Qass ,F^1-L Book ^'^ The ii^\,, So«tb ALONG THE LINE OF THE Atkintci 8l West Point P. P. AND Tlie Western Pciilwciij ot Akihciina. '^.:r%Q"&n/^ IGoSO Copyright. 1S9S, SMITH, i'RKSIDKNT AND GKNKRAL A ATLANTA AND WEST POINT R. R., TnK \Vi-:sTKRN Railway of Alaba\ Atlanta. Ga. PMOTOCRAPMS BY OllTII. The ]Mana|wement of tiie Atlanta and West Point Railroad and The Western Railway of Alabama, in\Mte correspondence and investigation concernin<_; *''•■ "'^ 'ntages and attractions of this territory. Tlie descriptions and illustrations which follow are designcii U) awaken an interest in the minds of those who are seeking homes in the vSouth. All in(inirifs will be promptU' and fullv answered when addressed to either of the undersigned. W. d. NORTHERN, O. A. DUNSON, Manager Georgia Immigration and Investment Bureau. Land and Immigration Agent, Atlanta & West Point Railroad Co,, ATLANTA. GEORGIA. LA GRANGE. GEORGIA. GEORGE O. SMITH, Pretldent and General Manager Atlanta & West Point Railroad Co., and the Western Railway of Alabama. ATLANTA. GEORGIA. Wf:5Tf:PN MIDDLE GtiOPGIA. ALOMCi ri IE iJMIi or THE ATLANT7\ & Wl:.ST I )()INr 1^. 1^ (ciikihk- ot ri\riik|l\tvst AgriailKiral and IndiLstrial Dcvelopnient— .^Umiifncfoiics OrclAarcl.s, Dairic.s, r-arnvs, I'ducational Institutions. necfssary to insure WESTERN MIDDLE GEORGIA is a region that possesses everytliin;. happiness and prosperity to its inhabitants. It lies along the southern slope of the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge, and consists of gently nndulating plains, interspersed with streams and rich valleys. It enjoys a delightful and healthful climate, knowing neither the extreme of cold nor the extreme of heat experienced in regions farther tu the nurt]-. products is hardly 'iiualed b to general farming, to trii ^1 is productue, and the variety of its agricultural and garden extent of territory in our country. It is finely adapted isHig, to stock, to dairying, and to all manufacturing 'ustries Its nearness to excellent markets, made ?*^ ^^''ible by splendid railway facilities, offers fine il>ortunities for the rapid and profitable sale of till, products of the factory, the dairy, and the .dim Together with these advantages, its people are industrious, progres.sive, law-abiding, and |io>~i'ilal)le. Such a rejjion oi country must soor l)econie very liiglil- developed; aiiii Western Georgi; shows, bj^ its rapiil growth to-day, that its great advantages and opi)ortunities are becoming known and appreciated. The resources of this section of Georgia are as yet almost untouched . Vast mineral wealth, in the hills to the north of the Chat- tahoochee River, awaits the enterprise of the miner. The 6 DlNfNG CAR— INTERIOR VIEW. DINING CAR— INTERIOR VIEW. river itself, having j^reater force at the shoals oiiposite Atlanta than is utilized to turn all the looms of Lowell, flows by this progressive city and through this magnificent region without contributing one drop of its waters to turn a wheel or to drive a spindle The sunny slopes of the hills are but little used, as their value for vineyards and orchards is just being understood. The productive soil lies unutilized and waste in extensive areas. The splendid wealth of forest, of ])asturage, and the not less real wealth of invigorating atmosphere and salubrious climate, are still waiting for the time when their full, value will be appreciated and used for the benefit of man. Some idea of the resources and possibilities of this region maybe formed when it is remembered that within it lie the splendid vineyards of Coweta County ; the famous peach orchards of Troup — the pioneer peach orchards of the State — the long stretch of vineyards and nurseries and orchards from Atlanta to West Point : the beautiful grass and dairy farms about La Grange ; the stock farms and general farms in prosperous condition everywhere ; the mills and factories dotting the line of railway, and the magnificent schools and institutions of learning at College Park and La Grange. And yet, as has been said above, the possibilities of this splendid region are but beginning to l)e rev'ealed to us. MA rill ML (ONDiriONS. This section of the State is a part of the Archaean or crystalline belt. In this belt lie the Pied- mont plains, a gently undulating plateau, with an altitude of from seven hundred to thirteen hundred feet. At the southern margin of the cr5'stalline formation is what is known as the "fall line" of the rivers and streams. Here begin the shoals and falls, which, in Western Georgia alone, furnish power 7 sufficient to drive the machinery of the continent. Along the Chattahoochee River, below Atlanta and between Fulton County and Troup County, but not including the great powers of Atlanta and West Point, there are twenty -two shoals or water powers. There are hundreds of such powers in this region of the State. Throughout this belt are enormous quantities of granite of various kinds, marbles of various tints, and good slate and building stone. ' ■ rkable quantity. Quartz is found in Feld.spar, used in making 5ne grades of porcelain, abundance, and bauxite, largely used in the making of aluminum, is ])lentiful. The timber of the region comprises almost every variety known to our Southern forests. In the upper part there is to be found splendid forests of red and white oak, hickory, poplar, ash, with other hardwoods. In the lower portion, the forests arc of yellow pine, the most valuable timber in the United States, intermingled with oak and hickory. The soil is remarkably productive and quickly responds to fertilization and cultivation. It is specially adapted to grains, grasses, clover, • itton, and fruit. Both the grape and peach gri>\v ii> ii>rlec- lon, and berries succeed splendidl CLIMAII: ;\ND IIE/^L rHI-ULNI!55. The altitude and situation of this part of the State insure it a healthful and invigorating climate. The cold is never severe south of the Chattahoochee River, and the summer is tempered by the moun - tain air from the north. The nights are cool, and the air is stimulating even on the warmest daj-s. This enables all classes of labor, in field or factory, to work in the ojien air at all hours of the day, There need be no lost time on account of extreme weather, winter or sunnuer. Besides, the climate is mild enough to save to the inhabitants much of the heavy expense of fuel to which thej' would be subjected further north. The winter temperature seldom falls below 20 degrees; and the range in summer is rarely above 90 degrees. The mean temperature for winter is 47 degrees, and for summer 79 degrees. The healthfulness of the entire section is remarkable. As stated, the mildness of both the summer and the winter climate has much to do with this; but it is also due to the regular seasons, to the equable rainfall, to the high altitude, to the bold streams, to the pure water, and to the lialmy influence of the pines. There is, also, an abundance of mineral and curative waters, and many health resorts. PPODUCLS or nmn amd oai^diim. The fine railway facilities long possessed by this section of the vState, together with its nearness to the best home market, have had a tremendous influence upon the farmers and gardeners. At West Point was made the begiiming of the now vast peach industry of Georgia. Along the line of railway have sprung up, within the last few years, magnificent orchards of peaches, extensive vineyards, and 9 dozens of nurseries to supply the ever -increasing demand of peach and grape -growers. The farms have a thrifty and prosperous appearance, and vegetable or truck farms, and dairies and creameries have been rapidly established, under the favorable conditions described. Attention has already been called to the great varietj' of the products of the farm, garden, and orchard that is to be found in Western Georgia. Among the field crops may be mentioned cotton, corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, peas, Irish