broken, as it com- 
 prises a part of the great buttress of Ohio river, and 
 reaches west to the dividing ridge between that stream 
 and White river. 
 
 The interior is watered by Anderson's, Bear, Poison, 
 «nd Oil creeks- All the high lands have a clayey, sterile 
 soil; the level land has a rich sandy loam. The minerals 
 are immense bodies of limestone, grindstone quarries, 
 iron ore and coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Pike county ? 
 
 A. Pike county is bounded by Warrick south, Gibson 
 west, White river separating it from Knox northwest, the 
 eastern branch of White river separating it from Daviess 
 northeast, and by Dubois county east ; mean length from 
 south to north 22 miles, mean breadth 18. The slope of 
 £his county is very nearly due west, and in that direction 
 
OF INDIANA. 295 
 
 is traversed by Patoka river. The course also of both 
 branches of White river, where they bound the county, is 
 also to the west. Patoka creek passes through the centre. 
 The surface is all forest land and undulating ; the soil in 
 the eastern part is clay and sand, in the western a rich, 
 dark loam, mixed with sand ; there is some swampy land. 
 Minerals are limestone and coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Posey county ? 
 
 A. Posey county is bounded north by Gibson, east by 
 Vanderburg, Ohio river south, separating it from Hender- 
 son and Union counties, Kentucky, by Wabash river 
 separating it from Gallatin county, Illinois, southwest, and 
 White county, Illinois, west. Greatest length from south 
 to north, 32 miles ; mean breadth 1G. Though bordered 
 on the southward by Ohio river, the slope of Posey 
 county is westward towards the Wabash river. 
 
 In the interior, are Big, Mill, and M'Fadden's creeks. 
 The surface is rolling, and all forest land. The soil is 
 sandy loam, and produces luxuriantly. The minerals, 
 are limestone and coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Putnam county ? 
 
 A. Putnam county is bounded by Owen south, Clay 
 southwest, Parke west and northwest, Montgomery north, 
 Hendricks northeast and east, and Morgan southeast. 
 Length 30 miles, breadth 20. Raccoon creek, a branch 
 flowing southwest over the northwestern angle, flows 
 thence over Parke into Wabash; but the much larger 
 section inclines to the south-southwest, and is in that di- 
 rection drained by the higher constituents of Eel river, 
 branch of the north fork of White river. 
 
 The surface is gently undulating ; soil in some places 
 calcareous and clayey, and in others a rich loam. Lime- 
 stone abounds in this county. 
 
296 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q» What are the boundaries, etc. of Randolph county * 
 
 A. Randolph county is bounded by Wayne south, 
 Henry southwest, Delaware west and northwest, Adams 
 north. Length 24, breadth 24 miles. 
 
 This county is a real table land, from which flow to the 
 northwest the higher sources of Mississinawa, branch of 
 Wabash ; the extreme source of White river rises on the 
 west border of Darke county, Ohio, and flowing west- 
 ward traverses Randolph ; and finally the whole southern 
 side gives source to, and is drained by the extreme sources 
 of White Water, branch of Great Miami. 
 
 The surface is either level or greatly undulating ; and 
 the soil a rich loam. In some places, however, it is 
 marshy. There is a small quantity of limestone, with 
 granite bowlders. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Ripley county ? 
 
 A. Ripley county is bounded by Jefferson south, Jen- 
 nings west, Decatur northwest, Franklin north, Dearborn 
 east, and Switzerland southeast. Length 27 miles, mean 
 breadth 16. The western part of this county gives source 
 to the extreme eastern branches of the south fork of 
 White river, and which flow westward ; the residue is 
 drained by Loughery and Graham's creek. Surface level, 
 forest land ; soil clay — in some parts inclined to sand, with 
 limestone abundant 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Rush county? 
 
 A. Rush county is bounded by Decatur south, Shelby 
 southwest, Hancock northwest, Henry north, Fayette 
 northeast, and Franklin southeast. Length from south to 
 north 24 miles, breadth 20. Slope southwest, and drained 
 by numerous branches of the Driftwood fork of White 
 river. The branches are Big and Little Blue rivers, Big 
 and Little Flat Rock, with excellent water power. The 
 
Of INDIANA. 297 
 
 surface is moderately rolling, and heavily timbered. The 
 soil a loam or clay, with a slight mixture of sand. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Scott county ? 
 
 A. Scott county is bounded by Clark south, Washing- 
 ton west, Jackson northwest, Jennings north, and Jeffer- 
 son northeast and east. Length 20 miles, mean width 10. 
 Slope northwest by west, and in that direction drained by 
 creeks, falling into Graham's Fork of White river. 
 
 The waters of this county are the tributaries of Mus- 
 catatack. The surface is generally rolling; some flat 
 lands, inclining to marsh; — soil is clay. The minerals 
 are limestone, iron ore, salt, sulphur, and copperas. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Shelby county ? 
 
 A. Shelby county is bounded southeast by Decatur, 
 Bartholomew south, Johnson west, Marion northwest, 
 Hancock north, and Rush east. Length from south to 
 north, 24 miles, breadth 18. Slope south-southwest, and 
 in that direction drained by different branches of Drift- 
 wood. fork of White river. 
 
 The names of the waters of this county are Big and 
 Little Blue river, Brandywine, and Sugar creeks. They 
 have good mill-seats. The surface is generally level, with 
 forest land ; the soil clay mixed with loam. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Spencer county ? 
 
 A. Spencer county is bounded west by Little Pigeon 
 river, separating it from Warrick, Dubois north, Ander- 
 son's creek east, separating it from Perry, and the Ohio 
 river separating it from Hancock county, Kentucky, 
 southeast, Daviess county, Kentucky, south, and Hender- 
 son county, Kentucky, southwest. Length from south to 
 north 32 miles, mean width 14. General slope is south- 
 ward towards Ohio river. 
 
 It is generally forest land; the soil clay mixed with 
 loam. The minerals are coal and lime, and sand-rock* 
 
298 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What aie the boundaries, etc. of St. Joseph's county ? 
 
 A. St. Joseph's county is bounded on the east by Elk* 
 hart, on the north by Michigan territory, on the west by 
 La Porte, on the south not known, Its rivers are St. Jo- 
 seph's, Kankakee, and Bobango, with some small creeks. 
 There are extensive marshes on the Kankakee, and near 
 the south bend of the St. Joseph's. These marshes are of 
 vegetable formation. The surface is in some parts level, 
 in others gently undulating. The soil a loam, — in some 
 places sand. The northwest part is chiefly prairies and 
 barrens, including the large and fertile prairies of Portage 
 and Terre Coupe. The northeastern are barrens ; the 
 southeastern forest. The minerals are granite bowlders, 
 and bog iron ore. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Sullivan connty ? 
 
 A. Sullivan county is bounded on the north by Vigo, 
 on the northeast by Clay, east by Greene, south by Knox, 
 and west by Illinois or Wabash river. Beside the Wa- 
 bash on its western boundary, there are Gurman's, Bus- 
 saron, and Turtle creeks, in the interior. The surface is 
 rolling. There are some quarries — but generally forest 
 land; some barrens. The soil of a loam and sand. Min- 
 erals lime and sand-rock, and coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Switzerland county ? 
 
 A. It is bounded on the north by Ripley and Dearborn, 
 on the east and south, bordering on Kentucky, from which 
 it is divided by the Ohio river, and on the west by Jeffer- 
 son. Beside the Ohio on the east and south, it has Plum, 
 Indian, Bryant's, Turtle, and Grant's creeks, in the inte- 
 rior. The surface is various, — bottom lands level and 
 rich; then a range of precipitous bluffs, with cliffs of lime-, 
 stone. The table land rolling, with a calcareous and 
 clayey soil. At Vevay are extensive vineyards. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Tippecanoe county i 1 
 
 A. Tippecanoe county is bounded northeast by Carroll, 
 
OF INDIANA. 299 
 
 Clinton east, Montgomery south, Fountain southwest, 
 Warren west and northwest; northern boundaries un- 
 certain. Length from south to north 24, breadth 21 miles. 
 The main stream of the Wabash in a southwest direction 
 traverses this county, leaving about one-third of the sur- 
 face on the northwest or right side. The residue, on the 
 left side of Wabash, slopes northward towards that river, 
 The Wabash affords navigation, — and the other streams, 
 namely, Wildcat, Wea, Burnett's, and Mill Branch creeks, 
 most excellent mill sites. The surface is gently undulat- 
 ing — with extensive level tracts, and consists of one-half 
 prairie, one-eighth barrens, and the remainder heavy for- 
 est land. The prairie soil is a rich, black loam — the bar- 
 rens cold, wet clay ; the forest is a very rich loam and 
 sand. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Union county ? 
 
 A. Union, one of the eastern counties of Indiana, is 
 bounded by Franklin south, Fayette west, Wayne north, 
 Preble county, Ohio, northeast and east, and Butler 
 county, Ohio, south. Length 14 miles, breadth 11. Slope 
 southward, and traversed and drained by White Water 
 river. Florman's, Riceland, and Silver creeks, tributaries 
 of White Water river, all furnish excellent mill sites. 
 The surface moderately rolling ; the soil a dark loam. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vanderburg county ? 
 
 A. Vanderburg county is bounded west by Posey, Gib- 
 son north, Warwick east, and the Ohio river south, sepa- 
 rating it from Henderson county, Kentucky. Area 225 
 square miles. Slope southwestward, and drained into 
 the Ohio and Wabash rivers. The surface very hilly, and 
 quite rocky, but soil fertile. Minerals, lime and sand- 
 stone, salines, and a mineral spring. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vermillion county ? 
 
 A. Vermillion county is bounded by Warren county 
 north, Wabash river separating it from Fountain county 
 
300 GEOGAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 northeast* and Parke southeast ; it has Vigo county south, 
 Edgar county, Illinois, southwest, and Vermillion county, 
 Illinois, northwest. Slope eastward towards Wabash 
 river, and in that direction it is drained by Vermillion 
 river, and numerous other streams. Length from south 
 to north 38 miles, mean breadth 8. Surface high, rolling 
 land, with abrupt bluffs near the streams ; a good propor- 
 tion of prairie and timber. Soil, rich, sandy loam, and 
 very productive. Minerals, freestone and limestone, and 
 large coal banks. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Vigo county ? 
 
 A. Vigo county is bounded by Vermillion county, In- 
 diana, north, Parke northeast, Clay east, Sullivan south » 
 Wabash river, separating it in part from Clarke county* 
 Illinois, southwest. Length from south to north 26, breadth 
 18 miles. The northwestern part is traversed by the 
 Wabash river ; the general slope south-southwest. 
 
 The mill streams are Prairie, Honey, Otter, and Sugar 
 creeks, but their waters fail in a dry season. Surface 
 level, or gently undulating, with forest and prairies ; soil, 
 rich loam and sand — first rate. Minerals, gray limestone, 
 freestone, and inexhaustible beds of coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Wabash county ) 
 
 A. Wabash county is bounded on the west by Miami, 
 on the south by Miami and Grant, on the east by Hunt- 
 ington, north uncertain. The Wabash river, and West 
 and East canal, pass through it, as does the Missisinawa, 
 Eel, Bluegrass, and Salamanic. Surface, wide, rich bot- 
 toms on the streams,— bluffs and ravines adjoining — table 
 lands further back, either dry and rolling, or flat and wet, 
 and abound with willow swamps. Limestone rock abun- 
 dant, and many excellent springs of pure water. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Warren county ? 
 
 A. Warren county is bounded by the Indian country 
 northwest, Tippecanoe county northeast, Wabash river 
 
OF INDIANA. 301 
 
 separating it from Fountain southeast, Vermillion county 
 southwest, and Vermillion county, Illinois, west. Great- 
 est length, as laid down by Tanner, 26 miles, mean 
 breadth 18. The slope of this county is to the southeast 
 towards the Wabash. 
 
 On the southeast border, the Wabash for thirty miles 
 is navigable for steamboats. The interior streams are 
 Rock, Redwood, and Big and Little Pine creeks ; all of 
 which afford good mill sites. There are some pine and 
 cedar timber. The surface is generally level, with broken 
 land on the bluffs of creeks ; — some forest, but the largest 
 proportion prairie. The soil, a rich and very fertile loam. 
 The minerals are lime and excellent freestone for build- 
 ing purposes, coal, iron, lead and copper, with several 
 old " diggings," and furnaces, where both copper and 
 lead ore have been smelted in early timesj 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Warrick county ? 
 
 A. Warrick county is bounded by Vanderburg west,- 
 Gibson northwest, Pike north, Dubois northeast, Spencer 
 east and southeast, and Ohio river separating it from 
 Henderson county, Kentucky, south. Length 25 miles, 
 mean width 13. The northern boundary of this county 
 is on the table land between the vaLies of Ohio river and 
 the Patoka, a branch of the Wabash; but nearly the 
 whole of its surface slopes southwardly towards the for- 
 mer river. Surface hilly, but soil productive. The min- 
 erals are quarries of freestone, some limestone, and inex- 
 haustible beds of coal. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, *fcc. of Washington county ? 
 
 A. Washington county is bounded south by Harrison, 
 southwest by Crawford, west by Orange, northwest by 
 Lawrence, north by the East Fork of White river, sepa- 
 rating it from Jackson, northeast by Scott, east by Clark, 
 and southeast by Floyd. Length from east to west 26 
 miles, mean breadth 20. 
 
 26 
 
302 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 This county extends southwardly from the bank of ill 
 East Branch of White river, over the table land between 
 that stream and the Ohio river. Blue river, a small con- 
 fluent of the Ohio, rises in and drains the southern part, 
 whilst from the western flow small creeks intg the East 
 Fork of White river. Surface broken, hilly, and soil fer- 
 tile. Substratums of limestone, caves, hollows, and sink- 
 holes. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Wayne county ? 
 
 A. Wayne county is bounded south by Union, Fayette 
 southwest, Henry west, Randolph north, Darke county. 
 Ohio, northeast, and Preble county, Ohio, southeast. It 
 is very near a square of 20 miles. Slope southward, and 
 drained by the higher branches of White Water river, a 
 confluent of Great Miami river. The surface is mode- 
 rately hilly, with heavy forest land ; the soil a rich loam. 
 Minerals, generally limestone, which is excellent for 
 buildings. 
 
 Describe the Chief Towns of Indiana. 
 
 The tabular view of county towns presents the names 
 of the most considerable villages in this state. To men- 
 tion, in detail, all that have really attained some degree 
 of consequence, would only furnish a barren catalogue of 
 names. We will therefore only mention the chief of those 
 on the Ohio, in descending order, beginning with Law- 
 renceburgh, on the southeastern angle of the state. 
 
 LAWRENCEBURGH is the seat of justice for the 
 county of Dearborne, it stands on the north bank of the 
 Ohio, 23 miles below Cincinnati, and two miles below tne 
 Big Miami, the eastern limit of the state. It is in the cen- 
 tre of a rich bottom. The ancient village was built on 
 the first bottom, which was frequently exposed to inun- 
 dation. The floods, instead of creating disease, wash the 
 surface of the earth, carry off vegetable and animal mat* 
 
OF INDIANA. 303 
 
 ier, and are supposed to be rather conducive to health 
 than otherwise. The old town, built on the first bank, 
 had been stationary for many years. New Lawrence- 
 burgh has been recently built on the second bank, and 
 on on elevated ground, formed by the bank of Tanner's 
 creek. Since the commencement of this town, few plaees 
 have made more rapid progress. Many of the new houses 
 are handsome ; and some of them make a handsome show 
 from the river. It has a number of respectable commenc- 
 ing manufactories, and promises to be a large town. It 
 contains 14,573 inhabitants. 
 
 AUPcORA, is a new village, at the mouth of Hogan 
 creek, four miles below, on the Ohio. It contains between 
 60 and 70 dwellings. 
 
 Rising Sun, 13 miles below Lawrenceburgh, occupies 
 a beautiful position on the Ohio, and is a village something 
 larger than Aurora. 
 
 VEVAY, the seat of justice for Switzerland county, is 
 situated eight miles above the Point, opposite the mouth 
 of Kentucky river, and 45 miles below Cincinnati. It 
 contains between 200 and 300 houses, a court house, jail, 
 academy, printing offices, from which issues a weekly 
 journal. A branch of the bank of Indiana, and some 
 other public buildings. This interesting town was com- 
 menced in 1804, by thirty Swiss emigrants, to whom the 
 United States made a grant, under favorable stipulations, 
 of a considerable tract of land, to patronize the cultiva- 
 tion of the vine. 
 
 The patriarch of this colony was a Swiss gentleman 
 of the name ol J. J. Dufour, who continued an intelligent 
 friend to the town. The colony soon received considera- 
 ble accessions from the mountains ot Switzerland. 
 
304 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM, 
 
 Defour, Morerod, Bettens, Siebenthal, and others, com- 
 menced the cultivation of the grape on a large scale. 
 
 This cultivation has gone on, steadily increasing. An 
 hundred experiments have been since commenced in dif- 
 ferent points of the west. But this still remains the largest 
 vineyard in the United States. We have witnessed no- 
 thing in our country, in the department of gardening 
 and cultivation, which can compare with the richness of 
 this vineyard, in the autumn, when the clusters are in 
 maturity. Language but feebly paints such a spectacle. 
 The horn of plenty seems to have been emptied m the 
 production of this rich fruit. 
 
 These amiable and industrious people are constantly 
 profiting by experience. This species of agriculture al- 
 ready yields them a profit more than any other practised 
 in our country. They are the simple and interesting in- 
 habitants that we might expect, from the prepossesions of 
 early reading, to find from the vine clad l^jlls of Switzer- 
 land. They are mostly protestants, and happily com- 
 pound the vivacity of the French with the industry of the 
 Germans. Like the former, they love gaiety and dancing. 
 Like the latter, they easily fall in with the spirit of our 
 institutions, love our country and its laws, intermarry 
 with our people, and are in all respects a most amiable 
 people. 
 
 There is a number of professional men in Vevay, a 
 public library, a literary society, and many of the com- 
 forts and improvements of a thriving town. Mr. Dufour 
 has distinguished himself by agricultural productions, 
 particularly on the culture of the vine. This industrious 
 people have created some manufactures peculiar to them- 
 selves, particularly that of straw bonnets. The position 
 of the town is fortunate, in relation to the back country, 
 and the other interior large towns. 
 
OF INDIANA. 305 
 
 MADISON, the most populous, thriving, and one of 
 the pleasantest towns in the state, is situated on the Ohio 
 nearly equi-distant from Louisville and Cincinnati, and 
 was commenced in 1811. In 1829 between forty and fifty 
 brick buildings, many of them three stories high, were 
 added to the town, and the promise of future progress is 
 equally great. 
 
 ft has 25 dry goods stores, many of them transacting 
 extensive business. A line of stages passes through the 
 town. It has two printing offices, and issues a respect- 
 able weekly gazette. It has an insurance company, and 
 ■does a large business in exports of the produce of the 
 country, and is particularly noted for the quantity of pork 
 barrelled here. The town contains a population of 2,442 
 inhabitants. 
 
 JEFFERSOJWILLE is situated just above the Falls 
 of Ohio. The town of Louisville on the opposite shore* 
 and the beautiful and rich country beyond, together with 
 the broad and rapid river, forming whitening sheets and 
 cascades from shore to shore, the display of steamboats, 
 added to the high banks, the neat village, and the noble 
 woods an the north bank, unite to render the scenery of 
 this village uncommonly rich and beautiful. It is a con- 
 siderable and handsome village, with some houses that 
 have a show of magnificence. It has a land office, a 
 post office, a printing office, and some other public build- 
 ings. 
 
 One of the principal chutes of the river in low water^ 
 is near this shore, and experienced pilots, appointed by 
 the state, are always in readiness to conduct boats over 
 the falls. 
 
 CLARKESVILLE is a small village, immediately be. 
 
 low Jeffersonville. 
 
 26* 
 
 
300 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 NEW ALBANY is the seat of justice for Floyd coun- 
 ty, and four and a half miles below Jeffersonville. The 
 front street is three-quarters of a mile in length, and 
 makes a respectable appearance from the river. It has 
 a convenient ship yard for building steamboats, and is a 
 thriving and busy village. 
 
