Early days in Goochland County, Virginia -- which today encompasses the communities of Beaumont, Columbia, Crozier, Dabneys, Fife, Goochland, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Maidens, Manakin, Sabot, Oilville, Richmond, Sandy Hook, and State Farm -- are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this 32 page booklet, comprised of excerpts from three rare vintage books: Historical Collections of Virginia by Henry Howe; Twelve Counties of Virginia by John H. Gwathmey; and Virginia, a Guide to the Old Dominion, a WPA Writer's Program publication. The spiral-bound booklet is printed on 60# 8 1/2 x11" paper, with the print enlarged to fit the paper. The front cover is protected with a vinyl sheet. The excerpt from the Howe history, printed in 1845, is quite brief. It covers the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes and sightseeing possibilities. The bulk of this booklet comes from Gwathmey's 1937 contribution, sub-titled "Where the Western Migration Began", a rich resource for the names of early families. Many of these settlers and/or their descendants later migrated to the "western" states of Kentucky, Ohio, etc. Because the booklet is comprised of excerpts from several sources, there may occasionally be duplication of material. Among the many subjects discussed are: Physical Features of the Area; Gen. Nathaniel Massie, who led many Virginians to Ohio; and Frederick and Edward Bates, who led many Virginians to Missouri; other noted citizens: Gov. James Pleasants, James A. Seddon, Col. John Payne and the Payne and Underwood families; the Monacan Indians and Capt. John Smith; the William Byrd family; Bacon's Rebellion; the Iroquois Trail; Huguenot settlers at Manakintowne; Goochland members of the House of Burgesses, the first justices, including Peter Jefferson, the Committee of Safety; and the names of some Goochland Revolutionary War and War of 1812 officers; Invasion by the Army of Cornwallis; first coal mine in America; Remarkable diary of Sen. Joseph Underwood; the James River and Kanawha Canal; George Washington and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad; the Tarleton Coat of Arms; Manor houses, such as Tuckahoe, ancient seat of the Randolphs, including Thomas Jefferson's first schoolhouse, Rock Castle, and Bolling Hall; Captain Christopher Newport and early explorations to find the South Sea; Devastation by Colonel Ulric Dahlgren in 1864; the State Farm at Crozier; and other interesting bits of history and trivia. Illustrations: A sketch of the 1826 Goochland Courthouse is the sole illustration.
Goochland County, VA
only $8.20
Sources: Historical Collections of Virginia / History of Goochland County
Authors: Henry Howe
Original Publication Year: 1845
Original Publisher: Durrie and Peck and J.W. Barber
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