and sweet potatoes, ground peas, or peanuts, turnips, clover, and grasses of every variety. Among vegetables, there are grown every species known to the gardens between the Gulf and Canada. Among fruits are the peach, pear, apple, plum, cherry, quince, grape, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, huckleberries, and currants. In such a country, and with such variety of crops, vegetables, and fruits that may be grown profitably, surely the farmer and the gardener should meet with success INDUS 11 ?l IIS. Agricultural industries are very diverse in this section. There are the general farms, the vine- yards, the fruit orchards, the stock farms, dairies, creameries, grass farms, vegetable or truck farms, and nurseries. In manufacturing, there is equal diversity. Cotton mills flourish at Atlanta, Palmetto, Newnan, La Grange, West Point, and elsewhere. There are cotton-seed oil mills, fertilizer factories, ginneries, ice factories, canneries, and crate and basket factories. In all these lines of industry there are splendid opportunities for new enterprises. Water-power is abundant, coal is remarkably cheap, and the railway facilities are all that could be desired Ponltrj' farming is a new industry; and one that is found to be profitable and promising. 10 TRAM5l>ORTATIOM r7\CIIJ riCS. That portion of Western Middle Georgia under consideration is traversed by the Atlanta and Woi Point Railroad, which runs from Atlanta to West Poir' where it becomes the Western Railwaj^ of Alabai) and goes on to Montgomery and Selma, Ala. T: railway affords unexcelled facilities for both passeiiL and freight traffic. At the eastern end of the line Atlanta, the capital of the State, the largest cit>' i i the territory east and south of a line drawn from New Orleans to St. Louis, and from St. Louis to Louisville STEAMBOAT ON THE , and Washington. Here it connects with a dozen other railways that lead to every market and every important city in the country it connects with a number of other lines, and with steamboat transportation on the Alabama River. Atlanta affords a good home market for all country supplies. Rapid transit and good schedules enable the producer to gather fruit and vegetables in the afternoon and have them on Atlanta tables for breakfast the next morning. Milk, cream, and butter can be shipped to Atlanta in time for early morning delivery. These producers can, of course, command better patronage and prices than those shipping a longer distance. Freight and passenger rates are reasonable. 11 At Montgomery Al Kll iK I, The Atlanta of to-day is a growth of thirtj'-three years. After its baptism of fire in ( ( \ November, 1864, wlien the inhabitants had been dispersed by the exigencies of war, and of more tlian one thousand houses onl^' three hundred remained, the city look a new start, and its great growth dates from that time. It is, therefore, a cit\' of the new nxi>iii\ erected on the ruins of the old. The rapidity of the growth of Atlanta is illustrated by the fact that, since it was blotted from the map, the city has spread over twelve square miles of ground. Starting with no business in 1.S6.S, it received in 1897 one-third of the freight delivered in Georgia, and its post-office receipts were one -third of those of the State. Thirty -two years ago there was hardly a dollar to turn a trade; within closed the bank clearings aggregated $72,000,000, and the total commerce of the of insurance, real estate and miscellaneous transactions, amounted to $56,000,000 ning of this period there were only a few stragglers remaining in the wake of fire- To-day there is a great city of one hundred thousand people of one hundred and twenty thousand, with a floating popula tion of mail}' thousands more. From bare ground, covered with ashes and ruins in 1865, the real jjroperty value of the city has been buil; ••• to a value of §60,500,000, consisting largely of solid mn- of brick and mortar, stone and steel, which go to nia^x u)) a magnificent array of handsome business edifices. 12 .EOHGIA, ATLAN1 the year just city, exclusive .\t the begin - and sword, i Atlanta's public buildings tj-pifj^ the solid character of her institutions. Most conspicuous among them is the State Capitol,, which was erected at a cost of $1,000,000. This stately structure, the custom house, the county court house, and other public edifices, : make up an aggregate of seven or eight millions invested in public buildings. Atlanta is a city of homes, and this apparent not onl\- in the appearance of tliej houses, but in the statistics of the Unitci States census, b}' which Atlanta is accredi* with a larger percentage of home owners tl any city of its size in the Southern States. Conditions in Atlanta are highljf favorable to manufacturing industries : this is attested bj' the great variety of articles made here. More than one hundred and fifty establishments are in successful operation, emploj'ing about eight thousand operatives at good wages, and pouring into the channels of trade an annual pay-roll of $2,500,000. The value of the raw material consumed is more than $6,000,000, and the product between $14,000,000 and $15,000,000. The factories of Atlanta take the cotton crop of four average Georgia counties. The trade of Atlanta covers more or less all of the 1.1 ,1AR!ETTA STREET. States between the Ohio and Potomac Rivers, the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mississippi River, and in some lines extends to the far southwestern States and into Mexico, wliile in a few it covers the entire country. The tendency of the jobbing trade of the Southeast is to concentrate in Atlanta, and little by little the business of other centers gravitates to this city. Atlanta's financial institutions are of the most solid character. Among her banks are several whose phenomenal success is indicated by the very large surplus they have accumulated and the handsome dividends they regularly declare. Atlanta is the financial center of Georgia, and much business from the surrounding country is cleared through the banks of the city. Atlanta early estab- lished a system of public schools, and before almost any city in the South turned its attention to technical education. The Technological School was established by the State of Georgia upon induce- ments offered by the city of Atlanta, which bore half the cost of the original plant, and contributes largely to the support of the institution. There is ample opportunity for technical instruction of other kinds. Atlanta has three medical colleges, whose attendance averages six hundred, to saj' nothing of the students of the dental colleges. Technical instruction in business methods is not neglected, and two large and flourishing business colleges have maintained themselves here for many years. With an admirable esprit de corps there is a broad and catholic spirit, born of the cosmopolitan character of the people. The population is principally composed of the best elements of the Southern States, with an admixture of enterprising and progressive people from the North and West, all striving with generous rivalry for the upbuilding of the city. All creeds and cults and political faiths are represented, and for each there is not only toleration but welcome and sympathy, according to his individual deserts. The people of Atlanta are hospitable, broad, liberal, big-hearted, whole-souled, fair and free. 14 Ga., Is situated eight miles from Atlanta, in Fulton Countj', and is the most -desirable suburb of Atlanta. With a population of about one thousand, made up mainly of professional and wealthy people, who do business in the city, it is an ideal home place, ome of the handsomest residences in Georgia are here. A chert road, almost as smooth as a floor, leads out from Atlanta, making a most attractive driveway, and a resort for cyclists. The railroad facilities are th best — twenty -four trains daily, at five cents commutation fares. The prettiest depot in the State is here, constructed of buff brick and stone, at a cost of $5,000. The elevated situation, thorough natural drainage, good water, an^i equable climate, make it a thoroughly healthy location Although the town is less than six years old, is an educational center. Here is the home of tl Southern Military College, well officered and w^ equipped for the education of boj's and young mt: The most attractive feature of the place is the notti Southern Fem.