 FREDONIA, Leavenworth, Rockport, and Evansville, 
 occur as we descend the Ohio. The last is a village of 
 some consequence. It is the landing place of emigrants 
 descending the Ohio for the Wabash. It is at the mouth 
 of Big Pigeon creek, 54 miles south of Vincennes, and 45 
 above the mouth of the Wabash. Being about half way 
 between the falls of Ohio and the mouth, it is a noted 
 stopping place for steamboats. 
 
 COR YD ON, the seat of justice for the county of Harri- 
 son, was for a considerable time the political metropolis 
 of the state. It is distant 23 miles from Jeffersonville, and 
 13 from the Ohio, and is situated in the forks of Indian 
 creek. North of the town spreads an extensive region of 
 barrens, full of sink holes and limestone caves. 
 
 SALEM, on a small branch of Blue river, 34 miles N. 
 of Corydon, is a flourishing town, containing more than 
 100 houses. 
 
 Brownstown, Paoli, and Washington, are inferior coun- 
 ty towns. 
 
 The following towns occur on the Wabash, as we de- 
 scend the river : 
 
 Frenchtown. — Above Tippecanoe is the old French town 
 of Ouitanon, at the head of boatable navigation on the 
 river, in the centre of what was recently the country of 1 
 the savages. Its origin dates back nearly one hundred 
 
of Indiana. 307 
 
 fears. The inhabitants are a mixture of French and In- 
 dian blood. 
 
 Merom is on a high bluff of the Wabash, opposite La 
 Motte Prairie in Illinois, and is in the centre of rich and 
 beautiful prairies. It has peopled with great rapidity. 
 
 Tcrre Haute is situated two miles below Fort Aarrison, 
 as its name imports on a high bank of the Wabash. It is 
 a growing and important village. 
 
 Shaker Town, 15 miles above Yincennes, contains a 
 community of the industrious people called Shakers, and 
 exhibits the marks of order and neatness, that characte- 
 rize this people. 
 
 VINCENNES is, after Kaskaskia, the oldest place in 
 the western world. It was settled in 1735 by French emi- 
 grants from Canada. They fixed themselves here in a 
 beautiful, rich, and isolated spot in the midst of the de- 
 serts. For an aSe, they had little intercourse with any 
 other people than savages. Their interests, pursuits, and 
 feelings were identified with them. Their descendants 
 are reclaimed from their savage propensities; and have 
 the characteristic vivacity and politeness of the French 
 people. It is 150 miles above the mouth of the Wabash ; 
 and 54 from the nearest point of the Ohio. It has im- 
 proved rapidly of late, and contains 300 houses, a brick 
 court house and hotel, a jail, a respectable building for 
 an academy, a Roman Catholic and a Presbyterian 
 church, land office, post office, two printing offices, from 
 one of which is issued a respectable gazette, a bank, and 
 some other public buildings, and 1500 inhabitants. It is 
 situated contiguous to a beautiful prairie, 5000 acres of 
 which are cultivated as a common field, after the ancient 
 French customs. It was for a long time the seat of the 
 territorial government, and still has as much trade as any 
 
SOB GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 
 
 other place in the state. The plot of the town is level, 
 and laid off with regularity. The houses have extensive 
 gardens, crowded after the French fashion with fruit 
 trees. It is accessible for the greater part of the year by 
 steam boats ; and is a place of extensive supply of mer- 
 chandize to the interior of this state. Volney, who visited 
 this place not long after the establishment of the Federal 
 government, gives a graphic and faithful account of the 
 appearance of this place, and the adjoining country, the 
 French inhabitants, and their manners. At the same time m 
 he presents a revolting picture of the manner in which 
 the Americans treated them. Perhaps he had not learned 
 that. Vincennes had been, for a long time, a nest of sava- 
 ges, from which they had fitted out their murderous ex- 
 peditions ; and that it was natural that the Kentuckians, 
 who had suffered much from them, should retaliate upon 
 the people who had harbored them. He represents them 
 subsequently to have been cheated out of their lands by 
 the Americans, and their ignorance so profound, that 
 little more than half their number could read or write ; 
 and he avers that he could instantly distinguish them 
 when mixed with the Americans, by their meagre and 
 tanned faces, and their look of poverty and desolation. 
 However just this picture may have been in 1796, it is 
 reversed now. Most of the inhabitants have an air of 
 ease and affluence ; and Vincennes furnishes a pleasant 
 and respectable society. 
 
 HARMONY is 54 miles below Vincennes, and some- 
 thing more than 100 by water above the mouth of the 
 Wabash, on the east bank of the river, and 16 miles from 
 the nearest point of the Ohio, on a rich and heavy tim 
 bered plateau, or second bottom. It is high, healthy ^ 
 has a fertile soil, and is in the vicinity of small and rich 
 prairies, and is a pleasant and well chosen position. It 
 
 
OF INDIANA. 309 
 
 was first settled in 1814 by a religious sect of Germans, 
 denominated Harmonites. They were emigrants from 
 Germany, and settled first on Beaver creek, in Pennsylva- 
 nia. They moved in a body consisting of 800 souls, to 
 this place. Their spiritual and temporal leader was Geo. 
 Rapp, and all the lands and possessions were held in his 
 name. Their society seems to have been an intermediate 
 sect between the Shakers and Moravians. They held 
 their property in common. Their regulations were ex- 
 tremely strict and severe. In their order, neatness, indus- 
 try, and perfect subordination, they resembled the Sha- 
 kers. They soon erected from 80 to 100 large and sub- 
 stantial buildings. Their lands are laid off with the most 
 perfect regularity, and were as right angled and squared 
 as compass could make them. They were wonderfully 
 successful here, as they had been at other places, in con- 
 verting a wilderness into a garden in a short time. — 
 They had even the luxury of a botanic garden and a green 
 house. 
 
 Their great house of assembly, with its wings and ap- 
 pendages, was nearly 100 feet square. Here they lived 
 and labored in common, and in profound peace ; but from 
 some cause, their eyes were turned from the rich fields, 
 and the wide prairies, and the more southern and tempe- 
 rate clime of the Wabash towards Beaver creek, the 
 place where they had first settled. While they were under 
 the influence of these yearnings, the leader of a new sect 
 came upon them. This was no other than Robert Owen, 
 of New Lanark, in Scotland, a professed philosopher of a 
 new school, who advocated new principles, and took new 
 views of society. He denominated his theory " the social 
 system." He was opulent, and disposed to make a grand 
 experiment of his principles on the prairies of the Wa- 
 bash, and purchased the lands and village of Mr. Rapp 
 for $190,000. In a short time there were admitted to the 
 
310 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 new establishment, from seven to eight hundred persons. 
 They danced all together one night in every week, and 
 had a concert in another. The Sabbath was occupied in 
 the delivery and hearing of philosophical lectures. Two 
 of Mr. Owen's sons and Mr. M'Clure joined him from 
 Scotland. The society at New Harmony, as the place 
 was called, excited a great deal of remark in every part 
 of the United States. Great numbers of distinguished 
 men in all the walks of life wrote to the society, making 
 inquiries respecting its prospects and rules, and express- 
 ing a desire to join it at some future time. Mr. Owen 
 remained at New Harmony a little more than one year, in 
 which time he made a voyage to Europe. The 4th of 
 July, 1826, he promulgated his famous declaration of men- 
 tal independence. The society had begun to moulder 
 before this time. He has left New Harmony, and the so- 
 cial system is abandoned. It is to be hoped that this 
 beautiful village, which has been the theatre of such sin- 
 gular and opposite experiments will again flourish. 
 
 BROOKVILLE is a decaying village, in the Forks 
 of the beautiful White Water. It was noted lor the 
 number and enterprise of its mechanics and manufac- 
 tures. A number of its public and private buildings 
 are of brick, and respectable. It has grist mills, saw mills? 
 carding machines, a printing office, and numbers of the 
 common mechanic shops, where the usual articles of city 
 manufacture are made. 
 
 The surrounding country is finely timbered and water- 
 ed. The soil is rich and productive; and has acquired 
 reputation for the excellence of its tobacco. From some 
 cause, notwithstanding all these advantages, it has de- 
 clined. The number of houses exceeds one hundred. 
 
 Harrison is situated on the north shore of White 
 
 ■■■HOI 
 
OF INDIANA. 311 
 
 Water, eight miles from its mouth, eighteen northeast of 
 Brookville, and in the centre of an excellent body of land. 
 The village is divided in its jurisdiction between Ohio and 
 Indiana. In the rich and extensive bottoms that surround 
 this village, are found great numbers of Indian mounds. 
 They contain quantities of human bones, in all stages of 
 decay. Indian axes, vases, implements of war and do- 
 mestic use abound in them. In the bottom of most of 
 them are found brands, coal and ashes ; indications from 
 which antiquarians have inferred, that they were places 
 of sacrifice, and that the victims were human. 
 
 Richmond is a thriving town of 1,500 inhabitants. 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS is situated on the west bank of White 
 river, in the centre of one of the most extensive ancMfer- 
 tile bodies of land in the western world — nearly central 
 to the state, and at a point accessible by steamboats in 
 common stages of the Wabash. No river in America, 
 according to its size and extent, waters greater bodies of 
 land than White River. The country is' settling about 
 this town with unexampled rapidity. But a few years ago 
 it was a solid and deep forest, where the surprised tra- 
 veller now sees the buildings of a metropolis,|compact 
 streets, and squares of brick buildings, respectable public 
 edifices, manufactories, mechanic shops, printing offices, 
 business and bustle. 
 
 Such is the present aspect of Indianapolis, which con- 
 tains two hundred houses, and 1200 inhabitants. It will 
 probably become one of the largest towns between Cin- 
 cinnati and Mississippi. 
 
 In the recently settled parts of the state, have sprung 
 up a number of new towns, with compact streets and 
 handsome houses, within four or five years. The most 
 considerable of these are Logansport, Terre Haute, 
 
3 i 2 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Bockville, Crawfordsville and La Fayette. This last town 
 is now the head of navigation on the Wabash. 
 
 At the point designated by the Commissioners for the 
 termination of the Wabash and Erie canal, 66 miles below 
 La Fayette, is the famous battle ground of Tippecanoe, 
 at the mouth of that river. It exhibits the most beautiful 
 scenery. The breast-works of the American army are 
 still visible. The hottest point of the fight is indicated by 
 the masses of bones of the horses that were killed. Gen- 
 eral Tipton, who at the age of eighteen years distin- 
 guished himself in that battle, is the present owner of the 
 site, and has enclosed it with a view of consecrating the 
 memory of that event. 
 
 Q,. What are the Internal Improvements of Indiana ? 
 
 A. This State has entered with great spirit upon a sys- 
 tem of internal improvements. It consists of canalling, 
 improving river navigation, rail-roads, and common turn- 
 pike roads. 
 
 Give a brief description of the Canals and Railroads of 
 Indiana. 
 
 Wabash and Erie Canal. — This work will extend from 
 La Fayette, on the Wabash river, up the valley of that 
 stream, to the Maumee, and to the boundary of the Ohio; 
 distance 105 miles. The cost of construction has been 
 estimated at $1,081,970, and lands to the amount of 
 355,200 acres, have been appropriated by the genera] 
 government, the proceeds of which will be sufficient to 
 complete the canal to Fort Wayne. The middle division. 
 32 miles, was completed in July, 1835; and the remainder 
 is in active progress. Its whole distance, through a part 
 of Ohio to Maumee bay, at the west end of Lake Erie, 
 will be 187 miles. 
 
 The White Water Canal, 76 miles in length, along the 
 western branch of Whiie Water, is intended to pass 
 
OF INDIANA* 313 
 
 through Connorsville, Brookville, Somerset, and other 
 towns, to Lawrenceburgh, on the Ohio river. 
 
 Provision is made to improve the navigation of the 
 Wabash river, in conjunction with Illinois, where it con- 
 stitutes the boundary line, and, by this state alone, fur- 
 ther up. 
 
 Rail-Roads. — From Evansville, on the Ohio, to La Fay- 
 ette on the Wabash, 175 miles ; from La Fayette to Michi- 
 gan city, 90 miles ; forming a line from the Ohio river to 
 Lake Michigan, 265 miles in length; — from Madison, on 
 the Ohio, to Indianapolis, the seat of government, 85 
 miles; and several others were projected two years since. 
 But at the session of the legislature of 1835-6, a bill was 
 passed to borrow, in such instalments as should be need- 
 ed, ten millions of dollars; and a system of internal im- 
 provements, including canals, railroads, and the improve- 
 ment of river navigation, was marked out. In a few 
 years, this State will be prominent in this species of en- 
 terprise. 
 
 Synopsis of Canals surveyed by order of the Indiana 
 Legislature during the Year 1835. 
 
 La Fayette and Terre Haute division of the Wabash 
 and Erie canal. Length 90 miles ; total cost $1,067,914 70 ; 
 per mile 81 1,865 79. 
 
 Central canal, north of Indianapolis. Total length, 
 from Indianapolis via Andersontown, Pipe creek summit 
 to the Wabash and Erie canal at Wa! ash town, 103 miles 
 34 chains; total cost $1,992,224 54; per mile $17,106 51. 
 Length, via Pipe creek summit to Peru, near the mouth 
 of the Mississinawa, 114 miles 46 chains; total cost 
 $1,897,797 19; per mile 814,871 85. Length, via Pipe 
 creek summit (including lateral canal to Muncietown) to 
 Wabash town, 124 miles 51 chains; total cost $2,103,153 
 61; per mile $15,873 83. Length,^via Pipe creek summit, 
 
 27 
 
£14 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 (including lateral canal to Mimcietown) to Peru, \8& 
 miles 63 chains ; total cost $2,008,726 26 ; per mile 
 $14,793 12, Total length, from Indianapolis via Muncie- 
 town to the Wabash and Erie canal, at Peru, 131 miles 
 41 chains; total cost $2,058,929 41 ; per mlile $14,549 71. 
 
 Centra] canal, south ol Indianapolis. Total length, 
 from Indianapolis to Evansviile, 188 miles ; total cost 
 82,642,235 92; per mile $14,054 71. Route down the 
 valley of Main Pigeon. Length 194 miles ; total cost 
 $2,400,957 70 ; per mile, $12,376 02. 
 
 Terre Haute and Eel river canal, which forms a con- 
 nexion between the Wabash and Erie canal and White 
 river or Central canal. Total length 40-| miles; total 
 cost $629,631 65; which, including a feeder, is $13,540 46 
 per mile. 
 
 Wabash and Erie canal, eastern division, [east of Fort 
 Wayne]. Upper line : Length, 19 miles 30 chains ; total 
 cost $154,113 13; per mile, $7,952 17. — Lower line: total 
 length 20 miles 76^ chains; total cost $254,817 52; per 
 mile $11,158 04. 
 
 The following are the works provided for in the bill. 
 and the sums appropriated for them : 
 
 1. The White Water canal, including a lateral 
 
 canal or railroad, to connect said canal 
 
 with the Central or White river canal, $1,400,000 
 
 2. Central or White river canal, - - 3, r 00,000 
 
 3. Extension of the Wabash and Erie canal, 1,300,000 
 
 4. Madison and La Fayette railroad, - 1,300,000 
 
 5. A McAdamized turnpike road from New 
 
 Albany to Vincennes* - 1,150,000 
 
 6. Turnpike or railroad from New Albany to 
 
 Crawfordsville, - 1,300,000 
 
 7. Removing obstructions in the Wabash, - 50,000 
 
 $10,000,000 
 
 m 
 
 J 
 
OF INDIANA. 315 
 
 r The Bill gives the credit of the State to the Lawrence- 
 burgh and Indianapolis Railroad Company, for the sum of 
 500,000 dollars. 
 
 Q. What is the state of Agriculture in Indiana ? 
 
 A. It is improving rapidly, on account of the general 
 character of its lands, and the industrious and enterpris- 
 ing habits of its inhabitants, 
 
 Q. What is the state of Commerce in Indiana? 
 
 A. Special authorities cannot be obtained on the sub. 
 ject, but it is fair and promising. The rapidly increasing 
 value and importance of its lake advantages, already 
 place it in an enviable light; and in a few more years we 
 hope to see its commercial facilities put into full and effi- 
 cient requisition. These bid fair to place Indiana high in 
 the scale of commercial importance. 
 
 Q. What are the Manufactures of this State ? 
 
 A. They differ little from those of Ohio. — See Coun- 
 'Ics. 
 
 Q. What is the state of Education in Indiana? 
 
 A. The same provision of one section of land in each 
 township, or a thirty-sixth part of the public lands, has 
 been made for the encouragement of common schools, as 
 in other Western States. A law has been enacted, pro- 
 viding for common scnools, and the public mind has be- 
 come measurably awakened to the subject of education. 
 Academies have been established in several counties, and 
 a college at Bloomington, from the encouragement of 
 State funds. Other institutions are rising up, of which 
 the Hanover Institution near the Ohio river, and Wabash 
 College at Crawfordsville, promise to be nous. 
 
 Q. What are the Colleges of this Sta 
 
 A. Indiana College is a State institution, established 
 at Bloomington, and commenced operations in 1828. 
 
316 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Present number of students not known. In 1832 the 
 number exceeded 50. 
 
 Hanover College is at South Hanover, six miles below 
 the town of Madison, and near the Ohio river. It is a 
 flourishing institution, with arrangements for manual 
 labour, and is styled " South Hanover College and Indiana 
 Theological Seminary." 
 
 There are but few academies as yet in this state, but 
 there is much want of teachers felt — and the probability 
 is, that soon Indiana will have her territory abundantly 
 supplied with institutions of an enviable character as 
 several high schools are in contemplation in different 
 parts of this rapidly advancing state. 
 
 A historical society has recently been formed — the ob- 
 ject of which is, to investigate the antiquities of the coun- 
 try, and preserve the materials for the annals and history 
 of the state. A respectable library has already been 
 collected, and the society bids fair to be efficient in fur- 
 nishing documents of practical utility in furthering its 
 objects. 
 
 That spirit of regard for schools, religious societies and 
 institutions connected with them, which has so honora- 
 bly distinguished the commencing legislation of Ohio, has 
 displayed itself in this state. There are districts, no 
 doubt, where people have but just made beginnings, and 
 are more anxious about carrying on the first operations 
 of making a new establishment, than educating their 
 children. But it ought to be recorded to the honour of 
 the people, that among the first public works, in an in- 
 cipient village, is a school-house, and among the first 
 associations, that for establishing a school. Schools are 
 established in all the considerable towns and villages in 
 the state. In many of the more compact there is a read- 
 ing room, and a social library. The spirit of enquiry. 
 
 
OF INDIANA, 317 
 
 resulting from our free institutions, is pervading the 
 country ; and a thirst for all kinds of information is uni- 
 versal. This state will soon take a high stand among her 
 sister states, in point of population. It is hoped that her 
 advancement in intellectual improvement, and social and 
 religious institutions, will be in corresponding propor- 
 tion. 
 
 Q. What is the religious character of Indiana ? 
 
 A. From the following account it will be perceived that 
 her spiritual guides are numerous, and the number of 
 professing Christians extensive — which speak highly in 
 praise of the religious character of its inhabitants : 
 
 The Baptists in this state have 11 associations, 181 
 churches, 127 ministers, and 6,513 communicants. The 
 Methodists 34 preachers, and .3,794 members. The Pres- 
 byterians about 50 churches and 20 ministers. 
 
 Give a syncpsis of the Finances of Indiana. 
 
 The Indiana Gazetteer of 1533 estimates that the reve- 
 nue for state purposes amounted to about 35,000 dollars 
 annually, and for county purposes to about half that sum. 
 The aggregate receipts for 1835, according to the Gov- 
 ernor's Message, of December, 1835, amounted to 107,714 
 dollars; expenditures for the same time, 103,901 dollars. 
 
 Sales of canal lands for the same period, 175,740 dol- 
 lars. The Canal Commissioners have borrowed 605,257 
 dollars, for canal purposes, on a part of which they ob- 
 tained two per cent, premium; and on another part, as 
 high as seven per cent.; — and have also borrowed 450,000 
 dollars, bank capital, for which they received four and 
 a-half per cent, premium. Three per cent, on all sales of 
 the United States' lands, within the state, is paid by the 
 general government into the State Treasury, to be ex- 
 pended in making roads. The receipts from this source 
 in 1835, amounted to 24,398 dollars. Sales and rents of 
 saline lands, produced an income of 4,636 dollars. The 
 27* 
 
318 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 proceeds of certain lands donated by the general govern- 
 ment, towards the construction of a road from the Ohio 
 river to Lake Michigan, amounted to 33,030 dollars. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the History of Indiana? 
 
 A. This country was first explored by adventurers from 
 Canada, with a view to the Indian trade, towards the close 
 of the seventeenth century ; and the place where Vin- 
 cennes now stands, is said to have been thus early occu- 
 pied as a trading post. A company of French from Canada 
 made a settlement here in 1735. The country, in common 
 with the Western Valley, was claimed by France, until it 
 was ceded to Great Britain, at the treaty of peace in 1763. 
 under whose jurisdiction it remained, until subdued by 
 the American arms under the intrepid Gen. G. R. Clark, 
 and his gallant band, in 1779. A territorial government 
 was organized by Congress in 1787, including all the 
 country northwest of the river Ohio, which was then 
 called the Northwestern Territory. In 1802, when the 
 State of Ohio was organized, all that part of the Territory 
 lying west of a line due north from the mouth of the 
 Great Miami, was organized into the Territory of Indiana, 
 which was divided, and from which Illinois Territory was 
 formed in 1809. In June, 1816, a constitution was adopted, 
 and at the ensuing session of Congress, Indiana was made 
 a State. 
 
 In 1818, 8,500,000 acres of land were added to this state 
 by a purchase from the Indians, lying in the northern sec- 
 tion of the state. This purchase affords incalculable ad- 
 vantages to Indiana. 
 
OF ] 
 
 [NDIANA. 
 
 
 319 
 
 Table of Distances in Indiana. 
 
 
 
 g 
 
 g 
 
 | 
 
 g 
 
 g 
 
 1. From Indiana po- 
 
 S 
 
 % 
 
 a 
 
 Q* 
 
 lls to Terr e Haute. 
 
 •j. 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 Ul 
 
 To Belleville, 
 
 20 
 
 
 ', Perry sville, 
 
 15 
 
 112 
 
 Danville, 
 
 7 
 
 27 
 
 Covington, 
 
 7 
 
 119 
 
 Greencastle, 
 
 2-2 
 
 49 
 
 Portland, 
 
 7 
 
 120 
 
 Gallatin, 
 
 35 
 
 84 
 
 Attica, 
 
 7 
 
 133 
 
 Terre Haute, 
 
 12 
 
 96 
 
 ) Lafayette, 
 
 26 
 
 159 
 
 "-2. From Indianapo- 
 
 
 
 5. From Louisville, 
 
 
 
 lis to Madison. 
 
 
 
 Ken.,- to Orleans. 
 
 
 
 To Franklin, 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 Edinburg, 
 
 12 
 
 32 
 
 New Albany, In. 
 
 4 
 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 11 
 
 43 
 
 Jeffersonville, 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 Geneva, 
 
 12 
 
 55 
 
 New Providence, 
 
 18 
 
 25 
 
 Vernon, 
 
 11 
 
 66 
 
 Salem, 
 
 17 
 
 42 
 
 Lancaster. 
 
 12 
 
 78 
 
 Orleans, 
 
 20 
 
 62 
 
 Madison, 
 
 9 
 
 87 
 
 
 
 
 
 6. From Richmond 
 
 
 
 
 3. From Louisville, 
 
 
 
 to Cincinnati. 
 
 
 
 Ken. to Vincennes. 
 
 
 
 To Brownsville, 
 
 10 
 
 
 To New Albany, 
 
 4 
 
 
 Liberty, 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 Greenville, 
 
 10 
 
 14 
 
 Dunlapsville, 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 Fredericksburg, 
 
 [6 
 
 30 
 
 Fairfield, 
 
 7 
 
 27 
 
 Paoli, 
 
 17 
 
 47 
 
 Brookfield, 
 
 6 
 
 33 
 
 Hmdostan, 
 
 24 
 
 71 
 
 New Trenton, 
 
 10 
 
 43 
 
 Mount Pleasant, 
 
 4 
 
 75 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 7 
 
 50 
 
 Washington, 
 
 16 
 
 91 
 
 Cheviot, 
 
 18 
 
 68 
 
 Berryvifle, 
 
 6 
 
 97 
 
 Cincinnati, 
 
 7 
 
 75 
 
 Vincennes, 
 
 14 
 
 111 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 7. From Madison to 
 
 
 
 
 4. From Vincennes to 
 
 
 
 Terre Haute. 
 
 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 
 
 Te Lancaster, 
 
 9 
 
 
 To Carlisle, 
 
 19 
 
 
 Vernon, 
 
 12 
 
 21 
 
 Merom, 
 
 14 
 
 33 
 
 1 'Geneva, 
 
 11 
 
 32 
 
 Terre Haute, 
 
 32 
 
 65 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 12 
 
 44 
 
 Clinton, 
 
 15 
 
 80 
 
 Bloomington, 
 
 35 
 
 79 
 
 Montezuma, 
 
 8 
 
 88 
 
 Bowling Green, 
 
 41 
 
 120 
 
 Newport, 
 
 9 
 
 97 
 
 Terre Haute, 
 
 24 
 
 144 
 
120 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 8. From Brookville 
 to CentrevUle. 
 
 a s 
 
 To Blooming Grove 6 
 Connersville, 13 19 
 
 Milton, i 10] 29 
 
 Centreville, 10 39 
 
 9. FromVincennes to 
 
 Evansvillt. 
 To Princeton, ;2G 
 
 Sandersvilie, 17 
 
 Evans ville, ;12 
 
 10. From Princeton 
 to. Mount Zion,Ky. 
 To Owensville, 
 Cynthiana, 
 New Harmony, 
 Mount Vernon, 
 Mount Zion, Ken., 
 
 43 
 65 
 
 16 
 30 
 45 
 
 70 
 
 11. From Cincinnati 
 to Indianapolis, via 
 Brookcille. - 
 
 See Route No. 13, 
 Ohio. 
 
 12. From Cincinnati 
 to Indianapolis, via 
 Lawrencebnrgh. 
 
 See Route No. 14, 
 Ohio, 
 
 13. From Dayton to 
 Indianapolis, via 
 
 Centreville. 
 
 See Route No. 16, 
 Ohio, 
 
 03 
 
 115 
 
 113 
 
 til 
 
 ^MH 
 
£&&X2ff<»*S 
 
 f Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of the State of [Illinois ? 
 
 A. Illinois is bounded by the Mississippi river west 
 and southwest ; by Huron territory north ; lake Michigan 
 northeast; Indiana east; and Ohio river, separating it 
 from Kentucky southeast and south. 
 
 The outlines of the state are as follows: commencing at 
 the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi river, and thence 
 up the latter opposite the state of Missouri, to the mouth 
 of Lemoine river, by comparative courses 340 miles; con- 
 tinuing up the Mississippi to Lat. 42° 30', 200 miles ; 
 thence due east to lake Michigan along the south bound, 
 ary of Huron, 167 miles ; along the southwest part of lake 
 Michigan 60 miles ; thence due south along the western 
 boundary of Indiana to Wabash river 163 miles; down 
 the Wabash opposite Indiana to the Ohio river, 120 miles; 
 down the Ohio river opposite Kentucky, to the Mississippi 
 river, to the place of beginning, 130 miles ; having an en- 
 tire outline of 1,170 miles. 
 
 This state, next to Virginia and Missouri, is the third 
 in area amongst the United States ; it extends in latitude 
 from 37° to 42° 30', and in longitude from 10° 36' to 14° 
 30' west from Washington city. The greatest length is 
 382 miles, and its greatest breadth 206. Its mean width* 
 however, is 140 miles. Area, 53,480 square miles. 
 
322 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. Are there any mountains in Illinois ? 
 
 A. Next to Louisiana and Delaware, this is the most 
 level state in the Union. Although northwest of Shaw- 
 neetown, there is a range of hills, which some have cho- 
 sen to denominate mountains. There are considerable 
 elevations along the Illinois river, and the bluffs of the 
 Mississippi, in some places, might almost pass for moun- 
 tains. 
 
 Describe the Valleys of Illinois. 
 
 There are no valleys, but immense plains, which shall 
 be presently described. 
 
 Q. What are the Rivers of this State ? 
 
 A. It is only necessary to look on the map of this state 
 to see what astonishing advantages for inland navigation 
 nature has given it. 
 
 The Mississippi which waters the whoie western sec- 
 tion, is the main stream. 
 Describe the Rivers. 
 
 Illinois is bounded on three sides by the Mississippi, 
 Ohio, and Wabash rivers. The Illinois, Kaskaskia, San- 
 gamon, and many smaller streams, are entirely within its 
 boundaries. Others, as the Kankakee, Rock river, and 
 Vermillion branch of the Wabash, run part of their courses 
 within the state. The Mississippi, which, in its meander- 
 ings, runs about 700 miles along its western border, takes 
 its rise on Cedar lake, in latitude 45° north. 
 
 From this, to the Falls of St. Anthony, a distance of 
 about 500 miles, it runs a devious course, first southeast ; 
 then southwest; and finally southeast again; which last 
 it continues without much deviation till it reaches the 
 Missouri. From thence its course is a few degrees east 
 of south to the mouth of the Ohio. 
 
 The appearance and character of Mississippi, above and 
 below the mouth of the Missouri, are so distinctly marked 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 323 
 
 as to lead to the general opinion that the former is but a 
 branch of the latter. The average width of the Missis- 
 sippi proper, is from one half to one mile ; and its current 
 is generally from two to four miles an hour, Varying ac- 
 cording to the height and volume of the water. The 
 mean descent of this river is about six inches per mile. 
 Its sources are estimated by Mr. Schoolcraft to be 1,330 
 ieet above the level of tide water at. the Gulf of Mexico ; 
 the distance being computed at three thousand miles. — 
 Below the mouth of the Missouri, the Mississippi has the 
 turbid appearance of the Missouri, and was formerly ob- 
 structed with snogs and sawyers. These obstructions to 
 the navigation have been partially removed by the enter- 
 prising Captain Shreeve and his snag boat, in the employ- 
 ment of the general government; and the trees that form 
 these obstructions have been cut z way from its banks. 
 
 The principal tributaries of the Mississippi, within the 
 state of Illinois, are Rock, Illinois, Kaskaskia, and Muddy 
 rivers. The aboriginal name of which is said to signify 
 " Father of Waters," or " Great Waters" The Wabash 
 river rises in the northeastern part of Indiana, and run- 
 ning first a southwestern, and then a south course, enters 
 the Ohio about 200 miles above its mouth. It is a beauti- 
 ful stream, and at high water is navigated by steamboats 
 as far as Logansport in Indiana. Its head waters approach 
 within a short - distance of the waters of the Maumee of 
 Lake Erie, with which a canal navigation is now being 
 constructed under the authority of the state of Indiana. 
 About 20 miles below Vincennes, and near the junction of 
 White river, are considerable rapids, which obstruct the 
 navigation in low Vater. Funds in part have been pro- 
 vided, and measures are in train, by the two states, to 
 improve the navigation at this place. The character of 
 the lands and soil bordering on the Wabash, does not dif- 
 fer materially from that on the Ohio and the Mississippi ; 
 
324 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 only there is more sandy soil, and its bottoms are more 
 subject to inundation. In this region, and especially in 
 Lawrence and Crawford counties, there are some 
 swamps, called by travellers purgatories. 
 
 The principal tributaries of the Wabash, within the 
 state of Illinois, are the Vermillion, Embarrass, and Little 
 Wabash. 
 
 The Illinois, from its relative position, is a river of great 
 importance as a connecting link in the chain of internal 
 navigable water. This stream rises in Huron territory as 
 far north as 43° 25', between the sources of Rock river 
 and Manawake, and flowing thence west one hundred 
 and sixty miles, unites with the Illinois river, in Lasalle 
 county, Illinois. 
 
 If length of course is considered as the deciding crite. 
 rion, Fox river is the main stream above their junction m 
 though the name of Illinois commences with the union of 
 the Plane and Kankakee rivers. Plane river, though 
 more generally known, is a far inferior stream to the 
 Kankakee. The Plane is, however, from its position an 
 important branch. Rising westward and near the shore 
 of Lake Michigan, and flowing south nearly parallel to 
 and about 10 miles of that lake, it has become at seasons 
 of high water, a navigable stream 12 miles from Chicago. 
 Thence inflecting to the southwest 40 miles, it joins the 
 Kankakee to form Illinois. 
 
 Kankakee river is composed of two branches, Kanka- 
 kee proper and Pickimink rivers. The former has its ex- 
 treme source in St. Joseph's county, Indiana, and by a 
 general course of south-west by west, about 100 miles, 
 receives the Pickimink from the southward. The latter 
 also has its source in Indiana, from whence curving to the 
 southward, but by a general western course joins the 
 Kankakee. The two rivers are nearly of similar volume 
 and length. Below their union the water bends to north- 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 325 
 
 northwest 15 miles, to where it mingles with that of Plane 
 river. Both the Kankakee and Pickimink, have channels 
 curving in a very remarkable manner with the outline of 
 the southern part of Lake Michigan. Below the union of 
 Plane and Kankakee, the Illinois flows about 60 miles 
 very nearly west, receiving the Fox river, from the north, 
 and Vermillion from the south, and falling over rapids, 
 inflects abruptly to the south-southwest. The upper part 
 of the Illinois valley encircles the southern part of Lake 
 Michigan, about 200 miles. 
 
 Below the great bend, the Illinois with a considerable 
 western curve pursues a general south-southwestern 
 course 200 miles, to its junction with the Mississippi. If 
 measured by the channel of Fox river, the entire compa- 
 rative length of Illinois, is very near 400 miles. Below 
 the great bend it is augmented by Spoon river from the 
 west, and by the much larger volume of Sangamon, and 
 also from both sides by numerous creeks. 
 
 The river itself approaches to that of a tortuous canal, 
 in many parts widening into swells that appear similar to 
 lakes. Politically a small section drained by the higher 
 part of Rock river, is in Huron, area about 700 square 
 miles. Both branches of Kankakee rise in Indiana. 
 
 Rock river, unimportant stream of Huron and Illinois, 
 having its remote sources in the former at lat. 44°, long. 
 10° 40' west W. C, and between lakes Huron and Winne- 
 bago. Flowing thence south-southwest, by comparative 
 courses 100 miles between, and very nearly parallel to the 
 two Fox rivers, to the influx of Goosekehawn from the 
 northwest. Goosekehawn has its source a few miles 
 southward of the Portage between Ouiscousin and Fox 
 river, of Lake Michigan. Rising on a flat, and in winter 
 and spring, a generally very wet region, the Gooseke- 
 hawn in most of its course, is in reality a congeries of 
 lakes, and is marked on the maps as the Four Lakes ; 
 28 
 
326 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 general course southeast; length 50 miles. Below the 
 mouth of Goosekehawn, Rock river maintains its original 
 course 50 miles, to the influx of Sugar creek, or rather 
 Peektano river, also from the northwest. 
 
 The Peektano is the most considerable branch of Rock 
 river, and rises by numerous branches in Iowa county, 
 Huron, between the Mississippi and Ouisconsin. Compa- 
 rative length, about 100 miles, and general course to the 
 southeast. 
 
 Sugar creek and Peektano are separate streams in 
 Huron, and do not unite until the latter has flown 50, and 
 the former 25 miles, in the northern part of Illinois. The 
 main stream also enters Illinois about 25 miles above the 
 mouth of Peektano. It falls into the Mississippi river in 
 Rock Island county, at lat. 47° 27' after a comparative 
 course of 250 miles. 
 
 Sangamon river is a branch of Illinois river. This- 
 stream has its remote fountains on the plains, from which 
 flow to the northwest the Vermillion branch of Illinois, to 
 the north the Pickmink branch of Illinois, to the soutk- 
 east the Vermillion branch of Wabash, and southward 
 the extreme sources of Kaskaskia river. Flowing from 
 this plain, the Sangamon flows southward about 30 miles, 
 and thence sweeping an elliptic curve to the southwest, 
 south and west about 100 miles, attains its greatest 
 southern bend a few miles above the influx from the south 
 of the Mowawequa river, deflecting to the northwest 30 
 miles to the influx from the northeast of Sugar creek. 
 Below the mouth of Sugar creek, the Sangamon, turning 
 to westward 30 miles, falls into Illinois, in Morgan county. 
 The entire comparative length of Sangamon may be 
 stated at 200 miles 
 
 The Mowawequa or southern branch of Sangamon 
 rises in Shelby and Montgomery counties, and flowing: 
 northwest, joins the main stream in Sangamon county. 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 327 
 
 Embosomed in the long curve of the main stream of 
 Sangamon, and to the northward of that channel, the 
 country is drained by Sugar creek, or the northern con- 
 fluent of Sangamon. Sugar creek has a general western 
 course of 70 miles, and joins the main stream in the north- 
 western part of Sangamon county. 
 
 Spoon river, of Illinois, has it source in Putnam and 
 Henry counties ; by a southwestern course of 50 miles, it 
 reaches the northern border of Fulton county, and inclin- 
 ing to south-southwest 20 miles, and afterwards to south- 
 east 20 miles more, it falls into Illinois river.. 
 
 Chicago, small, but from its relative position with Lake 
 Michigan, and the northern sources of Illinois river, a 
 very important stream ot Cook county. The Chicago 
 heads with the Plain, one of the northern branches of Il- 
 linois. Both rivers originate in a flat prairie country, flow 
 nearly parallel to each other, and to the course of the ad- 
 jacent shore of Lake Michigan, for a comparative distance 
 ot 30 miles. Thence diverging, the Plain river to the 
 southwest, Chicago bending at a nearly right angle, falls 
 into its recipient at the village of Chicago. The mouth is 
 obstructed by a bar, on which there is only three feet 
 water, though* inside adequate depth is found for ships of 
 almost any tonnage. The portage between Chicago and 
 plane river is only about nine miles, and at seasons of 
 high water small vessels are navigated over the interme- 
 diate flats. 
 
 The Kaskakia river rises in the interior of the state' 
 nearly interlocking with the waters of Lake Michigan. It 
 has a course in a southwest direction, of between two 
 and three hundred miles, the greater part of which, is in 
 high stages of water, boatable. It runs through a fine 
 settled country, and in its long course interlocks with the 
 ^eurces of the Sangamon, branch of Illinois river, and 
 
328 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 with those of the Vermillion, branch of Wabash, and 
 flowing southwest over the counties of Vermillion, Edgar, 
 Shelby, Fayette, Bond, Clinton, Washington, St. Clair, 
 and Randolph, falls into the Mississippi, after a compara- 
 tive course of 180 miles. 
 
 The Parassaw enters the Mississippi, between Portage 
 des Sioux and the mouth of the Illinois. It runs through 
 a fine tract of land. A considerable body of Irish Catho- 
 lics have fixed themselves on this creek. It has & course 
 of nearly fifty miles. 
 
 Cahokia creek has a considerable length of course in 
 the American bottom, and enters the Mississippi not far 
 from St. Louis. It is boatable 150 miles. 
 
 The following empty into the Ohio: — the Saline, Grand 
 Pierre, Lush Creek, and Big Bay. Cash is a considerable 
 stream, boatable 50 miles. 
 
 Q. What is the face of the country, and the quality of 
 the soil ? 
 
 A. The general surface is level, or moderately undulat- 
 ing ; the northern and southern portions are broken and 
 and somewhat hilly, but no portion of the state is travers- 
 ed with ranges of hills or mountains. At the verge of 
 the alluvial soil on the margins of rivers, there are ranges 
 of " bluffs" intersected with ravines. The bluffs are usu- 
 ally from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet high, 
 where an extended surface of table land commences, 
 covered with prairies and forests of various shapes and 
 sizes. 
 
 There are several varieties of surface in this state. 
 
 1. Inundated Lands. — T 'his is the term applied to all 
 those portions, which, for some part of the year, are under 
 water. These include portions of the river bottoms, and 
 portions of the interior of large prairies, with the lakes 
 and ponds which, for half the year or more, are without 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 399 
 
 water. The term "bottom" is used throughout the west, 
 to denote the alluvial soil on the margin of rivers, usually 
 called " intervales" in New England. Portions of this 
 description of land are flowed for a longer or shorter 
 period, when the rivers are full. Probably one-eighth of 
 the bottom lands are of this description ; for though the 
 waters may not stand any length of time, it wholly pre- 
 vents settlement. and cultivation, though it does not inter-' 
 nipt the growth of timber and vegetation. 
 