\le College for girls. This famous insti GROUP OF COLLEGE STUDENTS. f^Mi tution has been for more than fifty years under the management i of the Bacon -Cox faculty, the college having been moved froni^li La Grange three j'ears ago. The college building is a model one for educational purposes, equipped with steam heating apparatus, electric lights, water works, elevators, and fitted to accommodate two hundred boarders. The faculty con sists of thirtj'-one graduates from leading universities of America and Europe. There is a library of li\ . 4^ thousand volumes, a museum of eight thous:iii.i f^ specimens, a mounted telescope, fifty piar and other instruments and art models. Ten icherc emploj'ed in music; a ladies' orchestra or thirty \ the Music Department. This department hi RESIDENCE ABBETT. ?' jrmers, is one of tlie attractions of ndred and torty - five jnipils the past 'Pile patronage of the college, drawn from nearly every State in the Union, is constantly increasing. Prof. C. C. Cox is the President of the college, and its great usefulness and success show him to he the " right man in the right place." The grounds about the college building have been laid off under the personal direction of President Cox, who is a great lover of all kinds of plants; the object in view, aside from beau- tifying the grounds, being to illustrate dendrology, and landscape ■Ju- .:. 17 PRETTY RESIDENCES AT COLLEGE PARK. gardening and to afford practical object lessons in botany. The grounds consist of about forty acres. President Cox has now growing a bed of maples, consisting of nine varieties; a bed of poplars of six varieties; forty varieties of evergreens; a large variety of oaks, including several foreign kinds; a number of weeping trees; seven kinds of beech; many kinds of fruit trees, apples, peaches, pears, figs, etc., and one hundred varieties of grapes; there are twelve varieties of magnolias, comprising the Japanese, Chinese, and American kinds; six varieties of pines; dogwoods of various colors, and a nuttery where numerous varieties of nut trees are growing. On the grounds are two hundred and fifty^ varieties of roses. In addition there are hundreds of perennial and annual flower plants, berries, and small fruits. This display not only illustrates the objects intended, but shows also the w^onderful capabilities of our soil and climate. I lOvl \^/Cll\, In Campbell County, is a farm village I V C () °^ about four hundred inhabitants. *' As a rule, the farmers own the lands they cultivate. There are some splendid orchards and vine- yards here, and there is some market gardening, but cotton is the chief product. There is an abundance of timber ear, and this would be a splendid point for a bucket, tub, handle factor3'. Lands can be bought all the waj' from $10 to $50 per acre, according to location and improvements. SOUTHERN MILITARY COLLEGE. COLLEGE PARK. rQII DLirn, The county seat of Campbell County, f",r] eighteen miles southwest of Atlan Go, STATION AT FAIRBURN. Atlanta. The town has a population of one thousand, and does a commercial business of about $300,000 annually. The cotton receipts amount to about seven thousand five hundred bales each season. There are excellent schools; the leading white school is attended by an average of one hundred and forty pupils. Town taxes, including the school tax, are only 50 cents on $100. There are Baptist and Methodist churches. Here are two grist-mills and two ginneries. Fairburn is situated on the dividing ridge between the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. A peculiar physical feature is that the rain which falls on the west side of the railroad, dividing the town, flows into the Chattahoochee; and that which falls on the east side flows into the Flint River. In easy access of the town is an inexhaustible supply of granite, some of it so fine grained and hard that it takes the Jiighest polish. As showing the extreme health - fulness of the place, there are fifty or more old people in the community between the ages of eighty and one hundred years. The railroad furnishes the best facilities for reaching Atlanta, selling commutation tickets at half a cent per mile. Nearby is a celebrated mineral spring — the Trentbam Spring — a lithia water valuable in kidney and nervous troubles. This spring furnishes a good opening for a sanitarium or summer resort. The chief industrial enterprise of the town is the harness and saddle factorj' of Messrs. McCurry & Inman, which emploj'S sixty hands and has a weekl}' pay-roll of $450. This factory employs five traveling salesmen, and places its annual product of over $150,000 in the States of Virginia, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. 19 A new fiiterprise recently been established in Fairburn for the manufactnre on a large c a 1 e of tht^ xie" Cotton 'laiiier and Guano utor. The citizeiSW offer gootl uitlucciiiciilb ior all manufacturing enter- prises, such as exemption from town taxes, low-priced sites, etc. Good farm and fruit lands can 1 Ijought at SlO per acre near the town. It was near here the Yates apple originate the best flavored, best keeping and mo valuable of the southern varieties apple. Apples, peaches, pears, plums- grapes, and, in fact, all fruits do well' here. The dairy industry is yet small, but growing, some butter being shipped to Atlanta. 20 p 'CM I I IV , I 1^', Enjoying the distinction oi (^.(-^ being the highest point '' between Atlanta and West Point, is located in Campbell Count}-, twenty -five miles from Atlanta, and has between eight hundred and one thousand population . The town tax is only two ai a half mills. There arc Pr byterian. Baptist, and Mctin dist churches, and high cla schools, both public and pri\ Like Fairburn, it is on th^ dividing ridge between the Chat tahoochee and Flint Rivers, and here also is an inexhaustible supplj of building and monument granite. The lands are adapted to cotton, grain, fruits of all Jcinds, grapes, etc., and can be bought for from $8 to $20 per acre. The town is a growing one, having about doubled its population in the past two years; and offers the best inducements to the homeseeker and manufacturer. Here is located a flourishi and spindles, ploying one ^^hmm.itmamr'*'^*- JERSEY NEAR PALMETTO on factory of four thous- ., with fifty looms, em - umdred and ten lands daily. The iioduct is duck and arns. The number 'f operatives em- loyed and output of lemillisbeingcon- -tantlj' increased. The other indus- Uial ciileipn.scs of the town consist of a public ginnery and extensive wood working and blacksmith shops. The near-bj' farmers are gradually engaging in dairying, and three or four dairies make profitable returns in ship])ing butter to Atlanta. Good inducements are offered here for manufacturing enterprises. c OVV^ Kl, Is thirty miles from Atlanta and nine miles cast of Newnan. A company of Newnan (~( I gentlemen have here one hundred and twenty-five acres planted in peaches, and *' one hundred and twenty -five acres in grapes. The soil is well adapted for fruits, and abundant and su])erior crops are gathered each year. Land in this section can be had in any quantity desired, and at most reasonable prices. Here is located one of the most complete wineries in the South, having a capacity of one hundred thousand gallons of wine per season. P 0\VCJk>, Or Powellsville, is thirt> ( '/ j very best for fruit. five miles from Atlanta grape culture, more than forty thousand vines are in bearing iu a radius of one mile. These lands can be bought at from $5 to §20 per acn A public ginnery, with a capital oi $5,000, gins twelve hundred bales of cotton annually, and two stores do a good business. There is a gin plant, blacksmith shop, a good school, and two churches. A good class of home -seekers would be warmly welcomed. 22 >ieAR COWtTA N GWnOn, Is the county seat of Coweta (^f] Count}-, located forty miles '' southwest of Atlanta, at the intersec- tion of two trunk lines, and has a population of four thousand. Epidemics are unknown, and the health of the city is exceptionally good, making it a most desirable home city. Newnan has one of the best conducted public school systems in the State, officered by able and well known edu- cators. The citj^ has a splendid system of water works, and is lighted by electricitj'. It has an elevation of nine hundred and fifty -five feet above the sea, and lies on the water shed of the Chatta- hoochee and Flint Rivers. The drainage is perfect, while the water is the purest freestone. The mild climate, without extremes of heat or cold, makes it an ideal place of residence. Coweta County produces about twenty thousand bales of cotton annually, of which about fifteen thousand is mar- keted at Newuan from wagons. Newnau is surrounded by a splendid farming countrj', the lands being adapted to cotton, grain, grasses, fruits, grapes, etc. Land can be bought at very reasonable prices, from $10 per acre upward, according to the proximity to town and the character of improve- ments. Newnan is an important commercial center; all classes of merchandise are sold, and the merchants have ample capital. There are three banks with a combined capital of $155,000. The dairy industry is small as j^et, but is growing. The plentiful Bermuda pastures and the Jersey cattle of the section make this a profitable branch of farming. A creamerj' and cheese factory would find this a splendid opening. The manufacturing interests of the city are extensive. Two cotton mills, manufacturing fine grades of cotton yarns and ball thread, run on full time, and employ large forces 23 of oiJeratives at good wages. The R. D. Cole Manu- facturing Company operate extensivt machine shops, whei engines, boilers, so mills, grist-mills, po,-.^. presses, shafting, etc., are manufactured on an extensive scale. This con 24 L-ern is one of the most prosperous enterprises in Georgia, shipping an average of a carload of its product every day in the year. A sash, door, blinds, mantels, and inside wood-work factory supplies contractors over a large territory. There are two planing mills and large hnnber yards. Two flour and corn mills are doing a .commercial trade. A shoe factory does a large business, throughout Georgia and ther States. There is a tton oil mill of large pacity. Fertilizer works iid acid chambers, ship- ping annua 11 J- over '"■elve hundred tons goods, are prepar- liffe' now to double th'eir capacity. Therel ANO SThEET 5Cch£ IN NEWNAN. '^i^ are a tannery and a harness collar factory doing a larjje business : a cigar factory doing a large business ; an ice factory, the output of which has been greatly increased during the past season; a mattress and spring-bed factory-, doing a most satisfactorj' business; a cotton compress, pressing over forty thous- and bales of cotton annually ; a buggy and wagon factory ^oing a good local and wholesale business : a canning factQEy,which has proven most successful. All these enterprises were built and are operated b}' Newnar «,f^. .--v-^iiiiQtiejjj^ No stock in an^■ of these enterprises can bft^DUght as low as par, 511 1 sells at from :>)to$150per ■hare. The taxable prop- ert}' of the lown is about j.i. 1)00, 000, and ihe tax rate is five mills, which lies the pub - school tax. Ncv, nan offers the 'jest inducements all kinds of manu- ing enterj'rises. n orekKxl, Gci., 40 VINEYARD. MOREUANO. of a Five miles south of Newnan, in Coweta County, has a poi)ulation of five hundred, all ^. white but about forty persons. It is the home of the J ■ peach, the pear, the plum, the grape and small fruits, , "*■• shipping last year twentj'-five car loads of fruits to the markets of the country. About two thousand five hundred bales of cotton are shipped annually. Lands are very productive — those close in are valued at $60 per acre; lands further out sell at from $10 to $30 per acre. The industries consist public ginnery, saw- mill, grist-mill and general repair shops for wood and iron work. A crate and basket factory, operated by the Moreland Manufacturing Company, is a flourishing enterprise, employing twenty -five hands, many o' whom are women and children who earn froi 75 cents to $1.25 per day. The product of tlii- factory is shipped throughout Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida. There are two churchch and good schools. 26 PEACH ORCHARD. MORELAND. 51. V^l Ivll 1^ 'v*^, 111 Coweta County, is forty-seven miles soutlivvest of Atlanta, and has a popu- (^ f I lation of about one hundred. Ithas a splendid public giiinerj', agood general '' merchandise store, and action is now being taken by a local stock company, to build an oil mill. The soil is well adapted to a high class of general farming, dairying, poultry raising, culture of grapes and other fruits. Splendid inducements are offered for manufacturing enterprises. Lands about the dei)ot can be bought for from $.iO to $50 per acre; adjoining lands at $10 to $15 per acre. Several fine producing orchards and vineyards are near b)'. Gl (II ll\ NIC', In Coweta County, is a thriving village of one thousand inhabitants. Within (.( \ a radius of four miles is a population of four thousand, made up of a *' thriving farming class. It is eleven hundred feet above sea level. There are two churches, a Baptist and a Methodist, each having large memberships. There are also good schools. The fertile soil makes it an excellent locality for home seekers, while the people are readj'- to offer substantial encouragement to manufacturing enterprises. Fruits do well ; grapes are grown extensively. The town has a public ginnery and two grist-mills, and receives from six to seven thousand bales of cotton annually. The Grantville Hosiery Mills, employing fifty hands, and making two thousand dozen pairs of hose per week, is the chief manufacturing industry. Two miles from the town is the well known Wilkes' Gold Mine, operated by Boston capitalists, equipped with modern machinery and producing a satisfactory output. There are two other gold mines in the vicinitj^ where gold is mined in paying quantities. 27 HOCJCI I ^^\''l I K ', With a population of one thousan (^.F\ is located in Troup County, '' fift}'- eight miles from Atlanta. Large creeks fiow on either side of the town, making the natural drainage perfect. There are Methodist, Baptist, and Preshy - terian churches. system, with and an average pupils. Tlie , on$100, wlr: It has an excellent public school superintendent and six assistants. , attendance of two hundred town tax is only thirty cent includes the school tax.^*' A' 5,000 ciiiniu., enterprising cla.ss of merchants, and a _, ^ ^ ....^ic-i, make the town a most prosperous and inviting place. A business of about $300,000 is done annually, and twelve thousand bales of cotton are sold from wagons each season. Several factories, representing about ,000 of home capital, are located here. They con- sist of an oil mill of large capacity, guano fm-tnrv, inrncss factory, grist mill, and ginnerj'. there is no better point in Cieorgia than this Immigration is desired, and new comers are sure to receive a most cordial welcome, and will find this one of the most fertile and productive sections of the South. A company is now being formed to manufacture ham- ^ mocks, twines and similar articles, with necessary machinerj' to spin all the yarns it can use. There are many superior factory sites with p of water, and liberal inducements will be offered for all kinds of n e w enterprises. The farming lands are remarkably pro- ductive, and can be bought at from SlO to $15 per acre. Some splendid grass lands near town invite dairying and stock raisinv For a creamer ^ ■*??