 As our prairies mostly lie between the streams that 
 drain the country, the interior of the large ones are usually 
 }-'ve\. Here are formed ponds and lakes after the winter 
 and spring rains, which remain to be drawn off by evapo- 
 ration, or absorbed by an adhesive soil. Hence the middle 
 of our large level prairies are wet, and for several weeks 
 portions of them are covered with water. . To remedy 
 this inconvenience completely, and render all this portion 
 of the soil dry and productive, only requires a ditch or 
 drain of two or three feet deep to be cut into the nearest 
 ravine. In many instances, a single furrow with the 
 plough, would drain many acres. 
 
 2. liicer Bottoms or Alluvion.— The surface of. our al- 
 luvial bottoms is not entirely level. In some places it re- 
 sembles alternate waves of the ocean, and looks as though 
 the waters had left their deposit, in ridges and retired. 
 
 The portion of bottom land capable of present cultiva- 
 tion, and on which the waters never stand, (if at an ex- 
 treme, freshet) it is covered, is a soil of exhaustless fertility; 
 a soil that for ages past has been gradually deposited by 
 the annual floods. Its average depth on the American 
 bottom is from twenty to twentyvfiye feet. Logs of wood, 
 and other indications, are found at that depth. The soij 
 dug from wells on these bottoms, produces luxuriantly 
 the first year. 
 
 28* 
 
330 GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 
 
 The most extensive and fertile tract, of this description 
 of soil, in this state, is the American Bottom, a name it 
 received when it constituted the western boundary of the 
 United States, and which it has retained ever since. It 
 commences at the mouth of Kaskaskia river, five miles 
 below the town of Kaskaskia, and extends northwardly 
 along the Mississippi to the bluffs at Alton, a distance 
 of ninety miles. Its average width is five miles, and con- 
 tains about 450 square miles, or 288,000 acres. Opposite 
 St. Louis, in St. Clair county, the bluffs are seven miles 
 from the river. The soil of this bottom is an argillaceous 
 or silicious loam, according as clay or sand happens to 
 predominate in its formation. 
 
 On the margin of the river, and of some of its lakes, is 
 a strip of heavy timber, with a thick undergrowth, which 
 extends from half a mile to two miles in width ; but from 
 thence to the bluffs, it is' principally prairie. It is inter- 
 spersed with sloughs, lakes, and ponds, the most of which 
 becomes dry in autumn. 
 
 The soil of the American bottom is inexhaustibly rich. 
 About the French towns it has been cultivated, and pro- 
 duced corn in succession for more than a century, without 
 exhausting its fertilizing powers. The only objection 
 that can be offered to this tract is its unhealthy character. 
 This, however, has diminished rapidly within eight or ten 
 years. 
 
 The villages of Kaskaskia, Prairie du Rocher, and Ca- 
 hokia, were built up by French industry in places where 
 Americans would have perished. Cultivation has, no 
 doubt, rendered this tract more salubrious than formerly; 
 and an increase of it, together with the construction of 
 drains and canals, will make it one of the most eligible in 
 the States. 
 
 The bottoms of Illinois, where not inundated, are equal 
 
OF ILLINOIS 331 
 
 in fertility, and the soil is less adhesive than most parts 
 of the American bottom. This is likewise the character 
 of the bottoms in the northern parts of the state. 
 
 The bottoms of the Kaskaskia are generally covered 
 with a heavy growth of timber, and in many places inun- 
 dated when the river is at its highest floods. 
 
 The extensive prairies adjoining, will create a demand 
 for all this timber. The bottom lands on the Wabash are 
 of various qualities. Near the mouth, much of it is inun- 
 dated. Higher up it overflows in high freshets. 
 
 These bottoms, especially the American, are the best 
 regions in the United States for raising stock, particularly 
 horses, cattle, and swine. Seventy-five bushels of corn to 
 the acre is an ordinary crop. 
 
 The roots and worms of the soil, the acorns and other 
 fruits from the trees, and the fish of the lakes, accelerate 
 the growth of the swine. 
 
 Horses and cattle find exhaustless supplies of grass in 
 the prairies ; and pea vines, buffalo grass, wild oats, and 
 other herbage in the timber, for summer range ; and often 
 throughout most of the winter. 
 
 3. Prairies. — Much the largest proportion is undulat- 
 ing, dry, and extremely fertile. Other portions are level, 
 and the soil in some cases proves to be wet ; — the water, 
 not running off freely, is left to be absorbed by the soil, 
 or evaporated by the sun. Crawfish throw up their hil- 
 locks in this soil, and the farmer who cultivates it will find 
 his labors impeded by the water. 
 
 In the southern part, (that is south of the National Road 
 leading from Terre Haute to the Mississippi,) the prairies 
 are comparatively small, varying in size from those of se- 
 veral miles in width, to those which contain only a few 
 acres. 
 
 As we go northward, they widen and extend on the 
 more elevated ground between the water courses to a 
 
332 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM. 
 
 vast distance, and are frequently from six to twelve 
 miles in width. 
 
 Their borders are b}' no means uniform. Long points 
 of timber project into the prairies, and line the banks of 
 the streams, and points of prairie project into the timber 
 between these streams. 
 
 The fire annually sweeps over the prairies, destroying 
 the grass and herbage, blackening the surface, and leav- 
 ing a deposit of ashes to enrich the soil. 
 
 1. Barrens. — This term, in the western dialect, does not 
 indicate poor land, but a species of surface of a mixed 
 character, uniting forest and prairie. 
 
 The timber is generally scattering, of a rough and 
 stunted appearance, interspersed with patches of hazle 
 mid brushwood, and where the contest between the fire 
 and timber is kept up, each striving for mastery. 
 
 Like all other tracts of country, the barrens present a 
 considerable diversity of soil. In general, however, the 
 surface is more uneven or rolling than the prairies, and • 
 sooner degenerates into ravines and sink-holes. 
 
 Wherever timber barely sufficient for present purposes 
 can be found, a person need not hesitate to settle in the 
 barrens. These tracts are almost invariably healthy; 
 they possess a greater abundance of pure springs of 
 water, and the soil is better adapted for all kinds of pro* 
 dtice, and all descriptions of seasons, wet and dry, than 
 the deeper and richer mould of the bottoms and prai- 
 ries. 
 
 5. Forest, or timbered Land. In general, Illinois is 
 abundantly supplied with timber, and were it equally dis- 
 tributed through the state, there would be no part in 
 want. The rapidity with which the young growth pushes 
 itself forward, without a single effort on the part of man 
 to accelerate it, and the readiness with which the prairie 
 becomes converted into thickets, and then into a forest of 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 333 
 
 young timber, shows that, in another generation, timber 
 will not be wanting in any part of Illinois. 
 
 The kinds of timber most abundant are oaks of various 
 species, black and white walnut, ash of several kinds, elm, 
 sugar maple, honey locust, hackberry, linden, hickory, 
 cotton wood, pecaun, mulberry, buckeye, sycamore, wild 
 cherry, box elder, sassafras, and persimmon. In the 
 southern and eastern parts of the state are yellow poplar 
 and beech; near the Ohio are cypress, and in several 
 counties are clumps of yellow pine and cedar. On the 
 Calamick, near the south end of Lake Michigan, is a small 
 forest of white pine. The undergrowth are redbud, paw- 
 paw, sumach, plum, crab apple, grape vines, dogwood, 
 spice bush, green brier, hazle, &c. 
 
 The alluvial soil of the rivers produces cotton wood 
 and sycamore timber of amazing size. 
 
 6. There are but few tracts of stony ground in the state ; 
 that is, where loose stones are scattered over the surface, 
 and imbedded in the soil. Towards the northern part of 
 the State, tracts of stony ground exist. Quarries of stone 
 exist in the bluffs, and in the banks of the streams and 
 ravines throughout the state. 
 
 The soil is porous, easy to cultivate, and exceedingly 
 productive. A strong team is required to break up the 
 prairies, on account of the firm, grassy sward which 
 covers them. But when subdued, they become fine, ara- 
 ble lands. 
 , Q. What are the Minerals of Illinois ? 
 
 A. The northern portion of Illinois is inexhaustibly rich 
 in mineral productions, while coal, secondary limestone, 
 and sandstone, are found in every part. 
 
 Iron ore has been found in the southern parts of the 
 State, and is said to exist in considerable quantities in the 
 northern parts. 
 
 ♦ 4 
 
334 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Native copper, in small quantities, has been found on 
 Muddy river, in Jackson county, and back of Harrison- 
 ville, in the bluffs of Monroe county. Crystallized gyp- 
 sum has been found in small quantities in St. Clair county 
 Quartz crystals exist in Gallatin county. 
 
 Silver is supposed to exist in St. Clair county, two miles 
 from Rock Spring, from whence Silver creek derives its 
 name. In early times; a shaft was sunk here by the 
 French, and tradition tells of large quantities of the pre- 
 cious metals being obtained. 
 
 In the southern part of the state, several sections of 
 land have been reserved from sale, on account of the sil- 
 ver ore they are supposed to contain. 
 
 Lead is found in vast quantities in the northern part of 
 Illinois, and the adjacent territory. Here are the richest 
 lead mines hitherto discovered on the globe. This portion 
 of country lies principally north of Rock river, and south 
 of the Wisconsin. Dubuque's, and other rich mines, are 
 west of the Mississippi. 
 
 Native copper, in large quantities, exists in this region, 
 especially at the mouth of Plum creek, and on the Peek- 
 a-ton-o-kee, a branch of Rock river. 
 
 Bituminous coal abounds in Illinois. It may be seen 
 frequently in the ravines and gullies, and in the points of 
 bluffs. Exhaustless beds of this article exist in the bluffs 
 of St. Clair county, bordering on the Ameriean bottom, 
 of which, large quantities are transported to St. Louis, 
 for fuel. There is scarce a county in the state, but what 
 can furnish coal in reasonable quantities. Large beds 
 are said to exist near the Vermillion of the Illinois, and 
 in the vicinity of the rapids of the latter. 
 
 A petrified tree of black walnut was found in the bed of 
 the river Des Plaines, about 40 rods above its junction 
 with the Kankakee, imbedded in a horizontal position, in 
 
OF 1 ILLINOIS. 385 
 
 a stratum of limestone. There are fifty-one and a half 
 feet of the trunk visible, eighteen inches in diameter at the 
 smallest, and probably three feet at the other end. 
 
 Muriate of soda, or common salt, is found in various 
 parts of the state, held in solution in the springs. The 
 manufacture of salt, by boiling and evaporation, is car- 
 ried on in Gallatin county, 12 miles west-north-west from 
 Shawneetown, in Jackson county, near Brownsville; and 
 in Vermillion county near Danville. The springs and 
 land are owned by the state, and the works leased. 
 
 A coarse freestone mucn used in building, is dug from 
 quarries near Alton, on the Mississippi, where large bodies 
 exist. 
 
 Scattered over the surface of our prairies, are large 
 masses of rock, of granite formation, roundish in form, 
 usually called by the people " lost rocks" They will 
 weigh from one thousand, to ten or twelve thousand 
 pounds, and are entirely detached, and frequently are 
 found, several miles distant from any quarry. Nor has 
 there ever been a quarry of granite discovered in the 
 state. These stones are denominated bowlders, in miner- 
 alogy. They usually lie on the surface, or are partially 
 imbedded in the soil of our prairies, which is unquestion- 
 ably of diluvial formation. How they came here is a 
 question of difficult solution. 
 
 Q. Are there any mineral or medical springs in this 
 State ? 
 
 A. Medicinal waters are found in different parts of the 
 state. These are chiefly sulphur springs and chalybeate 
 waters. There is said to be one well in the southern part 
 strongly impregnated with the sulphate of magnesia, or 
 Epsom salts, from which considerable quantities have 
 been made for sale, by simply evaporating the water in a 
 kettle over a common fire. There are several sulphur 
 
336 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 springs in Jefferson county, to which persons resort for 
 health. 
 
 Q, Are there any caves in this State ? 
 
 A. The " Cave in Rock," or " House of Nature," below 
 Shawneetown, is pointed out to passengers on the Ohio, 
 as a great curiosity, and its front is marked with the 
 names of its visitors. Above and below it, are high, per- 
 pendicalar limestone bluffs, surmounted with cedars, 
 above which are sailing in the blue, eagles, birds of prey, 
 or aquatic fowls. The entrance to the cave is just above 
 high water mark. It has an arched roof of 25 or 30 feet 
 high, and extends back 130 feet. It has occasionally 
 afforded a temporarary winter asylum to families descend- 
 ing the river. 
 
 Q. What are the natural curiosities in Illinois ? 
 
 A. Rock Fort is a projection from the left bank of the 
 Illinois river. Its base is washed on three sides by the 
 Illnois, which here flows rapidly over a rocky bed. 
 Broken masses of rock are seen above the surface of the 
 water. The judgment of the beholder would give the 
 height of this cliff at 250 feet. The actual admeasurement 
 however, might fall short of this. ' Its perpendicular sides, 
 arising from the river, are inaccessible. It is connected 
 with a chain of hills that extend up the Illinois by a nar- 
 row ledge, the only ascent to which is by a winding and 
 precipitous path. This rock has on its top a level surface, 
 three-fourths of an acre in extent, and covered by a soih 
 several feet in depth, which has thrown up a growth of 
 young trees. These form, as they receive their peculiar 
 tints from the seasons, a verdant Or gorgeous, and party- 
 coloured crown, for this battlement of nature's creation. 
 The advantages which it affords, as an impregnable re- 
 treat, induced a band of Illinois Indians, who sought a 
 refuge from the fury of the Pottawattamies, with whom 
 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 337 
 
 they were at war, to intrench themselves here. They 
 repulsed all the assaults of their besiegers, and would 
 have remained masters of their high tower, but for the 
 impossibility of longer obtaining supplies of water. They 
 had been used to attaching vessels to ropes of bark, and 
 dropping them into a river from an overhanging point. 
 Their enemies stationed themselves in canoes at the base 
 of the cliff, and cut the ropes as fast as they were let 
 down. The consequence of this was a surrender, and the 
 entire extirpation of the band. An intrenchment is dis- 
 tinctly visible, and fragments of antique pottery, and 
 other curious remains of the vanished race are strewed 
 around. 
 
 Q. What are the natural productions of this State ? 
 
 A. The principal trees and shrubs of Illinois have been 
 noticed under the head of " Forest, or Timbered Land.'' 
 Of oaks there are several species, as overcup, burr oak, 
 swamp or water oak, white oak, red or Spanish oak, post 
 oak, and black oak of several varieties, with the black- 
 jack, a dwarfish, gnarled looking tree, excellent for fuel, 
 but good for nothing else. The black walnut is much 
 used for building materials and cabinet work, and sustains 
 a fine polish. 
 
 In most parts of the state, grape vines, indigenous to 
 the country, are abundant, which yield grapes that might 
 advantageously be made into excellent wine. Foreign 
 vines are susceptible of easy cultivation. These are cul- 
 tivated to a considerable extent at Vevay, Switzerland 
 county, Indiana, and at New Harmony on the Wabash. 
 The indigenous vines are prolific, and produce excellent 
 fruit. They are found in every variety of soil; inter- 
 woven in every thicket in the prairies and barrens ; and 
 climbing to the tops of the very highest trees on the bot- 
 toms. The French in early times, made so much wine as 
 to export some to France ; upon which the proper autho- 
 
 29 
 
338 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECIlIS.il 
 
 rities prohibited the introduction of wine from Illinois 
 lest it might injure the sale of that staple article of the 
 kingdom. I think the act was passed by the board of 
 trade, in 1774. 
 The editor of the Illinois Magazine remarks : 
 "We know one gentleman who made twenty-seven 
 barrels of wine in a single season, from the grar.es 
 gathered with but little labour, in his immediate neigh- 
 bourhood." 
 
 The wild plum is found in every part of the state ; but 
 in most instances the fruit is too sour for use, unless for 
 preserves. Crab apples are equally prolific, and make 
 fine preserves with about double their bulk of sugar. 
 Wild cherries are equally productive. The persimmon U* 
 a delicious fruit, after the frost has destroyed its astrin- 
 gent properties. The black mulberry grows in most parts, 
 and is used for the feeding of silk-worms with success. 
 They appear to thrive and spin as well as on the Italian 
 mulberry. The gooseberry, strawberry, and blackberry, 
 grow wild and in great profusion. Of our nuts, the 
 hickory, black walnut, and pecaun, deserve notice. The 
 last is an oblong, thin-shelled, delicious nut, that grows 
 on a large tree, a species of the hickory, (the Gary a olivet 
 forrais of Nuttal.) The pawpaw grows in the bottoms-, 
 and rich timbered uplands, and produces a large, pulpy, 
 and luscious fruit. 
 
 Q. What is the climate of Illinois ? 
 A. In the southern part of the state, during the three 
 winter months, snow frequently falls, but seldom lies 
 long. In the northern part, the winters are as cold, but 
 not so much snow falls, as in the same latitudes in the 
 Atlantic States. 
 
 We are satisfied, (says Beck,) after a long course of 
 observations, much travelling, and conversing with many 
 hundreds of families with the view of arriving at correct 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 339 
 
 conclusions on these subjects, that there is no sucli opera- 
 tion as that of emigrants undergoing a seasoning, or be- 
 coming acclimated, in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
 Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, or the Wis- 
 consin Territory. Nor does it make the least difference 
 from what part of the United State, or Europe, they 
 come, nor whether they arrive here in spring or autumn. 
 The impression has formerly existed abroad, that Illinois 
 is less healthy than other western states. This is entire- 
 ly erroneous. 
 
 New comers will find it advantageous for protecting 
 themselves from the damp atmosphere at night, to pro- 
 vide close dwellings ; yet when the air is clear, to leave 
 open doors and windows at night for free circulation, but 
 not to sleep directly in the current of air ; and invariably 
 to wear thin clothing in the heat of the day, and put on 
 thicker garments at night, and in wet and cloudy weather. 
 
 Those families are seldom sick who live in comfortable 
 houses, with tight floors, and well ventilated rooms j- and 
 who, upon change of weather, and especially in time of 
 rains, make a little fire in the chimney. 
 
 In case of sickness, physicians are to be found in almost 
 every county, and every season adds to their number. 
 Charges are somewhat higher than in the northern states. 
 Many families keep a few simple articles of medicine, and 
 administer for themselves. Calomel is a specific; and is 
 taken by multitudes without hesitation, or fear of danger. 
 
 The milk sickness is a disease of a singular character, 
 which prevails in certain places. It first affects animals, 
 especially cows, and from them is communicated to the 
 human system by eating the milk or flesh. Much specu- 
 lation has been had upon its cause, which is still unknown. 
 The prevailing idea is, that it is caused by some poison- 
 ous substance eaten by the cattle, but whether vegetable 
 qy mineral, remains undetermined. Physicians and others 
 
340 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 have attempted to ascertain the cause of this disease, 
 but hitherto without success. 
 
 Describe biiefly the Government of this State. 
 
 The constitution of Illinois was adopted at Kaskaskias, 
 26th August. 1818. The legislative authority of this state 
 is vested in a general assembly, which consists of a senate 
 and house of representatives, both elected by the people. 
 No person can be a representative who has not attained 
 to the age of 21 years, who shall not be a citizen of the 
 United States, and an inhabitant of this state, who shall 
 not have resided within the limits of the county or dis- 
 trict in which he shall be chosen, twelve months next pre- 
 ceding his election, unless absent on public business, &c. 
 No person shall be a senator who has not arrived at the 
 age of 25 years, who shall not be a citizen of the United 
 States, and who shall not have resided one year in the 
 county or district in which he shall be chosen immediate- 
 ly preceding his election, &c. 
 
 The executive power of this state is vested in a gov- 
 ernor. The governor is chosen by the electors of the 
 members of the general assembly, at the same places, 
 and in the same manner that they respectively vote for 
 members thereof. The governor holds his office for four 
 years, and until another shall be elected and qualified ; 
 but he is not eligible for more than four years in any 
 term of eight years. Must be 30 years of age when 
 elected, a citizen of the United States, and two years 
 next preceding his election a resident of Illinois. 
 
 A lieutenant governor is chosen at every election for 
 governor, in the same manner, to continue in office for 
 the same time, and possess the same qualifications. The 
 lieutenant governor is speaker of the senate, &c. 
 
 The judicial power of this state is vested in one supreme 
 court, and such inferior courts as the general assembly 
 shall, from time to time, ordain and establish, 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 341 
 
 The justices of the supreme court, and the judges of the 
 inferior courts, are appointed by joint ballot of both 
 branches of the general assembly, and commissioned by 
 the Governor; their offices during good behaviour. Re- 
 mo veable by impeachment or by address of two-thirds of 
 each branch of the general assembly. 
 
 The governor has power to grant reprieves and pardon 
 after conviction, except in cases of impeachment, and has 
 farther the usual powers and duties to perform of gov- 
 ernors of the other respective states. From any disabi- 
 lity, death, &c. of the governor, the powers and duties of 
 the office devolve on the lieutenant governor. 
 
 By the general provisions of the constitution of 'Illinois, 
 the right of suffrage is secured to the white male citizens 
 above 21 years of age. 
 
 No person can be imprisoned for debt unless on refusal 
 to deliver up his property, or on strong suspicions of 
 fraud. The right of trial by jury is to remain inviolate. 
 By article 6th, section 1, neither slavery nor involuntary 
 servitude is to be introduced into the state. All children 
 born in the state, white or coloured, become free, the 
 males at 21, and the females at 18. Liberty of the press, 
 of public worship, limited only by the public peace. 
 Q. What is the population of Illinois ? 
 A. In 1830 the population amounted to 157,445; ^nd in 
 1S25 the population was 272,427. 
 
 Q. What are the civil divisions of Illinois? 
 A. There are 66 counties laid off in this state-; 59 of 
 which are organized for judicial purposes. The six last 
 named in the following table were laid off at the recent 
 session of the legislature, January, 1836. 
 
 In this state, there are no civil divisions into townships 
 as in Ohio, &c. The township tracts of six miles square, 
 3D. the public surveys, relate exclusively to the land system. 
 
 29* 
 
542 
 
 G EO 3 A APHIC AX C ATEC HIS JI 
 
 
 
 Ul 
 
 •n 
 
 
 U 
 
 43 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 BE 
 
 o 
 
 SB 
 
 S3 
 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 • o 
 
 3 
 p 
 
 a 
 
 g 
 
 CD 
 
 m 
 ■ 
 
 o" 
 
 oo 
 
 SEATS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 4 
 
 Adams, 
 
 1825 
 
 820 
 
 7042'Quincy, 
 
 Alexander, - 
 
 1819 
 
 375 
 
 2050 1 Unity, 
 
 Bond, - 
 
 1817 
 
 3G0 
 
 3580 Greeneviile, 
 
 Calhoun, - 
 
 1825 
 
 260 
 
 1091 
 
 Gilead, 
 
 Champaign, 
 
 1833 
 
 864 
 
 1045 
 
 Uroanna, 
 
 Clark, - 
 
 1819 
 
 500 
 
 3413 
 
 Marshall, 
 
 < lay, - 
 
 1824 
 
 620 
 
 1648 
 
 Maysville, 
 
 < iinton, 
 
 1824 
 
 500 
 
 2648 
 
 Carlylc, 
 
 Crawford, - 
 
 1816 
 
 378 
 
 3540 
 
 Palestine, 
 
 Coles, - 
 
 1830 
 
 1248 
 
 5125 Charleston, 
 
 Cook, - 
 
 1830 
 
 
 9826 
 
 Chicago, 
 
 Edgar, 
 
 1823 
 
 648 
 
 6668 
 
 Paris, 
 
 Edwards, - 
 
 1814 
 
 200 
 
 2006 
 
 Albion, 
 
 Effingham, - 
 
 1831 
 
 486 
 
 1055 
 
 Ewington, 
 
 Fayette, 
 
 1821 
 
 684 
 
 3633 
 
 VANDALIA, 
 
 Franklin, - 
 
 1818 
 
 850 
 
 5551 
 
 Frankfort, 
 
 Fulton, 
 
 1825 
 
 590 
 
 5917 
 
 Lewistown, 
 
 Gallatin, 
 
 1812 
 
 823 
 
 8660 
 
 Equality, 
 
 Greene, 
 
 1821 
 
 912 
 
 12274 
 
 Carrol] ton, 
 
 Hamilton, - 
 
 1821 
 
 378 
 
 2877 
 
 McLeansboroug': 
 
 Hancock, - 
 
 1825 
 
 775 
 
 3249 
 
 Carthage, 
 
 Henry, 
 
 1825 
 
 800 
 
 118 
 
 
 Iroquois, 
 
 1833 
 
 
 1164 
 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 1816 
 
 576 
 
 2783 
 
 Brownsville, 
 
 Jasper, 
 
 1831 
 
 288 
 
 415 
 
 Newton, 
 
 Jefferson, - 
 
 1819 
 
 576 
 
 3350 
 
 Mount Vernon, 
 
 Jo Daviess, - 
 
 1827 
 
 
 4038 
 
 Galena, 
 
 Johnson, 
 
 1812 
 
 486 
 
 2166 
 
 Vienna, 
 
 Knox, - 
 
 1825 
 
 792 
 
 1600 
 
 Knoxville, 
 
 Lasalle, 
 
 1831 
 
 
 4754 
 
 Ottawa, 
 
 Lawrence, - 
 
 1821 
 
 560 
 
 4450 j La wrencevilic, 
 
 Macon, 
 
 1829 
 
 1404 
 
 3022 
 
 Decatur. 
 
 Madison, 
 
 1812 
 
 750 
 
 9016 
 
 Edwardsvilie, 
 
 Macoupin, - 
 
 1829 
 
 720 
 
 5554 
 
 Carlinville, 
 
 Marion, 
 
 1823 
 
 576 
 
 2844 
 
 Salem, 
 

 OF 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 343 
 
 
 D 
 
 p 
 
 Ul 
 
 *J 
 
 
 
 CD 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 T3 
 P 
 
 
 
 r£ O 
 
 fi) 
 
 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 C* 1 "* 
 
 o 
 
 CO t-t- 
 
 SEATS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 
 o 
 
 -i 
 
 g 
 
 S*o" 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 50 
 
 p 
 
 
 McDonough, 
 
 1825 
 
 576 
 
 2883 
 
 Bloomington, 
 
 ?>icLean, 
 
 1830 
 
 1916 
 
 5311 
 
 New Boston, 
 
 Mercer, 
 
 1825 
 
 553 
 
 497 
 
 Macomb, 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 1816 
 
 360 
 
 2660 
 
 Waterloo, 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 1821 
 
 960 
 
 3740 
 
 Hillsborough, 
 
 Morgan, 
 
 1823 
 
 1150 
 
 19214 
 
 Jacksonville, 
 
 Peoria, 
 
 1824 
 
 648 
 
 3220 
 
 Peoria, 
 
 Perry. 
 
 1827 
 
 446 
 
 2201 
 
 Pinckneyvilie, 
 
 Pike, - 
 
 1821 
 
 800 
 
 €037 Pittsfield, 
 
 Pope, - 
 
 1816 
 
 576 
 
 3756 Goiconda, 
 
 Putnam, 
 
 1825 
 
 1340 
 
 4021 
 
 Hennepin, 
 
 Randolph, - 
 
 1795 
 
 540 
 
 5695 
 
 Kaskaskia, 
 
 Rock Island, 
 
 1831 
 
 377 
 
 616 
 
 Step!>enson, 
 
 Sangamon, - 
 
 1821 
 
 1234 
 
 17573 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 Schiller. - 
 
 1825 
 
 864 
 
 6361 
 
 Rushville, 
 
 Shelby. 
 
 1827 
 
 1 080 
 
 4848 
 
 Shelbyviile, 
 
 St Ciair, - 
 
 1795 
 
 1030 
 
 9055 
 
 Belleville, 
 
 Tazewell, - 
 
 1827 
 
 1130 
 
 5850 
 
 Tremont, 
 
 Union, 
 
 1818 
 
 396 
 
 4156 
 
 Jonesboro', 
 
 Vermillion, - 
 
 1826 
 
 1000 
 
 8103 
 
 Danville, 
 
 Wabash, 
 
 1824 
 
 180 
 
 3010 
 
 Mount Carmel, 
 
 Warren, 
 
 1325 
 
 900 
 
 2623 
 
 Monmouth, 
 
 Washington, 
 
 1818 
 
 656 
 
 3292 
 
 Nashville, 
 
 Wayne, 
 
 1819 
 
 576 
 
 2939 
 
 Fairfield, 
 
 White, 
 
 1815 
 
 516 
 
 6489 
 
 Carmt 
 
 NEVf COUNTIES, FORM- 
 
 272427 
 
 
 ED J AST ART, L836. 
 
 
 
 
 
 wm, - 
 
 
 
 
 Juliett, 
 
 Whiteside, - 
 
 
 
 
 The seats of jus- 
 
 Kane, - - 
 
 
 
 
 tice are not estab- 
 
 Ogle, - 
 
 
 
 
 lished in these coun- 
 
 M'Henry, - 
 
 
 
 
 ties, and much of 
 
 Winnebago, 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 the land unsurveyM 
 
344 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Adams county I 
 
 A. Adams is bounded on the north by Hancock ; east 
 Schuyler ; southeast and south by Pike; and on the west 
 is separated from Marion county and a section of the un- 
 appropriated part of the state of Missouri by the Missis- 
 sippi river. 
 
 The western and central parts of this county slope 
 westward towards the Mississippi river, whilst the eastern 
 border gives source to creeks, the water of which is finally 
 discharged into Illinois river. 
 
 Its streams are Bear creek and branches, Cedar, Tyrer, 
 Mill, Fall, and Pigeon creeks, with the Mississippi on its 
 western border. Timber various, with equal proportions 
 of prairie.* 
 
 Q. What description can you give of Alexander county ? 
 
 A. Alexander county is bounded north by Union, John- 
 son northeast, the Ohio river separating it from McCrack- 
 en county Kentucky southeast ; and the Mississippi river 
 separating it from from Scott county Missouri south and 
 southwest, and from Cape Girardeau county Missouri 
 west and northwest. This county occupies the penin- 
 sula above and below the junction of the Ohio and Mis- 
 sissippi rivers. Cash river or creek a small stream rising 
 in Union, and Johnson counties, traverses Alexander ir. 
 another direction, falling into the Ohio river about 5 miles 
 above its junction with the Mississippi. It is all timbered ; 
 half alluvion, some inundated at high water; lime and 
 sandstone on the Ohio ; soil generally rich. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Bond county? 
 A. Bond county is bounded by Clinton south ; Madison 
 west ; Montgomery north, and Lafayette east. The slope 
 is nearly due south, and in that direction is drained by 
 
 * For con nty towns, square miles, and population, see table page. 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 345 
 
 Shoal creek and other small streams flowing into Kaskas- 
 kia river. 
 
 It has regular proportions of timber and prairie ; rather 
 level ; second rate. Minerals are sandstone and coal ; 
 also salt springs. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Calhoun county ? 
 
 A. Calhoun county of Illinois, comprising the point be- 
 tween the Mississippi proper and Illinois rivers, is bound- 
 ed by Illinois river, separating it from Greene county east, 
 and the Mississippi river, separating it from St. Charles 
 county Missouri south, Lincoln county Missouri west, and 
 Pike county Missouri north. This county is alluvial, and 
 sometimes inundated along the rivers; broken bluffs along 
 the rivers; but the interior is table land; soil is good; 
 prairies at the foot of the bluffs. Minerals; coal, lime and 
 sandstone. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Champaign county ? 
 
 A. It is bounded north by Iroquois ; east by Vermillion ; 
 south by Coles ; and west by Macon and McLean coun- 
 ties. The streams are the heads of the Kaskaskia, Sanga- 
 mon, Vermillion of Illinois, Salt Fork of the Vermillion of 
 the Wabash, and the Embarras, all running in opposite 
 directions. It has extensive prairies, is a little undulating, 
 and very rich ; timber in groves ; many granite bowlders. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Clark county ? 
 
 A. Clark county is bounded south by Crawford ; west 
 by Shelby; north by Edgar; by Wabash river, separating 
 it from Vigo county Indiana east; and from Sullivan 
 county Indiana, southeast. Little Wabash rises in the 
 west part of Clark, which is traversed also by the west 
 and east branches of Embarras river; all those streams 
 flowing to the southward. The eastern part slopes south- 
 eastward obliquely towards the Washitau. The soil of 
 this county is second rate. It has both timber and prai- 
 ries, 
 
346 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <sx. of Clay county? 
 
 A. Clay county is bounded southeast by Edwards, south 
 by Wayne, southwest by Marion, northwest by Fayette, 
 north and northeast by Crawford, and east by Lawrence. 
 The main stream of Little Wabash enters the northern 
 border irom Fayette, and inflecting to southeast receives 
 .numerous creeks from, and traverses Clay, issuing from it 
 in the southeast angle. Two-thirds of this county are 
 prairie of inferior quality, rather level and wet. 
 
 What are the boundaries, &c. of Clinton county ? 
 
 A. Clinton county is bounded by Washington south, St- 
 Clair southwest, Madison northwest, Bond north, Fayette 
 northeast, and Mark n east. This county is traversed from 
 its northern border in a direction of south southwest by 
 Kaskaskia river and by Shoal creek and other of its 
 branches. 
 
 The surface is undulating ; soil second rate. 
 
 Q,. W r hat are the boundaries, &c. of Crawford county ? 
 
 A. Crawford county is bounded southeast by Law- 
 rence, southwest by Clay, west by Lafayette, north by 
 Clark, northeast by the Wabash river, separating it from 
 the northern part of Sullivan county, Indiana, east by 
 Wabash river, separating it from the southern part of 
 Sullivan county, Indiana, and the Wabash river, separat- 
 ing it from the northwest angle of Knox county, Indiana. 
 
 This county is traversed in a southeast direction, and 
 subdivided into two not very unequal sections by Em- 
 barras river. Some of the higher sources of the Little 
 Wabash rise in its southwest angle. The general slope 
 is a little east of south. 
 
 This county has some level prairies, is rather sandy, 
 with a full supply of timber. County town is Palestine, 
 situated near the right bank of Wabash river. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Cole county ? 
 
 A. Cole county is bounded by Jasper southeast, Effing- 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 34? 
 
 ham southwest, Shelby west, Macon northwest, Vermil- 
 lion northeast, and Edgar and Clark east. 
 
 This county contains a table land from which flow the 
 Kaskaskias to south-southwest, and the Embarras to 
 south. 
 
 This county contains much excellent land ; undulating, 
 rich prairies; some level and wet land in the southern 
 part. Timber is in sufficient quantities. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Cook county ? 
 
 A. Cook county is bounded by the northwestern angle of 
 Indiana, southeast, Lasalle southwest and west, and Lake 
 Michigan northeast. 
 
 Though bounded on the northeast by Lake Michigan, 
 the slope of more than nine-tenths of Cook county is to 
 the southwestward. Plane river, rising near its northern 
 border flows southward about 30 miles at a mean distance 
 of about eight miles, until it reaches a point 12 miles south- 
 west from Chicago on Lake Michigan, from whence in- 
 flecting to southwest 40 miles, it joins Pickinink river, 
 forming Illinois river, near the border between Lasalle 
 and Cook counties The latter contains, therefore, the 
 natural water communication most direct between the 
 Canadian lakes and the basin of Mississippi river. The 
 intermediate country is an almost unbroken plain, and at 
 times of high water canoes can be navigated over it, and 
 almost inviting man to complete the work commenced by 
 Nature. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Edgar county ? 
 
 A. Edgar county is bounded north by Vermillion ; east 
 by the state of Indiana, south by Clark, and west by 
 Cole county. It is watered by Big, Clear, and Brulette's 
 creeks, which are small streams, and enter the Wabash. 
 Little Embarras heads in the western and southwestern 
 parts of this county, and runs southwest into Cole. The 
 south and east sides of this county are well timbered. 
 
34g GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 with all the varieties found in the eastern side of the state, 
 including poplar. The soil in general is rich, adapted to 
 the various productions of this state. 
 
 It has a number of saw mills, grist mills, and various 
 other mills and machinery in active operation. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <fcc. of Edwards county ? 
 
 A. Edwards county lies on the Little Wabash river, 
 and has Lawrence county on the north, Wabash county 
 east, White county south, and Wayne county west. 
 
 It is proportionally divided into timber and prairie. 
 The prairies are small, high, undulating, and bounded by 
 heavy timber. The English settlement formed by Messrs. 
 Berbeck and Flowers, is in this county. It is watered by 
 the Little Wabash river, and the Bon Pas, and their 
 branches. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Effingham county ? 
 
 A. Effingham county is bounded north by Shelby, and 
 a corner of Cole, east by Jasper, south by Clay and a 
 corner of Fayette, and west by Fayette. It is watered 
 by the Little Wabash river and its branches, and contains 
 good second rate land, tolerably level. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Fayette county ? 
 
 A. Fayette was formed from Bond, Edwards, Crawford, 
 and Clark, in 1821. It is situated on the Kaskaskia river, 
 and is bounded north by Shelby, east by Effingham, south 
 by Marion, and a corner of Clinton, and west by Bond 
 and Montgomery. Besides the Kaskaskia, it is watered 
 by Hurricane fork, Higgin's, Ramsey's, and Beck's creeks 
 on the west, and by Big and Hickory creeks on the east. 
 The land is similar to that in Effingham county. 
 
 The principal settlements are Hurricane Seminary 
 township, Backmaster's, Halls, Browns, Wakefields, Ha- 
 ley's, and Big Creek. There are several grist mills, and 
 a steam saw mill in tnis county. 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 349 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Franklin county ? 
 
 A. Franklin county is bounded north by Jefferson, east 
 by Hamilton and Gallatin, south by Johnson and Union, 
 and west by Jackson and a corner of Perry county. It 
 is watered by Big Muddy river and branches, and the 
 south fork of Saline creek. The prairies are generally 
 small and fertile, but rather too level; timber in abun- 
 dance ; soil sandy. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, «&c. of Fulton county \ 
 
 A. Fulton county is bounded north by Knox, east by 
 Peoria, south by the Illinois river and Schuyler county, 
 and west by Schuyler and M'Donough counties. The 
 Illinois washes its southeastern side, and gives it an irre- 
 gular shape. The Spoon river passes through it; and 
 Otter creek waters the southwestern, and Copperas creek 
 the northeastern portions. Nearly one-half is heavily 
 timbered, and the land is of an excellent quality. 
 
 The streams in this county furnish good mill seats. 
 This, in common with all the country bordering on the 
 Illinois, promises to become a wealthy agricultural coun- 
 try. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Gallatin county? 
 
 A. Gallatin county is bounded north by White county, 
 east by the states of Indiana and Kentucky, south by 
 Pope county, and west by Pope and Franklin counties. 
 It is washed by tie Wabash and Ohio river, and Saline 
 creek. 
 
 This county is well adapted to the raising of stock. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Greene county ? 
 
 A. Greene county is bounded north by Morgan, east by 
 Macoupen, south by Madison and the Mississippi river, 
 and west by tne Illinois river. The soil resembles that of 
 Fulton county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries &c. of Hamilton connty } 
 
 A. It is bounded north by Wayne, east by White, south 
 30 
 
850 fcEOGSRAFHlCAL CATECHISM 
 
 by Gallatin, and west by Franklin and Jefferson counties, 
 Its waters are the Saline creek, and Little Wabash river, 
 The soil is second rate. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Hancock county ? 
 
 A. Hancock county lies north of Adams, west of McDo- 
 nough, south of Warren ; and is washed by the Missis- 
 sippi on its western side. Hancock prairie, from 12 to 20 
 miles in width, runs through this county. Its waters are 
 Bear, Camp, and the branches of crooked creeks. Land 
 is excellent. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Henry county ? 
 