•■' ;~^r ^^ .'fi .iJ>->/.^>..t' ^* COTTON PICKERS. NE.1 IOlllS(^, ( iCl., Troup County, is a _^ new place, but niak - ing a most satisfactory growth. \ • Miin, i\ ill this section. f^\r^ * 't ^tr I CI VJl vll iCJvL', The capital of Troupe County, seventy I C^.f) 0^1^ miles southwest of Atlanta and *' one hundred and fifty miles from Macon, has a population of five thousand. The taxable property i>l -MajB |£HV the city amounts to more than two million dollars, with no 'Wm ^^Ifs bonded debt, and the tax rate for all purposes is only six M --g— i and one -half mills. The city occupies a commanding situation eight hundred and fifty feet above the sea level, with a natural drainage STATION, LA GRANGE. that insures perfect freedom from malaria, and gives the city the deserved reputation of one of the healthiest points in the countrj'. city, an It is at once a manufacturing city, a commercial educational city, and a city of homes. There are many antebellum mansions, and scores of modern residences that add greatly to the beauty and attractiveness of the town. Flower gardens abound in all por- tions of the city, about the stately residences and modest cottages alike. „a^'~' '^, . "The Terraces," the name by which SCENES NEAR LA GRANGE the famous Ferrell Garden is known, is just at the western limits of La Granj^e and for many years has been recognized as the most lo\'ely and beautiful garde in the South. The streets are wide and roomy, shaded everywhere with tli water-oak and stately elm. La Grange is an historic town, from its fouiulati.i noted for its wealth, refinement and education. Here have been the homes n: some of the most distinguished men of the South — governors, congressmen jurists, .senators, and men of affairs. The citizens have a just jiride in the i)ast, and great lioj)e for future of their city. Here is the home of the Southern Female (Baptist) Collcg the La Grange Female College, owned l)y the North Georgia Methodist Conference; of the Park High School for boys, and .several private schools of high class. Each of these colleu and schools employs a large corp: of teachers, all special! their particular lines. The stand- ards of scholarship liiBWWr t^KKBKWUK^KTfflK^ ' REsioENcVsriM ia gkange are high, and a diploma from either FEMALE COLLEGE carries with it an honor well earned. All are enjoy- ing a large patronage, pupils coming here from many States *^ and Territories. There \ are two Methodist, two Baptist, two Presbyterian and one Episcopal church. A splendid system of water- works furnishes an abundance of water for fire, domestic and manufacturing purposes. The streets are lighted by electric arc lights. There are two banks, with a combined capital and surplus of $300,000. There are three cotton factories. The L,a Grange Mills has ^ five thousand spindles, •'''-'* '■■_^v t ^ and manufactures duck '*'"' 1 V n It 1» m^ exclusiv-ely, using ten to I IJ " r 1 M m twelve bales of cotton . giM'l ^ daily. The Dixie Mills has eighteen thousand group of st > -.rs. *" -SOUTHERN FE-- ..LEGE. Spindles and three hundred and fifty-four looms, using ten bales of cotton dailj' and manufacturing a variety of white cotton goods. The Troupe Factory has sixteen thousand spindles and fifty-two looms, using five or six bales of cotton daily, and manu- facturing sheetings, shirtings, drills and osna- burgs. The.se mills represent a large capital, and are owned and operated by home people. Among other manufactories is an oil mill of large capacity, a ginnery, guano factory, two planing mills and variety works shops; a grist- mill, two buggy and wagon factories, foundry *-*.f* and machine shops ; the most successful creamery and cheese factory in the South, and other industries. Sur- rounding the city are many elegant suburban homes,! stock farms, dairy farms, orchards and vineyards, whil the surrounding farm lands are as productive as any thal^ can be found in the South. One striking feature of tl. lands is the equal distribution of wood and water, neai i every farm having its proper proportion. The famou.s .,j;^ri«i WtNt. l« i,ka ,,,, Hernuida grass finds here a natural home, furnishing pasturage for r months in the year, and when mowed for hay, yielding from three to six tons to the acre. Standard bred horses are grown here to a considerable extent, and here are to be found some of the best ^,^herds of Jersey cattle in the South. Situated on the Atlanta & West Point Railroad, and the terminus of the Macon & Birmingham Railroad, the town possesses unexcelled railway facilities. Its healthful location, varied industries, educational advantages, and its sociable and hospitable people, make La Grange a most popular city, and to the man or family seeking a home, the community offers the best possible induce- ments. Homes and improved city property can be had at i' most reasonable prices ; well located farm lands can be had at from $10 to $20 per acre, and lands remote from town at much lower prices. Manufacturing sites are abundant, with plenty of running water and railroad facilities. 36 A considerable number of northern people from the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan have purchased homes in the vicinity of L,a Grange within the past few years, and, with very few exceptions, have found prosperity and contentment in then adopted State. Each season adds new members to tin colony of northern people. Troup county and the city of I Grange cordially welcome all new comers. The country surrounding La Grange is finelj' adapted tor-A^ the growing of peaches and small fruits, and for vegetable farms; and the earlj'- products of this locality find ready markets and fancy prices. The Atlanta and West Point Railroad does everything possible »to encourage small farmers to locate on the line of the road. German gardeners, and farmers especiallj% would find this localitj' jwrticularly suited to them. HOROUGHBREDS. i(il)l)elMlle, In tweiitj' - five inhabitants, ncries, two jurist -mills, a saw -mill and in general merchandise, do an annual abundant timber nearbv, makes this a iVoupe County, located about half way between Point, has about one hundred and lour schools, four churches, two gin- planing-mill.. Three stores, dealing business of about $30,000. The splendid point for the establishment of a furniture or woodworking factory, (irass lauds and canebrakes are l>lentiful, furnishing both sum- mer and winter pasturage for atle. Long Cane Creek Hows iiearbi', furnishing all water needed for manufacturing. Farm lands are above the average and can be bought at from $8 to $15 |)er acre. CLEARING IN THE WOODS NEAR GABBETTVILLt. WC ol MOII \I, In Troupe Coiniti-, is situated at the termini /""/- 1 of the Atlanta & West Point Railroad and *' Western RaiUvaj' of Alabama, eighty-seven miles from Atlanta and eighty-eight miles from Montgomery, Ala. It is on he boundary line between Georgia and Alabama. The city is situated ..11 both sides of the Chattahoochee River, and has a population of five thousand five hundred, in two miles square, and a taxable property of ; ,000,000. The city tax rate is 50 cents on the $100, not including public school tax. The city owns its water-works and electric phuits, erected at a cost of $25,000 and $16,000 respectively. The lining West Point, buys its water and lights from the citj. These systems pay their own expenses and give West Point her lights and fire protection practically without cost. There are thirty -six arc li.t^hts, while fifty hydrants give the city all the protection needed It has one of the best public schools systems in the State, with an attendance of about three hundred pupils. It is , ; j officered b3' a Superintendent and five assistant teachers. ^^ The