 A. Henry county is bounded north by Rock river, east 
 by Jo Davies and Putnam, south by Knox, and west by 
 Mercer and Rock Island counties. It is watered by Ed- 
 wards, and some of the head branches of Spoon river. 
 Rock river, and the Winnebago swamp and outlet. Land 
 is good. 
 
 Q,. What are the boundaries, &c. of Iroquois county ? 
 
 A. It is bounded north by Cook county, east by the 
 state of Indiana, south by Vermillion county, and west 
 by an unsettled strip of country. 
 
 Kankakee, Iroquois, and Sugar creeks, are its principal 
 water courses. It is attached as yet to Vermillion county. 
 Soil same as in Gallatin county 1 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jackson county? 
 
 A. Jackson county has Randolph on the north, Frank- 
 lin on the east, and Union county south ; and on the west 
 it is bounded by the Mississippi river and part of Ran- 
 dolph county. Its land is good, and well timbered. Its 
 exports are salt, coal, beef, pork, horses, &c. 
 
 Q» What are the boundaries, &g. of Jasper county ? 
 
 A. Jasper county is bounded north by Cole, east by 
 Crawford, south by Lawrence and Clay, and west by a 
 eorner of Clay and Effingham, Its waters are the Em- 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 351 
 
 terras, and the Muddy Fork of the Little Wabash. Land 
 good. 
 ij. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jefferson county? 
 
 A. Jefferson county is bounded north by Marion, eas* 
 by Wayne and Hamilton, south by Franklin, and west by 
 Perry and Washington. It is watered by the branches of 
 Big Muddy, and a small branch of the Little Wabash. 
 The soil is second rate. — About one third prairie. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Jo Daviess county ? 
 
 A. Jo Daviess county is bounded north by the Wiscon- 
 sin territory, east by Rock river, south by Putnam, Henry 
 and Rock Island counties, and west by the Mississippi 
 river. It is watered by Fever river, Apple, Rush and 
 Plum creeks, and some smaller streams. This county is 
 rich for mining and agriculture. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Johnson county ? 
 
 A. Johnson county is bounded north by Franklin, east 
 by Pope, south by the Ohio river, and west by Union and 
 Alexander counties.' Besides the Ohio, its waters are 
 Cash river and Big Bay creek. Land in general good ; — 
 some barrens. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of Knox county ? 
 
 A. Knox county is bounded north by Henry, east by 
 Peoria, south by Fulton, and west by Warren. Soil simi- 
 lar to that of Greene county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c of La Salle county ? 
 
 A. La Salle county lies west of Cook, north of M'Lean, 
 and east of Putnam. It lxas good soil, but is deficient in 
 timber. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, <&c. of Lawrence county ? 
 
 A. Lawrence county is bounded north by Crawford, 
 ■east by the Wabash river, south by Wabash and Edwards 
 counties, and West by CJay. It is watered by Embarras 
 
352 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 fiver and Racoon creek. In the prairies of this county 
 are many swamps. Soil generally inferior. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Macon county ? 
 
 A. Macon county is bounded north by M'Lean, east by 
 Champaign and Cole, south by Shelb)^, and west by San- 
 gamon. Its waters are the Kaskaskia and tributaries, 
 the North Fork of the Sangamon, and Salt creek. Soil 
 first rate. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Madison county ? 
 
 A. Madison county is bounded north by Greene and 
 Macoupen, east by Bond and a corner of Clinton, south 
 by St. Clair, and west by the Mississippi river. It is 
 watered by Silver and Cahokia creeks, and Wood river 
 and their branches. Soil good; productions abundant, 
 and market ready. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Macoupen county ? 
 
 A. Macoupen county is bounded north by Sangamon 
 and Morgan, east by Montgomery, south by Madison, and 
 west by Greene. It is watered by Macoupen and Cahokia 
 creeks, and the heads of Wood's river. It is a good agri- 
 cultural county. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Marion county? 
 
 A. Marion county is bounded north by Fayette, east by 
 day, south by Jefferson, and west by Clinton. It is 
 watered by the east Fork of the Kaskaskia, Skillet Fork, 
 and crooked creek. Land second rate. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of McDonough county ? 
 
 McDonough county is bounded north by Warren, east 
 by Fulton, south by Schuyler, and west by Hancock. 
 Crooked creek and its branches water most of this coun- 
 ty. Land first rate. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of McLean county ? 
 
 A. It has La Salle on the north, Champaign east, Macon 
 south, and Tazewell west. It is watered by the Macki- 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 353 
 
 fe&W, Kickapoo, Sugar creek, and Salt creek. County is 
 elevated, and soil rich. 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, etc. of Mercer county ? * 
 
 A. It lies north of Warren, west of Henry, and south 
 of Rock Island counties, and has the Mississippi on its 
 western side. It is watered by Pope and Edwards rivers. 
 Prairie and woodland alternate. 
 
 Describe the boundaries^etc. of Monroe county. 
 Monroe county is bounded north by St Clair, east by 
 St Clair and Randolph, south by Randolph, and west by 
 the Mississippi. It is watered by Horse, Prairie de Long, 
 and Eagle creeks. Country hilly and broken, with sink 
 holes. 
 
 Describe Montgomery county. 
 
 Montgomery is bounded north by Sangamon, east by 
 Shelby and Fayette, south by Bond, and west by Madison 
 and Macoupen counties. It is watered by Shoal creek 
 and its branches, some of the heads of the Macoupen, a 
 branch of the South Fork of Sangamon, and the Hurri- 
 cane Fork. Surface high and undulating, 
 Describe Morgan county. 
 Morgan county is b©unded north and east by Sanga- 
 mon, south by Macoupen and Greene, and west by the 
 Illinois river. Indian, Mauvaiseterre, Apple, Sandy, and 
 several other creeks rise within its borders, and furnish 
 good mill seats. It is destined to become one of the rich- 
 est agricultural counties in the state. 
 Describe Peoria county. 
 Peoria county is bounded north by Putnam, east by 
 Tazewell, south by Fulton, and west by Knox. It is 
 watered by the Kickapoo, the heads of Spoon river, Cop- 
 peras creek, and the Senatchwine. Land tolerable. 
 Describe Perry county. 
 Perry county is bounded north by Washington, east by 
 Jefferson and FrankKfj, south by Jackson, and west by 
 30* 
 
354 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Randolph. Its waters are the Big Beaucoup, and Little 
 Muddy. Soil good. 
 
 Inscribe Pike county. 
 
 Tike county isf bounded north by Adams, east by Schuy- 
 ler, south by the Illinois river and Calhoun, and west by 
 the Mississippi. It is also watered by the Pigeon, Hadley, 
 Keys, Black, Dutch, Church, Six Mile, and Bay creeks. 
 These furnish good mill seats. Land is various. 
 
 Describe Pope county. 
 
 Pope county is bounded north by Gallatin, east and 
 south by the Ohio river, and west by Johnson county # 
 Lusk's creek, and some smaller streams water it. Ex- 
 hortations extensive, and land good. 
 
 Describe Putnam county. 
 
 Putnam county is bounded north by Jo Daviess, east 
 by La Salle, south by Tazewell and Peoria, and west by 
 Henry and Knox. This is a first rate county in every 
 respect. 
 
 Describe Randolph county. 
 
 Randolph county is bounded north by Monroe, St. Clair, 
 and Washington counties, east by Perry, and south and 
 west by the Mississippi river. It is watered by the Kas- 
 kaskia river and St. Mary, Horse and some smaller 
 Creeks. Soil various— indifler en t and first rate. 
 Describe Rock Island county? 
 
 The boundaries of this county are not yet properly de- 
 fined. Rock river and some smaller streams water this 
 county. Soil is rich. 
 
 Describe Sangamon county. 
 
 Sangamon county is bounded north by Tazewell, east 
 by Macon, south by Montgomery and Macoupen, and 
 west by Morgan county. It is watered by the Sangamon 
 and its numerous branches. Prairies are large, and soil 
 of the richest quality. 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 355 
 
 Describe Schuyler county. 
 
 Schuyler is bounded north by McDonough, east ty 
 Fulton and the Illinois river, south by the Illinois river 
 and Pike, and west by Adams and a corner of Hancock, 
 Its waters are the Illinois river; Crooked and Crane 
 creeks. Much heavy timbered land of a rich quality. 
 
 Describe Shelby county. 
 
 ►Shelby county is bounded north by Macon, east by 
 Cole, south by Effingham and Fayette, and west by Mont- 
 gomery and a corner of Sangamon. It is watered by the 
 Kaskaskia and its tributaries. Land excellent. 
 
 Describe St. Clair county. 
 
 St. Clair county is bounded north by Madison county, 
 east by Clinton and Washington, and south by Randolph 
 and Monroe counties. Its streams are Kaskaskia and 
 Cahokia rivers, Prairie du Pont, Ogles, Silver, Richland, 
 and Prairie de Long creeks. Extensive coal banks exist 
 in this county, along the bluffs. Land various — most of 
 it second rate. 
 
 Describe Tazewell county. 
 
 Tazewell county is bounded north by Putnam, east by 
 McLean, south by Sangamon, and northwest by the Illi- 
 nois river. It is watered by the Illinois and Mackinaw 
 rivers, and Ten Mile, Farm, and Blue creeks. Much of 
 the land is good. 
 
 Describe Union county. 
 
 Union county is bounded north by Jackson, east by 
 Franklin, south by Alexander, and west by the Mississippi 
 river. It is watered by Clear creek, some of the south 
 branches of Big Muddy, and the heads of Cash river. 
 Land is high and rolling. 
 
 Describe Vermillion county. 
 
 This county lies north of Edgar and Cole, east of Cham- 
 paign, south of Iroquois, and west cf the state of Indiana 
 
&3G GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 It is watered by the Big and Little Vermillion rivers, and 
 contains large bodies of excellent land. 
 Describe Wabash county. 
 
 Wabash county is bounded north by Lawrence, east 
 by the Wabash river, and west by Edwards county. Ic 
 is watered by the Wabash river, and Bon Pas creek, and 
 also by Crawfish, Jordan and Coffee creeks. It has much 
 good land. 
 
 Describe Warren county. 
 
 Warren county lies on the Mississippi, north of Han- 
 cock and McDonough, west of Knox, and south of Mer- 
 cer. Its streams are Henderson river, and its branches. 
 Ellison, Honey and Camp creeks. The land on these 
 streams is excellent. 
 
 Describe Washington county. 
 
 Washington county is bounded north by Clinton, south 
 by Perry, east by Jefferson, and west by St. Clair. Its 
 streams are the Kaskaskia river, Elkhorn, Beaucoup, 
 and Little Muddy creeks. The prairie is of an inferior 
 quality. 
 
 Describe Wayne county. 
 
 Wayne county is bounded north by Clay, east by Ed- 
 wards, south by Hamilton, and west by Jefferson and 
 Marion. It is watered by the Little Wabash, Elm, and 
 Skillet Fork. 
 
 Describe White county. 
 
 White county is bounded north by Wabash, Edwards 
 and Wayne counties, east by the Big Wabash river, south 
 by Gallatin, and west by Hamilton counties. It is watered 
 by the Big and Little Wabash rivers. The prairies are 
 fine and rich. 
 
 Describe the Chief Towns of Illinois. 
 V AND ALIA is the seat of government till 1840, after 
 which it is to be removed to Alton, according .to a vote of 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 357 
 
 the people in 1834, unless they should otherwise direct. It 
 is situated on the right bank of the Kaskaskia river, in 
 IVorth lat. 39° 0' 42 r/ , and 58 miles in a direct line, a little 
 north of cast of Alton. The public buildings are tempo- 
 rary. Population about 750. 
 
 ALTON. Two towns of this name are distinguished as 
 Alton, and Upper Alton. Alton is an incorporated town, 
 situated on the bank of the Mississippi, two and a half miles 
 above the mouth of the Missouri. For situation, com- 
 merce, business of all kinds, health, and rapidity of growth, 
 it far exceeds any other town on the east bank of the 
 Mississippi, above New Orleans. The population is about 
 2100. The commercial business done here is already 
 immense, and extends through more than half of Illinois, 
 besides a large trade on the western side of the Missis- 
 sippi. Great facilities for business of almost every de- 
 scription, especially for every kind of mechanics, are to 
 be had here. It offers one of the best situations on the 
 western waters for building and repairing steamboats. 
 
 Alton has respectable and well finished houses of wor. 
 ship for the Presbyterian, Methodist Protestant, and Bap- 
 tist denominations ; two good schools, a Lyceum, that 
 holds weekly meetings, and two printing-offices. The 
 population in general, is a moral, industrious, enterprising 
 class. Few towns in the west have equalled this in con- 
 tributions for public and benevolent objects, in propor- 
 tion to age and population. 
 
 The town is situated at the base, side, and top, of the 
 first bluffs that extend to the river, above the mouth Of 
 the Kaskaskia. Adjacent to it, and which will eventually 
 become amalgamated, is Middletown, laid off directly in 
 the rear. 
 
 Upper Alton is from two and a half to three miles back 
 from the river, and in the rear of Lower Alton, on elevated 
 
^58 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 ground, and in every respect a very healthy situation. 
 Adjacent to it, and forming now a part of the town plat, 
 is "Shurtleff College, of Alton, Illinois;' which bids fair to 
 become an important and flourishing institution. Also 
 u Alton Theological Seminary; 1 which has commenced 
 operations. Both these institutions have been i ti en up 
 under the influence and patronage of the Bapti? : denomi- 
 nation. A female seminary of a high order, under the 
 name of the " Alton Female Institute;' has been chartered, 
 and a building is about to be erected for the purpose. 
 The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians have congre- 
 gations here, and two houses of worship are to be built the 
 present year. 
 
 CHICAGO is the largest commercial town in Illinois. It is 
 situated at the junction of North and South branches, and 
 along the main Chicago, near its entrance into lake Michi- 
 gan, on a level prairie; but elevated above the highest 
 floods. A recent communication from a respectable mer- 
 cantile house, giving the following statistics: "Fifty-one 
 stores, 30 groceries, 10 taverns, 12 physicians, 21 attor- 
 nies, and 4,000 inhabitants. We have four churches, and 
 two more building, one bank, a Marine and Fire Insu- 
 rance company about to go into operation, and a brick 
 hotel, containing 90 apartments. 
 
 There were 9 arrivals and departures of steamboats in 
 1835, and 267 of brigs and schooners, containing 5,015 
 tons of merchandise and 9,400 barrels of salt, besides lum- 
 ber, provisions, &c. 
 
 The harbor now constructing by the U. S. government, 
 will be so far completed in 1836, as to admit vessels and 
 steamboats navigating the lakes. A few miles back of 
 Chicago are extensive tracts of wet prairie. 
 
 GALENA is the seat of justice for Jo Daviess county, situ- 
 ated on Fever river, in the midst of the mining district 
 
OF ILLINOIS. q o 
 
 It has about 20 stores, a dozen groceries, and about 1,000 
 inhabitants. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD is near the geographical centre of the 
 state, and in the midst of a most fertile region of country. It 
 is a flourishing inland to wn, and contains about 2,000 inhab- 
 itants. Jacksonville, the county seat of Morgan county, 
 has about the same population, and is equally delightful 
 and flourishing. 
 
 One mile west, on a most beautiful eminence, stands 
 i; Illinois College,'''' founded under the auspices of the Pres- 
 byterian denomination, and bids fair to become a flourish- 
 ing seat of learning. 
 
 We have not room to name, much less describe, the 
 many growing towns and villages in this state, that excite 
 and deserve the attention of emigrants. On the Illinois 
 river are Ottawa, and several eligible sites in its vicinity, 
 were towns have commenced; Beardstown, a short dis- 
 tance below the mouth of Sangamon river, Peoria, at the 
 foot of Peoria lake, (a most beautiful site, and containing 
 1,000 inhabitants,) Meredosia, Naples, Pekin, Hennepin, 
 &c. On the Mississippi, are Q,uincy, Warsaw, New Bos- 
 ton, and Stephenson, the seat of justice for Rock Island 
 county. Interior, are Bloomington, Decatur, Tremont, 
 Shelbyville, Hillsboro', Edwards ville, Carlyle, Belleville 
 Carrollton, and many others. Towards the Wabash, are 
 Danville, Paris, Lawrenceville, Carmi, and Mount CarmeJ ? 
 the last of which has an importance from being connected 
 with the grand rapids of the Wabash. Shawneetown is 
 the commercial depot for the southeastern part of the state. 
 On the Military Tract are Rushville, Pittsfield, Griggsville, 
 Carthage, Macomb, Mammoth, Knoxville, Lewistown, 
 Canton, &c., all pleasant sites, and having a popula_ 
 tion from two or three hundred to one thousand inhabi- 
 tants. 
 
360 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 For a more particular description of each county, town . 
 and settlement, with all other particulars of Illinois, the 
 reader is referred to "A Gazetteer of Illinois. 
 
 Describe the projected internal improvements of Illinois 
 
 The project of uniting the waters of lake Michigan and 
 the Illinois, by a canal, was conceived soon after the com- 
 mencement of the Grand canal of Xew York, and a Board 
 of commissioners, with engineers, explored the route and 
 estimated the cost, in 1S23. Provision, by a grant of each 
 alternate section of land within five miles of the route, 
 having been granted by Congress, another Board of com- 
 missioners was appointed in 1329, a new survey was 
 made, and the towns of Chicago and Ottawa laid off, and 
 some lots sold in 1S30. Various movements have since 
 been made, but nothing effectually done, until the recent 
 special session of the legislature, when an act was passed 
 to authorize the Governor to borrow funds upon the faith 
 of the state; anew Board of commissioners has been or- 
 ganized, and this great work is about to be prosecuted 
 with vigor to its completion. 
 
 Funds, in part, have been provided, from the sales of 
 certain saline lands belonging to the state, to improve the 
 navigation of the Great Wabash, at the Grand Rapids* 
 near the mouth of White river, in conjunction with the 
 state of Indiana. From the same source, funds are to be 
 applied to the clearing out of several navigable water- 
 courses, and repairing roads, within the state. 
 
 Charters have been granted to several railroad com- 
 panies, some of which have been surveyed and the stock 
 taken. One from Alton to Springfield was surveyed in 
 1834, and the stock subscribed in December. Another 
 from St. Louis, by the coal mines of St. Clair county, to 
 Belleville, 13 miles, is expected to be made immediately 
 The project of a central railway from the termination of 
 the Illinois and Michigan canal, at the foot of the rapids, a 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 3til 
 
 few miles below Ottawa, — through Bloomington, Decatur, 
 Shelbyville, Vandalia, and on to the mouth of the Ohio 
 river, has been entered upon with spirit. Another charter 
 contemplates the continuance of a route, already provided 
 for in Indiana, and noticed under Ohio, from Lafayette, 
 Indiana, by Danville, Shelbyville and Hillsboro', to Alton, 
 the nearest point from the east to the Mississippi. A rail- 
 road charter was granted at a previous session of the leg- 
 islature from Meredosia to Jacksonville, and another from 
 Vincennes to Chicago. 
 
 We have only room to mention the following charters, 
 which have been recently granted, in addition to those 
 already specified : 
 
 One from Pekin to Tremont, in Tazewell county, 9 
 miles. 
 
 One from the Wabash, by Peoria to Warsaw, in Han- 
 cock county. 
 
 The Wabash and Mississippi railroad company. 
 
 The Mount Carmel and Alton railroad company. 
 
 The Rushville railroad company. 
 
 The Winchester, Lynville, and Jacksonville railroad 
 company. 
 
 The Shawneetown and Alton railroad company. 
 
 The Pekin, Bloomington, and Wabash railroad com- 
 pany. 
 
 The Waverly and Grand Prairie railroad company. 
 
 The Galena and Chicago Union railroad company. 
 
 The Wabash and Mississippi Union railroad company. 
 
 The Mississippi, Carrollton and Springfield railroad 
 company. 
 
 The National Road is in progress through this state, 
 and considerable has been made on that portion which 
 lies between Vandalia and the boundary of Indiana. This 
 road enters Illinois at the northeast corner of Clark coun- 
 
 31 
 
302 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISE 
 
 ty, and passes diagonally through Coles and Ef&hgheem 
 counties in a southwesterly course to Vandalia, a distance 
 of 90 miles. The road is established 80 feet wide, the cen- 
 tral part 30 feet wide, raised above standing water, and 
 not to exceed three degrees from a level. The base of all 
 the abutments of bridges must be equal in thickness to 
 one third of the height of the abutment. 
 