trains of the Chattahoochee \'alley Railway run out to the factories down the river, make five round trips daily, and bring in quick communication with the city about three thousand people who do their trading here. 39 town of Lanett, Ahi INSPECTING COTTON. nionthlv )rEL. WEST PO(NT. West Point is an important commercial center; its bank clearances amount to $1,000,000 annually, and its sales o* cotton to twenty-four thousand bales. It is also a note- manufacturing point. Among the manufacturing enterprises are the West Point Oil Mills, W'est Point Iron Works, West Point Manufacturing Company, Galeton Cotton Mills aiul Lanett Cotton Mills, besides other smaller industries. The_ Galeton Mills run five thousand spindles and o::e hundrt and fifty looms, using three hundred bales of cotta the iiroduct being duck and osnaburgs. It employs one hundred and seventj' hands, with a monthlj^ pay roll of $3,000. The West Point Manufacturing Comjjany runs twelve thou.sand spindles and three hundred and thirty'- looms, making ducks and osnaburgs; it employs three hundred and forty hands, monthly pay roll of $7,000. The Lanett Cotton Mills run twenty -seven thousand spindles and seven hundred looms, and consumes one thousand bales of cotton monthly, producing sheetings, drills, fancy ducks and sateens. It emploj's seven hundred hands, and has a monthly pay roll of $10,000. The combined industries of the vicinity have a monthly pay roll of about $25,000, and insure a lucrative business 40 RESIDENCES AT WEST POINT. to llic retail trade at all seasons of the year. West Point invites further investments in manufacturing. West Poi;'* ■i;^' '■ ■ Mnction of being the pioneer in the fruit-growing industry of the Stale, for was here that many years ago, John H. Parnell, brother of the Irish — - ,.airiot, planted the first extensive commercial orchards. He saw the wonderful possibilities of both soil and climate, and was (.juick to take advantage of it. Truck farming has proven very profitable here, as has also poultry farming and dairying. This being the most southwesterly limit of LAST BATTLE FIELD OF THE CIVIL WAH the Piedmont region, ti lands are rolling and the soil well adapted to all V a r i e t i e s of farm and fruit crops. Citj'' real estate can be had at reasonable prices, while farm lands sell verj' low, averagfing from $8 to $12 per acre. The very extensive manufacturing interests centered at West Point, ami the prospect of their further development at no distant day, make this city and vicinity an in- \ iting field to capital seeking profitable investment. THE OHATTAHOOCH-eS^'SdVEn AT ON, WEST I'cilNI . lEbucattonal Hctvantages of tbe Cbattaboocbee IDalle^. AT every village and town along the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad are located high class public or high schools, where thorough teaching is the rule, and where can be acquired a good common school education. The schools are all well equipped and well patron- ized, the attendance of pupils being large at a of them. Several of the places have up-to-date public school systems, where the primary intermediate and high school branches are taught. At College Park is located the famous Southern Female (Cox) College, one of the largest and best equipped fepmale colleges in the country, having aboard ing capacity of over two hundred pupils. At I,a Grange, noted as an educational center since tht foundation of the city, is t' La Grange Female Collegi , „ ^,,, owned by the North Georgia Methodist Episcopal Conference, having about one hundred boarding pupils and more than that number from local patronage. Here, too, is the Southern Female College, located more than half a century ago, and enjoying a most liberal patronage from the Baptists of the State and from the people of the immediate section. La Grange is the home of the noted Park High School, for boys, enjoy- ing an extensive patronage from a wide circle. These colleges are presided over by some of the most noted educators of the South — that at College Park, by the noted Cox ^^^^ family ; the La Grange Female College, ^^IW^^^by Prof. Rufus W. Smith, and I 3, H I^^PI^ the Southern Female College, 1] it La Grange, by Rev. G. A. W-^*^^ \uniially, the well-known .j@^ and eminent Baptist di- 45 EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. vine. These colleges number among their patrons pupils from nearly every State in the Union, and so high is the standard of scholarship, so thorough the training, and so good the general health of the pupils, that the patronage of each is increasing yearly, and their buildings and equipments are con- stantly being enlarged and improved. fIDanufacturino in tbe (Tbattaboocbce IDallc^. THE low taxes in Georgia, abundant labor, the ability to work every day in the year, the reliable character of the labor, absence of strikes, and cheapness of living — all especially applicable to the Chattahoochee Valley — will eventually make this section the center of manufacturing, especially of cotton goods. The tax rate of Georgia, excluding the school and pension funds, is only six and a half cents on $100. During 1897 a total of thirty-seven new mills were erected in the Southern States, with two hundred and fifty-six thousand seven hun dred and eighty spindles and five thousand six hundred and seventy -two looms. The Chattahoochee Valley has secured its full share of these new enterprises; the section traversed by the Atlanta and West Point Railroad has ten cotton mills, five oil mills, and one hammock and twine factory. Among the other industries along this line of road are several foundry and machine shops, boiler and engine works, a creamery, cheese factory, canning factory, tannery, several ^^.^. ' "^ fertilizer factories, mattress factory, spring bed factory, cotton com- ^^j^'^v^^^" """"^ "^ press, bucket factory, crate factory, buggy, carriage, and wagon factories, three harness factories, collar factory, shoe factory, several gin, grist, and grain-mills, monument works, granite quarries, and several wineries, not counting the many industries of Atlanta. This makes up a long list of enter- prises covering a line only about eighty miles in length. One striking feature of the manufacturing interests upon this line is that nearly all the capital invested in them has been furnished by home people; the large earning capacity and ample profits of these manufactories belong to home capital. While this is true, the people desire to see these manufacturing interests greatly increased and offer every inducement possible to secure any class of manufacturing industry. Suitable sites with abun- dance of running water abound along the line of the road. Many towns and cities offer free sites for industrial enterprises, and taxes so low as to amount almost to total exemption. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. E)air^in0 In tbe Cbattaboocbee l^alle^. THK Chattahoochee Valley, from Atlanta to West Point, is peculiarly well adapted for profitable dairying. The Bermuda grass makes its home here and furnishes grazing for cattle nine months out of twelve, while corn, the small grains, farm grasses, and clovers all grow in greatest perfection. In this climate the red clover is almost perennial; fields seeded with it furnish two and, in-^flgonable years, three cuttings of hay annually, f^ ten or more years without reseeding. There is no better hay or one which yields more abundantly than Bermuda grass. Three cut- tings a year are common, and the yield is from three to six tons of hay per acre, according to the richness of the soil. The corn . Aii-^u,-., .- . _. ^ —■ plant grows to perfection, and whether used for milH ' 1 for hay, makes the best of cattle food. Springs and creeks abound everywhcru, ana ineu is iiaicily a farm in all the valley that is not abundantly watered by these small streams. TuberG^Sis, so dreaded by the Northern and Western dairymen, is unknown here, and the much talked or^^i.. ' , er" is alike unknown. Cattle are healthy, vigorous, and productive. One pound of bull for^ach cow in a herd is common. 52 HtRD Ul- JEHbtYb N AH As an instance, Mr. N. J. Heard, who runs a private dairj' at La Grange, selling his butter in Atlanta, gets an average of one pound of butter per day from his herd of Jersey cattle for every day in the year. Another instance in the same section, is the herd of Mr. T. G. Cameron, who lives six miles from La Grange, and for the past year milked an average of nine cows, getting an income from them of over $800. These examples could be multiplied all along the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad. One Dtculiai f. atiiiL- of ilic dairy Inisiness in this section is that when once a farmer (•n;_;ams in it ii .ofital)Ie. There are hardly ten days in the year when the cattle cannot be turned out to isture, and the fortunate dairj'man has :een feed growing at all seasons, so that I'.e cattle have green feed at all times, even '. ithout the use of the silo. Barns can be put up cheaply, as the expensive and close arns of the cold North are not necessary ir this climate. Cows in full milk can be d at from six to eight cents per day, and ie milkyield, from climatic or other causes, much richer in butter than it is in the orthern and Western dairy States — the . erage here being about five per cent utter (at. ■r i2m!i&,.\~, The market for good btitter is practically un- limited. The La Grange Creamery, possibly thr most flourishing enterprise'iOf the kind in tli South, has never been able to supplj' the demauvi for its butter, selling it for an average price ol twenty -five cents per pound net. At nearly all the stations along the Atlanta and West Point Railroad butter is shipped in consideral)le quantities, and the demand is always large for more of a first class article. Jersey cattle predominate, but the Holslein and Devon find a home here; all seem to be equally hardy, and all have proven profitable. This countrj^ of mild climate, productive .soil, abundant grass, and good supply of free-stone water, is a most inviting section for the Northern and Western dairymen, who now have to house their cattle for more than half the year, use expensive feed and sell their protluct at much lower prices than prevail here. No section of the United States can make a better (inality of butter than is made here, the flavor and grain being almost perfect. PEACH ORCHARD. NEWNAN. jhr DAIRY FARMS ]fruit (Browing in tbe Cbattaboocbee Dalle?. rROM Atlanta, running westward, the Atlanta and West Point Railroad follows a ridge on the dividing line between the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. The land is elevated and well drained, and the nature of the soil is such as to produce a perfect fruit. Nowhere else does the peach grow to greater perfection. The native apples do remarkably well, and some of the apple orchards of this section have proven most profitable-, investments. This is especially true of the celebrated Yatesy apple, which originated in Campbell County. Hundreds oft acres have been planted in peaches, and many thousand trees ^ are now bearing, yielding an abundant and profitable crop. I The large orchards along the railroad present a scene of thrift j most pleasing. Hundreds of other acres have been planted in grapes, of which the yield has been phenomenally great, and wh market conditions have been favorable, the profit in grape growir has been large. The peach crop is also a profitable one, especially the earlier varieties. Pears, quinces, the many varieties of plums, figs, and ■ the numerous garden berries, all yield abundantly of the most perfect and VINEYARD CULTIVATION. btst flavored fruit. There is an occasional failure of the peach crop because of late frosts, hut the grape crop can always he ^■*^y (|iiaiiuty ol yicUi and (jnality ol iruit. The imijortance of the fruit crop in this section is attested hy the large orchards and vineyards at almost everv station on the Atlanta and West Point Rail- road. The fruit jjrower, seeking a new home, where his products will iDW to the fjreatest |)erfection, where lands can be had at reasonable prices, where living is cheap REMAND*" ''"^ health conditions are perfect, could do no better tlian locale in this favored section. ■ The Atlanta and West Point Railroad handles the fruit ship- ments in a most satisfactory manner, giving the best and fastest schedules to the various markets of the country. Both Eastern and Western markets arc available via trunk lines reaching Atlanta and Montgomery, and fruit shi]inients from this seclion are forwarded yearly to more diver- sified markets in all parts of the country. The desirabilitx- of a home market for the large production of grapes on the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, has attracted the favorable attention of manufacturers of domestic wines, and the beginnings of what is expected to prove a large and profitable industry have already been made at Coweta, Ga., by the Vina ^'ista Wine Company. PLUM ORCHARD. MOREL (Beneral Jfarming in tbe (Ebattaboocbee IDallep. B' ■GINNING at Atlanta, and down to the Alabama line at West Point, em- bracing what is known as Western Middle Georgia, is a region possessing everj' requisite to secure success in farming as well as in other pursuits. The lands consist of undulating plains interspersed with streams and rich valleys. The natural drainage of the country is perfect, malaria is unknown, and epi- demics of any kind impossible. The climate is delightful, knowing no extremes of heat or cold, and the soil unrivalled in the variety and extent of its productions. The most delicate rf' flowers and vegetables, up to the hardy corn and cotton plants, find in the soil a congenial home, and on a system of inten- 60 '3^ '^•^i'ff^i "^MS-^ mEVARD, COWETA sive farming, the lands are capable of tlie very liijjhest develojinient. Cotton is still the prin- cipal money crop, but farm products are more diversified each year, and the progressive farmers uf the entire section make their farms self-sus- taining first, and the cotton a surplus crop. Aside from all the fruits, including berries and grapes, which grow to great perfection, one hun- dred and twenty bushels of corn have been gathered from ■■"■ "'■ MM -'" ivMnr,,; bales of cotton. Sugar-cane, wheat, rye, barley, clover, and all the grasses are successfully grown ; clover and Bermuda grass give three good cuttings a season, and yield as high as six tons to the acre of the very finest high class haj'. There is abundance of pasturage for cat- tle, making this a profitable country for cattle and sheep growers. Hogs are cheaply and suc- cessfully raised and make rapid growth, giving farmers cheap and abundant meat and lard. The mild climate makes this a favoralile section for poultry and egg farms, ^j . the unexcelled railroad facilities ix'we quick access to all the markets of the countrj'. Lands are sold at remarkably low prices, considering their great productiveness, the admirable railroad and market facilities, equable climate, the excellence and plentifulness of water, and abundant rainfall. More people are needed, and the stranger making his receives the most come and kind treatment. For farmer, fruit grower, dairyman, , poultryman, stock raiser or truck farmer, no other section can offer so many or so good in - ducements. LOADING HAY NEAR LA GRANGC .