 The road is not yet placed in a travelling condition. 
 The line of the road is nearly direct, the loss in 90 miles 
 being only the 88th part of one per cent. Between Van- 
 dalia and Ewington, for 23 miles, it does not deviate in 
 the least from a direct line, 
 
 Q. What is the state of Education in Illinois ? 
 
 A. The same provision has been made for this as other 
 western states, in the disposal of the public lands. The 
 section numbered sixteen in each township of land, is sold 
 upon petition of the people within the township, and the 
 avails constitute a permanent fund r the interest of which 
 is annually applied towards the expenses, in part, of the 
 education of those who attend school, living within the 
 township. 
 
 A school system, in part, has been arranged by the leg- 
 islature. The peculiar and unequal division of the coun- 
 try into timber and prairie lands, and the inequality ol 
 settlements consequent thoreupon, will prevent, for many 
 years to come, the organization of school districts with 
 defined geographical boundaries. To meet this incon- 
 venience, the legislature has provided that any number 
 of persons can elect three trustees, employ a teacher in 
 any mode they choose, and receive their proportion of the 
 avails of the school funds. In all cases, however, the 
 teacher must keep a daily account of each scholar who at- 
 tends school, and make out a schedule of the aggregate that 
 each scholar attends, every six months f and present it, cer- 
 
 " 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 36 S 
 
 tified by the trustees of the school, to the school commis- 
 sioner of the county, who apportions the money accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 This state receives three per cent, on all the net avails 
 of public lands sold in this state, which, with the avails of 
 two townships sold, makes a respectable and rapidly in- 
 creasing fund, the interest only of which can be expended, 
 and that only to the payment of instructors. 
 
 Good common school teachers, both male and female, 
 are greatly needed, and will meet with ready employ, and 
 liberal wages. Here is a most delightful and inviting field 
 for Christian activity. Common school, with Sunday 
 school instruction, calls for thousands of teachers in the 
 west. 
 
 Several respectable academies, are in operation, and the 
 wants and feelings of the community call for many more. 
 Besides the colleges at Jacksonville and Alton already 
 noticed, others are projected, and several have been char- 
 tered. The Methodist denomination have a building erect- 
 ed, and a preparatory school commenced, at Lebanon, St. 
 Clair county. The Episcopalians are about establishing 
 a college at Springfield. One or more will be demanded 
 in the northern and eastern portions of the state ; and it 
 may be calculated that, in a very brief period, the state of 
 Illinois will furnish facilities for a useful and general edu- 
 cation, equal to those in any part of the country. 
 
 Q. What are the Manufactures of Illinois ? 
 
 A. In the infancy of a state, little can be expected in 
 machinery and manufactures. And in a region so much 
 deficient in water power as some parts of Illinois is, still 
 less may be looked for. Yet Illinois is not entirely defi- 
 cient in manufacturing enterprize. 
 
364 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What amount of Lead is manufactured ? 
 
 A. The following table shows the amount of lead made 
 annually from 1821 to Sept. 1835: 
 
 Lbs. of lead made from 1821, to Sept. 1823, 335,130 
 
 do. for the year ending Sept. 30, 1824, 175,220 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1825, 
 
 664,530 
 
 do* 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1826, 
 
 958,842 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1827, 
 
 5,182,180 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1828, 
 
 11,105,810 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1829, 
 
 13,344.150 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1830, 
 
 8,323,998 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1831, 
 
 6,381,900 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1832, 
 
 4,281.876 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1833, 
 
 7,841,792 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1834, 
 
 7,971,579 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1835, 
 
 3,754,290 
 
 Total, 70,420,357 
 
 The rent accruing to government for the same period, 
 is a fraction short of six millions of pounds. The govern- 
 ment formerly received 10 per cent, in lead for rent. Now 
 it is 6 per cent. 
 
 A part of the mineral land in the Wisconsin Territory 
 has been surveyed and brought into market, which will 
 add greatly to the stability and prosperity of the mining 
 business. 
 
 Q. What is the state of Religion in Illinois I 
 
 A. In general, there are as many professors of religion 
 in proportion to the population, as in most of the states. 
 
 ;Q. What are the principal Church divisions in this 
 State ? 
 
 A. The following table exhibits at one view the differ* 
 ent religious denominations in Illinois. 
 
OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 365 
 
 b&MM3UTtoj»J No. of Churches. Ministers. Members. 
 
 Presbyterians, 71 50 2,000 
 
 Methodist Episcopai, 61 15,097 
 
 Baptists, 240 163 6,741 
 
 Congregational, 3 or 4 
 
 Cumberland Presby. 300 400 10,000 
 
 Methodist Protestants, 3 
 
 Campbellites or Disciples, 7 400 
 
 Dunkards, 6 
 
 Lutherans, 3 3 
 
 United Breth. in Christ, 6 
 
 Roman Catholics, Few. 
 
 Q. What is the History of Illinois ? 
 
 A. The early settlements of the French along the Illi- 
 nois and Mississippi rivers, date back to 1673. The dis- 
 tant and feeble establishments of that nation at any place 
 within the chartered limits of Illinois, never arose to the 
 dignity of colonies. 
 
 At the close of the revolutionary war, and by the treaty 
 of 1783, the country was claimed under the charter of 
 Virginia, and held by that state until ceded to the United 
 States in 1787. It was then made a part of the territory 
 northwest of the Ohio river. 
 
 When the now state of Ohio was made a separater ter- 
 ritory in 1800, Illinois and Indiana remained united, and 
 continued one territory, until 1809, when they were sepa- 
 rated into two. Indiana lying eastward, and in the direc- 
 tion of the stream of emigration, preceded Illinois as a 
 state; the former reached that dignity in 1815, and the 
 latter in 1818, as may be seen by the date of her consti- 
 tution. Since that epoch the history of the state merges 
 in that of the United States. , 
 
 31* 
 
366 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Table of Distances in Illinois. 
 
 1. From Shawnee- 
 town to Bain- 
 bridge, Mo. 
 
 To Vienna, 
 Mount Pleasant, 
 Jonesboro' 
 Bainbridge, Mo. 
 
 2. From Shawnee- 
 t own to St. Louis, 
 Mo. 
 
 To Equality, 
 
 Curran, 
 
 Frankfort, 
 
 Nashville, 
 
 Belleville, 
 
 St: Louis, Mo. 
 
 S 3 
 
 3. From Vincenncs, 
 In., to St. Louis, 
 Mo. 
 
 Lawrenceviile, II., 
 
 Maysville, 
 
 Salem, 
 
 Carlyle, 
 
 "Lebanon, 
 
 Belleville, 
 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 50 
 60 
 70 
 
 29 
 
 45 
 
 91 
 
 125 
 
 140 
 
 4. From Skawnee- 
 town to Vandalia. 
 
 To Equality, 
 Moore's Prairie, 
 Mount Vernon, 
 Walnut Hill, 
 Carlyle, 
 Vandalia, 
 
 50 
 87 
 112 
 141 
 153 
 163 
 
 53 
 
 67 
 
 85 
 
 102 
 
 132 
 
 5. From Sclem to 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 To Vandalia, 
 Greenville, 
 Hickory Grove, 
 Ed wards ville, 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 6. From Vandalia 
 to Galena. 
 
 To HillsboroN 
 Macaupin Point, 
 Springfield, 
 Peoria, 
 
 Dixon's Ferry, 
 Galena, 
 
 7. From Vincenncs, 
 
 In., to Danville. 
 To Palestine, U., 
 York, 
 Darwin, 
 Paris, 
 Bloomfield, 
 Georgetown, 
 Danville, 
 
 46 
 
 56 
 
 81 
 
 103 
 
 28 
 
 23 51 
 28 79 
 66 145 
 99:244 
 61 305 
 
 40 
 50 
 
 76 
 90 
 
 16 I0o 
 14 120 
 
 8. From St. Louis 
 to SpringJieU, via 
 Carrollton. 
 
 To Lower Alton, 
 
 Carrolltoa, 
 
 White Hall, 
 
 Manchester, 
 
 Jacksonville, 
 
 Berlin, 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 60 
 74 
 83 
 94 
 115 
 130 
 

 OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 
 367 
 
 t>. Fiom St. Louis 
 
 g 
 
 § 
 
 1 
 
 g 
 
 to Springfield, via 
 
 a 
 
 o" 
 
 5* 
 
 
 Carlinville. 
 
 to 
 
 tit 
 
 
 to 
 
 
 Edwardsville, 11. 
 
 22 
 
 
 Upper Alton, 
 
 "2 
 
 00 
 
 Carlinville, 
 
 40 
 
 62 
 
 St. Charles, Mo. 
 
 28 
 
 61 
 
 Macaupin Point, 
 Springfield, 
 
 24 
 
 28 
 
 86 
 114 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11. From Vincennes, 
 In., to St. Louis, 
 
 
 
 
 
 10. From Belleville 
 
 
 
 Mo.,v'mVandalia. 
 
 
 
 to St. Charles, 
 
 
 
 To Salem, as in 
 
 
 
 Mo. 
 
 
 
 No. 3, 
 
 37 
 
 
 To Collinsville, 
 
 11 
 
 
 Vandalia, 
 
 26 
 
 113 
 
 Edwardsville, 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 St. Louis, as in No.. 
 
 
 
 Lower Alton, 
 
 12 
 
 31 
 
 < 5, 
 
 77 
 
 IPO 
 
MICHI&AN.' 
 
 CJ. How is ."Michigan bounded, and how many Square 
 miles and acres does it contain ? 
 
 A> Michigan is bounded on the north by the straits of 
 Mackinaw; -east by lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie, and 
 their waters; south by Ohio and Indiana; and west by 
 lake Michigan. It contains 40,000 square miles, and about 
 20,000,000 acres. There are no mountains in this state. 
 
 Q. Which a: e the principal rivers and lakes? 
 
 A. The northern tributaries of the Maumee, Raisin, 
 Huron, Grand, Rouge, Detroit, Clinton, Bell, Pine, Black, 
 St. Clair, Saginaw, Tittibawassee, Hare, Shiawassee-, 
 Flint, Cass, Traverse, Ottawa, Betsy, Manistic, Pent, 
 White, Maskegon, Kekamalazoo, St. Joseph, and a few 
 others. For a lull description of the sources and meand- 
 rings of the several rivers, we would refer the reader to 
 Beck's Emigrants' Guide, page 180-184. 
 
 Describe the soil and surface. 
 
 It is generally a level country, having no mountains 
 and not many elevations that might properly be called 
 hills. The centre of the peninsula is table land; elevated, 
 however, not many feet above the level of the lakes, and 
 
 * For want of space, we have to compress the description of Michi- 
 gan and Missouri. 
 
OF MICHIGAN. 369 
 
 a'oping inward; still the surface is undulating. A few- 
 miles back of Detroit is a flat wet country for some con- 
 siderable extent ; for Michigan abounds with small lakes 
 and ponds. 
 
 Q. What arc the natural productions ? 
 
 A. The timber consists of all the varieties in the west- 
 ern states ; such as oaks of various species, walnut, hick- 
 ory, maple, poplar, ash, beech, white and yellow pine, &c. 
 
 Q. How is the climate ? 
 
 A. In consequence of the country being level and penin- 
 sular, and surrounded on all sides but the south, with 
 immense bodies of water, it is more temperate and mild 
 than could be expected from its latitude. The southern 
 parts have mild winters, and the spring opens as early as 
 in any part of the United States, in the same latitude. 
 
 Give an outline of the Constitution of this state. 
 
 A convention assembled at Detroit, on the 11th of 
 May, 1835, and framed a constitution for a state govern- 
 ment, which was submitted to, and ratified by a vote of the 
 people on the first Monday in October. 
 
 The powers of the government are divided into three 
 distinct departments: — the legislative, — the executive, — 
 and the judicial. 
 
 The legislative power is vested in a Senate and House 
 of Representatives. The representatives are to be chosen 
 annually ; and their number cannot be less than 48, nor 
 more than 100. 
 
 The senators are to be chosen every two years, one 
 half of them every year, and to consist, as nearly as may 
 be, of one third of the number of the representatives. 
 
 The census is to be taken in 1837, and 1845, and every 
 ten years after the latter period ; and also after each census 
 taken by the United States, the number of senators and 
 representatives is to be apportioned anew among the sev- 
 
 <! 
 
370 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 eral counties, according to the number of white inhabi- 
 tants. 
 
 The legislature is to meet annually, on the first Monday 
 in January. 
 
 The executive power is to be vested in a governor, who 
 holds his office for two years. Upon a vacancy, the lieu- 
 tenant governor performs executive duties. The first 
 election was held on the first Monday in October, 1835, 
 and the governor and lieutenant governor hold their offices 
 till the first Monday in January, 1838. 
 
 The judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court, and 
 in such other courts as the legislature may, from time to 
 time, establish. The judges of the Supreme Court are to 
 be appointed by the governor, with the advice and con- 
 sent of the senate, for the term of seven years. Judges of 
 all county courts, associate judges of circuit courts, and 
 judges of probate, are to be elected by the people for the 
 term of four years. 
 
 Each township is authorized to elect four justices of the 
 peace, who are to hold their offices for four years. In all 
 elections, every white male citizen above the age of 21 
 years, having been a resident six months next preceding 
 any election, is entitled to vote at such election. 
 
 Slavery, lotteries, and the sale of lottery tickets, are 
 prohibited. 
 
 The seat of government is to be at Detroit, or such 
 other place or places as may be prescribed by law untill 
 the year 1847, when it is to be permanently fixed by the 
 legislature. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the population of this state ? 
 
 A. In 1834, there were 31,346 white; 261 free color- 
 ed ; 32 slaves, making a total of 31,639. In 1835, the pop-, 
 ulation was 85,856; at present, no doubt, it exceeds. 
 100,000. 
 
OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 371 
 
 Q. Into how many counties is this state divided ? 
 
 A. In 1835, this state had been divided into no less than 
 33 counties, some of which were attached to adjacent 
 counties for judicial purposes. 
 
 The following tabel gives us at one view, the names of 
 counties, population, seats of juctice, &c. 
 
 Counties. Pop ulation). Seats op Just. 
 
 Berrian, - - 
 Branch, - - 
 Calhoun, - 
 Cass, - - 
 Jackson, 
 Kalamazoo, 
 Lenawee, - 
 Macomb, 
 Monroe, 
 Oakland, 
 St. Clair, - 
 St- Joseph, 
 Washtenaw, 
 Wayne, 
 
 1,787 
 
 764 
 
 1,714 
 
 3,280 
 
 1,865 
 
 3,124 
 
 7,911 
 
 6,055 
 
 8,542 
 
 13,844 
 
 2,244 
 
 3,168 
 
 14,920 
 
 16,638 
 
 Total, 85,856 
 
 Dist.from 
 Detroit. 
 
 Berrian, 180 
 
 Branch, 133 
 
 Ecklord, - - - - - 100 
 
 Cassopolis, - - - - 160 
 
 Jacksonsburgh, - - 77 
 
 Bronson, 137 
 
 Tecumseh, .... 63 
 
 Mount Clemens, - - 25 
 
 Monroe, 36 
 
 - 26 
 
 - 60 
 
 - 135 
 ■ 42 
 
 Pontiac, - - - 
 
 St. Clair, - - - 
 
 White Pigeon, - 
 
 Ann Arbor, - - 
 
 Detroit. - - - 
 
 The other counties are Hillsdale, Van Buren, Allegan, 
 Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, Lapeer, Genessee, Shia- 
 wassee, Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa, Oceana, Gratiot, 
 Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Gladwin and Arenac, 
 the population of which are included in the counties given 
 in the table. 
 
 The counties are subdivided into incorporated town- 
 ships, for local purposes, the lines of which usually corres- 
 pond with the land surveys. 
 
 For the sales of public lands, the state is divided into 
 three land districts, and land offices are established at De- 
 troit, Monroe, and Bronson. 
 
372 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Describe the chief towns. 
 
 DETROIT is the commercial and political metropolis. It 
 is beautifully situated on the west side of the river Detroit, 
 18 miles above Maiden in Canada, and 8 miles below the 
 outlet of lake St. Clair.. A narrow street, on which the 
 wharves are built, runs parallel with the river. After as- 
 cending the bench or bluff, is a street called Jefferson 
 Avenue, on which the principal buildings are erected. 
 The older dwellings are of wood, but many have been re- 
 cently built of brick, with basements of stone, the latter 
 material being brought from Cleveland, Ohio. The primi- 
 tive forest approaches near the town. 
 
 The public buildings of Detroit, are a state house, a 
 council house, an academy, and two or three banking 
 houses. There are five churches for as many different 
 denominations, in which the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, 
 Baptists, Methodists, and Roman Catholics worship. The 
 Catholic congregation is the largest, and they have a large 
 cathedral. Stores and commercial warehouses are nu- 
 merous, and business is rapidly increasing. Town lots, 
 rents, and land property in the vicinity are rising rapidly. 
 Lots have advanced, within two or three years, in the 
 business parts of the city, more than one thousand per 
 cent. Mechanics of all descriptions, and particularly those 
 in the building line, are much wanted here, and in other 
 towns in Michigan. The population is supposed to be 
 about 10,000, and is rapidly increasing. This place com- 
 mands the trade of all the upper lake country. 
 
 MONROE, the seat oi justice for Monroe county, is sit- 
 uated on the right bank of the river Raisin, opposite the 
 site of old Frenchtown. Two year since, it had about 150 
 houses, of which 20 or 30 were of stone, and 1600 inhabi- 
 tants. There were also two flouring and several saw- 
 mills, a woolen factory, an iron foundary, a chair factory, 
 &c, and an abundant supply of water power, The "Bank 
 
OF MICHIGAN. 373 
 
 of the River Raisin," with a capital of $100,000, is estab* 
 lished here. The Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, 
 Methodists, and Roman Catholics have houses of worship 
 and ministers here. It was at this place, or rather at 
 Frenchtown in its vicinity, that a horrible massacre of 
 American prisoners took place during the last war with 
 Great Britain, by the Indians under Gen. Proctor. The 
 sick and wounded were burned alive in the hospital, or 
 shot as they ran shrieking through the flames ! 
 
 Of the 700 young men barbarously murdered here, 
 many were students at law, young physicians, and mer- 
 chants, the best blood of Kentucky. 
 
 Mount Clemens, Brownstown, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, 
 White Pigeon, Tecumseh, Jacksonsburgh, Niles, St. Jo- 
 sephs, &c, are pleasant villages and are increasing rapid- 
 ly in population, &c. 
 
 Q. What are the Internal Improvements ? 
 
 A. A survey has been made for a railroad across the 
 peninsula of Detroit, through the counties of Wayne, 
 Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, 
 and Berrian, io tbe mouth of St. Joseph River. Another 
 project is to commence at or near Toledo on the Maumee 
 river, and pass through the southern counties of Michigan 
 into Indiana, and terminate at Michigan city. A third 
 project is to open a water communication from the navi- 
 gable waters of Grand river, to Huron river, and, by locks 
 and slack water navigation to lake Erie. 
 
 Q. What is the state of Agriculture ? 
 
 A. This is slowly improving. The principal products 
 raised are corn and wheat which grow luxuriantly. Rye 
 oats, buckwheat, potatoes, and all garden vegetables com- 
 mon to the western states grow well. All grasses grow 
 well. 
 
 Q. What is the state of education ? 
 
 A. Congress has made the same donations of lands, as 
 32 
 
374 GEOGRAPHICAL, CATECHISM 
 
 to other western states, and will, doubtless, appropriate 
 the same per centage on the sales of public lands, when 
 the state is admitted into the Union, as has been appropri- 
 ated to the other new states.. A respectable female acad- 
 emy is in operation at Detroit, The Presbyterian de- 
 nomination are about establishing a college at Ann Arbor, 
 the Methodists a seminary at Spring Arbor, the Baptists 
 one in Kalamazoo county, and the Roman Catholics, it is 
 said, have fixed their post at Bertrand, a town on the St. 
 Joseph river, in the southeastern corner of Berrian county, 
 and near to the boundary line of Indiana. Much senti- 
 ment and feeling exists in favor of education and literary 
 institutions, amongst the people. 
 
 Q. What can you say of Religion and the various de- 
 nominations ? 
 
 A. The Methodists have 11 preachers and 675 mem- 
 bers ; the Presbyterians 32 churches and 20 ministers ; the 
 Episcopalians 15 ministers; the Baptists 60 churches, and 
 60 ministers, and 1700 members; the Roman Catholics 
 have 1 bishop, 18 priests, 3,500 of population. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the history of Michigan ? 
 
 A. The first civilized settlements in Michigan were 
 made by the French from Canada ; and Detroit was found- 
 ed about 1670; but this region so remote from the Atlan- 
 tic coast, was peopled slowly, and at the end of the revo- 
 lutionary war, when ceded to the United States by the 
 treaty of Paris, contained but few inhabitants. Under 
 various pretences, the British colonial agents retained De- 
 troit, with all that is now Michigan, until after the treaty of 
 Greenville, and the United States did not obtain the coun- 
 try in actual possession until 1796. The territory of Mich- 
 igan was formed in 1805. The country had to sustain 
 more than a share of the vicissitudes of the last war be- 
 tween the United States and Great Britain, and was, in 
 1812, actually overrun by the troops of the lattery but m 
 
OF MCIHIUAN. 
 
 375 
 
 the ensuing year was retaken by an army of the United 
 States under General Harrison. Relieved from calamities 
 of war, and laid open to Atlantic commerce and emigra- 
 tion by the great western canal of New York, the advance 
 of Michigan has been rapid. By the census of 1820, it. 
 contained but 8,896 inhabitants, but as shown in 1830, the 
 population was 31,639; the inhabitants now, 1836, exceed 
 100,000. 
 
 On the 17th July, 1822, Colonel Brady founded Fort 
 Brady on the straits of St. Mary, and commenced the set- 
 tlements of Chippeway county. The settlements on the 
 peninsula are spreading with great rapidity, as may be 
 seen by the numerous counties formed since the census 
 of 1830 was taken. 
 
 In 1835 a constitution was framed for the state and rati- 
 fied by the people. In 1836, Michigan was admitted into 
 the Union as a state. 
 
 Table of distances in 3£ichig"an. 
 
 
 1 From Lower San- 
 
 g 
 
 g 
 
 
 % 
 
 g 
 
 dusky to Detroit J 
 
 BO 
 
 % 
 
 
 o" 
 
 o 
 
 M. T. 
 
 a 
 
 w 
 
 
 w 
 
 «j 
 
 To Perrysburg, 
 Maumee, 
 
 32 
 
 1 
 
 33 
 
 Adrian, 
 Tecumseh. 
 
 12 
 10 
 
 42 
 
 52 
 
 Port Lawrence, 
 
 10 
 18 
 
 43 
 61 
 
 
 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 
 
 Brownstown, 
 
 18 
 
 79 
 
 
 
 
 Mongua^on, 
 
 4 
 
 ,83 
 02 
 
 3 From Detroit to 
 
 
 
 DETROIT, 
 
 19 
 
 Chicago. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 To Lafayette, 
 Ypsilanti, 
 
 12 
 20 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 2 From Monroe to 
 Tecumseh. 
 
 
 
 Jonesville, 
 Cold water, 
 St urges' Prairie, 
 
 68 
 20 
 25 
 
 100 
 120 
 145 
 
 To Atkinson, 
 
 7 
 
 
 Mottville, 
 
 17 
 
 162 
 
 Raisinville, 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 Edwardsburg, 
 
 22 
 
 184 
 
 Summerfield, 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 South Bend, In. 
 
 16 
 
 200 
 
 Blissfield, 
 
 14 
 
 30 
 
 ! Chicago, 
 
 92 
 
 292 
 
 
 
hkxssou&x, 
 
 Q. What are the boundaries, &c. of the State of Mis- 
 souri ? 
 
 A. Missouri is bounded by Des Moines country, at- 
 tached to Wisconsin Territory, east by the Mississippi 
 river, south by the Arkansas Territory, and west by the 
 Indian Territory. It contains 64,500 square miles, and 
 41,280,000 acres. 
 
 Q. What cau you say of the population ? 
 
 A. In 1820, there was a population of 66,586; in 1830, 
 148,555; in 1836, (estimated for January,) 210,000. 
 
 Q. Are there any mountains in Missouri ? 
 
 A. There are, properly speaking, no mountains. The 
 surface of this state is greatly diversified. 
 
 Name some of the principal rivers. 
 
 Besides the great rivers Mississippi and Missouri, this 
 state is watered by various other streams of magnitude ; 
 as the Osage which is navigable 660 miles for boats; the 
 Grand, Chariton, Gasconade, Merrimac, Washita, St. 
 Francis, Kankas, Lemoine. &c. 
 
 £ Describe the soil. 
 
 A great portion of the land is of the richest kind. The 
 land bordering on the Missouri are exceedingly rich. 
 They consist of a stratum of black alluvial soil of un- 
 known depth. As you recede from the banks of the 
 rivers, the land rises, passing sometimes gradually, an$ 
 
 
or Missouri. 377 
 
 sometimes abruptly into elevated barrens, flinty ridges, 
 and rocky cliffs; so that a portion of the state is unfit for 
 cultivation. 
 
 Q. What minerals abound in this State ? 
 
 A. Various kinds, as lead, iron, coal, gypsum, zinc, 
 manganese, antimony, cobalt, ochre of various kinds, 
 common salt, plumbago, porphry, jasper, marble, chalce- 
 dony, barrstor.e, freestone, &e. There is iron are enough 
 in Missouri to supply the whole United States. 
 
 Describe the Climate, 
 
 The climate is remarkably serene and temperate, and 
 very favourable to health. 
 
 (.}. What can you say of the Constitution of Missouri? 
 
 A. The constitution, which was formed at St. Louis, ill 
 1320, is similar to that of Illinois, in its broad features* 
 excepting the holding of slaves is allowed, and the Gene- 
 ral Assembly has no power to pass laws for the emanci- 
 pation of slaves, without the consent of their owners, or 
 paying an equivalent. It is made the duty of the General 
 Assembly " to oblige the owners of slaves to treat them 
 with humanity, and to abstain from all injuries to them 
 extending to life or limb." " Slaves shall not be deprived 
 of an impartial trial by jury." 
 
 In 1832, there were in the state, 32,184 slaves, and G61 
 free coloured persons. 
 
 Every fvec white male citizen has the right of suffrage, 
 after residing in the state one year. 
 
 Q. What arc the civil divisions of Missouri? 
 
 A. It is divided into 50 counties, as follows: — Barry, 
 Benton, Roone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cha- 
 viton, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Franklin, 
 Gasconade, Green, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, 
 La Fayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Monroe, 
 Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Perry, Pettis, Pike, 
 32* 
 
3? & geogii afhic&l CAvmmm 
 
 Polk, Pulaski, Randolph, Ralls, Ray, Ripley, Rives, St, 
 Francois, St Genevieve, St. Charles, St. Louis, Saline, 
 Scott, Shelby, Stoddart, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, 
 and Wayne. 
 
 Describe the principal Towns* 
 
 JEFFERSON CITY, in Cole county, is the political 
 capitol of the state, on the right bank of the Missouri, 
 immediately above Wier's creek, and a few miles above 
 the Osage, and about 138 miles from- St. Louis. The 
 town is but small, and scarce any business done in the 
 place, except some state business. " It contains besides 
 private houses, a governor's house, the state house, and a 
 penitentiary. 
 
 ST. LOUIS is the metropolis and commercial capital, 
 and the most important place in all this portion of the 
 " Great Mississippi Valley." It is on the western bank of 
 the Mississippi, 180 miles above the junction of the Ohio, 
 18 miles below that of the Missouri, 38 miles below that 
 of the Illinois, and 1,200 above New Orleans, by the course 
 of water. 
 
 It is beautifully situated on ascending and elevated 
 ground, which spreads out into an undulating surface to 
 the west for many miles. Two streets are parallel with 
 the river on the first bank, and the rest of the city stands 
 on the second bank; but very little grading is necessary, 
 to give the streets running back from the river, their pro- 
 per inclination. The old streets, designed only for a 
 French village, are too narrow for public convenience, 
 but a large part of the city has been laid out on a liberal 
 scale. 
 
 The Indian and Spanish trade, the fur and pelty busi- 
 ness, lead, government agencies, army supplies, surveys 
 of government lands, with, the regular trade of an exten- 
 sive interior country, makes St. Louis a place of great 
 
OF MISSOURI. 379 
 
 business, in proportion to its population, which is about 
 10,000. 
 
 The morality, intelligence and enterprize of this city is 
 equal to any other in the West, in proportion to its size. 
 The American population is most numerous, but there 
 are many French, Irish and Germans. 
 
 About one-third of the inhabitants are Roman Catho- 
 lics. The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians 
 have large congregations and houses of worship. The 
 Baptists and Unitarians are rather small, and without 
 public edifices. The Roman Catholic cathedral is a cost- 
 ly pile of buildings of freestone, and has a splendid chime 
 of' bells, sent over from Europe. St. Louis is a pleasant 
 and healthy situation, and surrounded with a fertile 
 country. 
 
 Cape Girardeau is a commercial depot for the southern 
 part of the state. 
 
 St. Genevieve stands a little back from the river, and is 
 known only as an old French village. 
 
 a is a landing and depot for the lead mine country, 
 o3 miles below St. Louis. 
 
 Clarksville, Hannibal, Saverton, and La Grange are 
 commercial sites on the Mississippi, above the mouth of 
 Missouri. 
 
 Palmyra Is a beautiful town, of about 1,090 inhabitants, 
 and the seat of justice for Marion county. 
 
 Along the ■Missouri are Portland, Rocheport, Boonville, 
 Lexington, Independence, and many other places of vari- 
 ous degrees of importance. Franklin formerly stood on the 
 north bank of Missouri, but most of it has been removed 
 three miles interior, to the bluffs. 
 
 Potosi is a central town in the mineral district. 
 
 Fulton, Columbia, and Fayette are the seats of justice 
 for Callaway, Boone, and Howard counties, and are plea- 
 sant and flourishing towns. 
 
33Q GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 Q. What arc the Internal Improvements ? 
 
 A. There are few. The citizens of St. Louis, very re- 
 cently have entered upon a project of a railroad from that 
 city, through the heart of this country, to the fine farming 
 lands in the south-western part of the state. 11 this pro- 
 ject be carried out, it will be beneficial to the state. 
 
 Q. What is the state of Education ? 
 
 A. Similar provisions have been made as in other west- 
 ern states; and there is a strong disposition to encourage 
 common schools and sustain academies. 
 
 St. Louis University was founded in 1829, and is con- 
 ducted by the Fathers of the Society of Jesuits. 
 
 There is another institution at a place called Bois Brule 
 Bottom, in the southern part of the state, both Catholic 
 institutions. There is also a college at Marion. 
 
 Q. What can you say of the principal Hetigicus De- 
 nominations ? 
 
 A, The Baptists in this state have 180 churches, 115 
 ministers, 6,090 communicants ; the Methodists have 57 
 ministers, 7,958 white members, 1,0G1 coloured, and 88 ( J 
 Indians, — in tcto 9,898; the Presbyterians have 33 churches, 
 20 ministers, 1,549 members; the Roman Catholics have 
 a host of priests, and many chapels ; the Episcopalians 
 have 5 or 6 ministers. 
 
 Q. What is the early History of Missouri ? 
 
 A. The whole country now included in the states of 
 Alabama and Mississippi, was held by France, or more 
 conectly, that nation claimed this region as a part of 
 Louisiana, from their first settlement on the northern 
 shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 In 1716, the French formed a settlement amongst the 
 Natchez Indians,, and built a fort where the city of Nat- 
 chez now stands. In the first instance, the Indians were 
 unaware of the consequence, but dissatisfaction soon 
 arose, and ended, in 1723, in open war. 
 
OF MISSOURI. 331 
 
 Bienville, the governor-general, marched a force from 
 New Orleans to Natchez, which the Indians were unable 
 to oppose, and were compelled to submit to terms. 
 
 In 1729, a man of the name of Chopart was command- 
 ant at Natchez ; but his injustice and folly so exasperated 
 the natives, and at the same time neglecting the means of 
 defending his colony against their wrath, a massacre was 
 planned, and on the 30th of November, 1729, perpetrated; 
 when, with two or three exceptions, the French of both 
 sexes, to the amount of 700, fell victims. The total dis- 
 persion of the Natchez nation soon followed, as they were 
 too weak to sustain themselves against the French. 
 
 The country in the vicinity of Natchez was abandoned 
 by both whites and Indians, and remained long uninhab- 
 ited. The French still, however, claimed the country 
 until 1763, when it was ceded as part of Florida to Great 
 Britain. 
 
 Settlers slowly entered the country, and many very re- 
 spectable British families located themselves in and near 
 Natchez. During the revolutionary war, 1781, Governor 
 Galvez, of Louisiana, invaded and conquered West Flo- 
 rida, and by the treaty of Paris, 17S3, it fell once more to 
 Spain, who held it until 1793, when it was given up to the 
 United States. 
 
 The 9th of July, 1808, an act of Congress was passed to 
 admit a delegate from Mississippi territory into Congress. 
 June 17th, the assent of Georgia demanded to the forma- 
 tion of two states from the Mississippi territory. Georgia 
 acceded to the demand, but the country remained a terrU 
 tory until December 1817. Previous to the latter date, on 
 the 21st of January, 1815, a petition from the Legislature 
 of the Mississippi territory, praying admission into the 
 Union as a state. This petition was favourably reported 
 on by a committee of Congress, December, 1816. An act 
 was passed the 1st of March, 1817, authorizing the people 
 
382 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CATECHISM 
 
 of the petitioning territory to call a Convention, which 
 was called, and met in July, 1817. The Convention ac- 
 cepted the act of Congress, and proceeded to frame a 
 Constitution of government. The Constitution was adopt- 
 ed on the 15th of August, and in the ensuing December 
 was confirmed by Congress, and the new state took her 
 station as a member of the Union. 
 
 Table of 
 
 1. From St. Louis 
 
 to Palmyra. 
 To Waltondam, 
 St. Charles, 
 Troy, 
 Auburn, 
 Bowling Green, 
 Frankford, 
 New London, 
 Hannibal, 
 Palmyra, 
 
 Distances in XVSissouri. 
 
 2. From St. Louis 
 
 to Fayttte. 
 To St. Charles, 
 Stockland, 
 Lewistown, 
 Fulton, 
 Millersburg, 
 Columbia, 
 Franklin, 
 Fayette, 
 
 3. From St. Louis 
 to Jefferson Bar- 
 racks, 
 
 4. From Bainbridgc, 
 Mo. to Little Rock, 
 A. T. 
 
 To Jackson, 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 20 
 
 57 
 
 73 
 
 89 
 
 100 
 
 112 
 
 120 
 
 130 
 
 30 
 75 
 110 
 120 
 134 
 160 
 173 
 
 Greenville, 
 
 Hix's Ferry, A. T. 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 Batesville, 
 
 Little Red River, 
 
 Little Rock, 
 
 5. From Jackson to 
 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 To Perryville, 
 Kaskaskia, II. 
 Waterloo, 
 Columbia, 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 6. From Fayette to 
 
 Independence. 
 To Chariton, 
 Walnut Farm, 
 Petitsaw Bluff, 
 Lexington, 
 Pleasant Grove, 
 Independence, 
 
 67 
 123 
 139 
 153 
 203 
 236 
 303 
 
 7. From Jefferson 
 
 City to Fulton. 
 To Hibernia, 
 Fulton, 
 
 50 
 
 84 
 
 93 
 
 112 
 
 21 
 51 
 74 
 
 88 
 113 
 
 23 
 
coNSsxras, 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Name, boundaries, slope, 1 
 Area, acres, mountains, 
 montanic aspect, prin- 
 cipal mountains, 2 
 Area covered by moun- 
 tains, 7 
 Valleys, appearance of, 8 
 Rivers, principal, ib. 
 Do. General descrip. of, 1 1 
 Harbours, soil, 23 
 Minerals, 42 
 Iron ore, 43 
 Other minerals, mineral 
 
 springs, 44 
 
 Caves, 45 
 
 Forest trees, 47 
 
 Climate, 48 
 
 Quantity of rain, 49 
 
 Government, 50 
 
 Population, 52 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Civil divisions of coun- 
 ties, alphabetically ar- 
 ranged, 53-100 
 Cities and towns, 100-136 
 Internal improvements, 138 
 Bridges, 139 
 State canals, 140 
 Canals by companies 142 
 Railroads, 144 
 Education, 149 
 Universities, 1 50 
 Common schools, 151 
 Lyceums, 155 
 Religious denominat's. 156 
 Poor, support of, 157 
 Prison discipline, ib. 
 Banks, 161 
 Revenue, 163 
 History, 164 
 Stage routes, 166 
 
 OHIO 
 
 Boundaries, area, acres, 
 
 mountains, 173 
 
 Rivers, descript. of, 1 74-181 
 Harbours, 181 
 
 Soil and surface, 182 
 
 Geology, minerals, mines, 1 85 
 Mineral springs, 186 
 
 Forest, 187 
 
 Climate, 188 
 
 Government, 190 
 
 Population, 192 
 
 Civil divisions, &c. 194-233 
 Cities and towns, 233-243 
 Internal improvements, 243 
 
 Canals, 243 
 
 Railroads, 244 
 
 Turnpikes, 245 
 
 Agricultural products, 246 
 
 Commerce, 247 
 
 Manufactures, ib. 
 
 Education, 248 
 
 Religion, 250 
 
 Penitentiary system, 251 
 
 Revenue, ib. 
 
 Canal fund, 252 
 
 Antiquities, 254 
 
 History, 255 
 
 Principal stage routes, 260 
 
 0388 134 
 

 334 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 INDIANA. 
 
 Name, boundaries, 
 
 Mountains, rivers, 
 
 Harbours, 
 
 Face of the country, 
 
 Minerals, 
 
 Medical springs, 
 
 Caves, 
 
 Natural productions, 
 
 Climate, 
 
 Government, 
 
 Indians, 
 
 Population, 
 
 PAGE 
 
 261 
 
 ib. 
 267 
 
 ib. 
 270 
 
 ib. 
 271 
 272 
 
 ib. 
 273 
 274 
 275 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Civil divisions of coun- 
 ties alphabetically ar- 
 ranged, 275-302 
 Chief towns, 302-311 
 Internal improvem. 312-314 
 Agriculture, commerce, 
 
 manufactures, 315 
 
 Education, colleges, ib. 
 
 Religious character, 317 
 Finances, ib. 
 
 History, 318 
 
 Table of distances. 319 
 
 ILLINOIS 
 
 Boundaries, 
 Mountains, valleys, i 
 
 ers, 
 Surface and soil, 
 Inundated lands, 
 Alluvion, 
 Barrens, forests 
 Minerals, 
 Medical springs, 
 Caves, curiosities, 
 Natural productions, 
 Climate, 
 
 321 
 
 322 
 328 
 ib. 
 329 
 332 
 333 
 335 
 336 
 337 
 338 
 
 Milk sicleneve, 339 
 
 Government, 340 
 
 Population, 341 
 
 Civil divisions, &c. 343-355 
 Chief towns, 356-359 
 
 Internal Improvements, 360 
 National Road, 361 
 
 State of education, 362 
 
 Manufactures, 363 
 
 Religion and churches, 364 
 Early history, 365 
 
 Table of distances, 366 
 
 M ICHIGAN. 
 
 Boundaries, rivers, lakes, 
 
 soil, and surface, 368 
 
 Natural productions, 369 
 Climate— Constitution, ib. 
 Population, 371 
 
 Chief towns, 
 
 Internal improvem. &c. 
 
 Religious denominat's. 
 
 History, 
 
 Table of distances, 
 
 311 SS OUR I. 
 
 Boundaries, population, 376 
 Mountains, rivers, soil, ib. 
 Minerals and climate, 377 
 Constitution & civil div. ib. 
 
 372 
 373 
 374 
 ib. 
 
 675 
 
 Cities and towns, chief, 378 
 
 Improvements & educa. 380 
 
 Religion and history, ib. 
 
 Table of distances, 382: 
 


 4? * • • •- > 
 
 XI 
 
 
■•l\>¥*, 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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