*>^*-a? FARM SCENERY. IResume. A RESUME of the advantages and attractions of the Chattahoochee Valley includes the cities and towns specifically described, and the Educational, Manufacturing, Dairying, Fruit Growing and General Fanning interests, briefly mentioned in the foregoing pages. All these varied and expanding interests are located within the distance of eighty -seven miles measured by the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad. In no other section of equal area in the South can so many and so varied industries be found, or so large a development of the higher forms of civilization represented by churches, schools, and highly organized social communities. Commencing at the State line between Georgia and Alabama at West Point, the Western Railway of Alabama becomes the continuation of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad through eastern Alabama, forming junctions with the large railway sj'stems centering at Opelika, Montgomerj' and Selma. The prosperous cities and important manufacturing and educational centers of this portion of Alabama are described in the following pages. A TYPICAL GEORGIA FARM. [jdlKCI, A\ICI., The county seat of Lee County, is situated at the junction of the Railway of Alabama, with the Central of Georgia Railway Lafayette Railway. It is one hun- Western and the dred and nine miles from Atlanta, one hundred and twenty -five miles from Birmingham, and twenty -nine miles from Columbus. In altitude it is eight hundred and twelve feet, and is the third highest point in Alabama. Opelika has a popula- tion of over six thousand, being the second largest city in East Alabama. It has five railways, with twenty -six passenger trains arriving and departing from its depots daily. It is the center of a great fanning and fruit country; the finest Jersey dairy, and finest scuppernong vineyard in the State is here. The supply of timber is extensive, while the railroads bring the coal fields into close touch. Opelika is on the great highw-ay of 67 travel between the cardinal points and has the same freight rates as Atlanta, Montgomery, Colum- bus, etc. It has the finest Court House iu the State, a new $40,000 hotel, other hotels, numerous churches and schools, an elegant opera house, a perfect system of water- works and electric lights; and is the commercial center of East Alabama. Three flourish- ing banks furnish ample capital. Opelika has, among other enterprises, flour ing and grist mills, brick yards, iron foundry, oil miiis guano factory, planing mills, an oak mantel factory, an ice factory, and the largest cotton compress in the South, except one at New Orleans. Coal, wood and iron are very cheap, Opelika invites more manufactories. A cotton factory would find here a most advantageous site. Labor is abundant and reliable, and the citizen- ship of the community is moral and orderly. Opelika is a city of homes; over $100,000 was expended here in 1897 in the erection of new residences. Opelika's wholesale houses handle the greater part of the trade in East Alabama. The receipts of cotton average forty thousand bales per annum. The farmers aii home producers, and are independent and progress! 69 CHICKEN FAHM NEAR OPELII Lands throughout the tributary country are productive, andean be bought cheaply The climate is delightful and the wate^ abundant. There are elegant churches, of five denominations. In eas}' reach of all the g^eat cities of the country with unexcelled resources, and a pro ductive surrounding country, the advantages offered by Opelika as a place of busi - ness or resi- dence unsurpassed. Its altitude and healthlulness are such that epidemics are unknown. Visitors and settlers are always cordially received. For all kinds of manufactories there is a golden harvest w waiting. Skill and cap - ^ ._.- ^^^J^ ital will secure it. COURT HOUSE, OPELIKA. iilxin\7\l(i This is a ck- 1 i jf lilf ul residence place of seven thousand inhaliitants, situated fifty - nine miles east of Montgomery, on the Western Raihvaj' of Alabama 72 and possesses great advantages in a fine climate, healthfulness, and a magnificent educational institution. The Alabama Polytechnic Institute and Agricultural and Mechanical College was founded under Act of Congress and Act of the General Assembly of Alabama, accepting a Federal grant of land amounting to two hundred and forty thousand acres. This institution las a number of handsome buildings con- structed by the State. The main building is a new and magnificent structure of containing forty - five devoted to purposes of instruction and investigation. The farm buildings are numerous, well con - structed and admirably equipped. The State Agricultural Experiment Station is connected jvith the college AGRICULTURAL AND MECAHNICAL COILEGE. '^-'^-- and conducts ex- periments at Auburn and in different localities for the improve - ment of agricul- ture throughout the State. The college is specially devoted to teaching science and its indus- trial applications. It has a number of well equijiped laboratories, filled with various and costljf appliances for teaching modern science. Its mechan- ical and electrical laboratories are unusu- SCENL ON AUBUH.'J COLLLGE FARM. ally well equipped. The chemical laboratory occupies a handsome structure of pressed brick containing commodious rooms for instruction an investigation with complete equipment. The departments of biology and phj'siologj' are equipped with valuable microscopes, micro tomes, sterilizers, Pasteur filters, etc. The department of Pharmacy is supplied ' with the full apparatus needed in pharma- ceutical processes. The faculty consists of sixteen professors and fifteen assistant instructors under the Presidencj' of Wm. LeRo attendance of students is about three hundred and fifty. The full college course requires four years, and occupies much time in laboratory work. The college is doing a work of great value to the South in fitting its students by a thorough scientific training for the successful performance of the duties now required for the industrial development of the country. i Broun, LL. D. The yearly ^f3e tTusftegec IRormal and 1InC»ustrlal llnstltute, Zrwskcgec, Hla. THE Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute is situated one mile from the town of Tuskegee, Ala., which lies between Opelika and Montgomery. This school was founded b> Booker T. Wa.shington, on the 4th of July, 1881. In a little church with thirty boys and girls as a nucleus, the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute was born. During the first year two hundred acres of land were purchased, and the erection of the first building — Porter Hall — was begun. Soon a building to be used exclusively for the s-irls was needed. .tikI Mr. Washington set about raising money to a demand. In this as in almost everything which he engaged, he was successful, and Alabama Hall, still remaining as the principal dormitory for the girls, was erec- ted in the second year of the school's life To trace the history of this school i detail, from the time of its inception to the present, would be out of place here. The same result will be obtained by mentioning briefly th 76 financial status of the school, and some of the things which enable it to develoy) the idea for which.it stands. The Tuskegee dnstrial Institute stands training of the "Head, Heart and Hand." It is not, by any means, a college nor a univer- sity, but a school de- signed to prepare worthy young colored men and women for the various practical duties of life. The course of study here is intended to give a thorough English education. None of the higher branches of study, which belong wholly to the universities and colleges, are attempted. Arithmetic, English grammar, geog- raphy, history, physiology, civics, composition, book-keeping, polit- ical economj^ physics, algebra, geometry, chemistry, and nine months in the theory and practice of teaching comprise the important part of the tudy. The Indus - iii.il side of Tuskegee is TuSKfi.Ff nuhmal and industrial institute. worthy of note. In this phase of the work three objects are kept in view, viz. : First, to teach the dignity of labor. Second, to teach the students how to work, giv- ing them a trade when thought best. Third, to enable students to pay : portion of their ex - penses in labor. Tuskegee is try ing to meet the long existing demand for school in which colored young men and women may receive a thorough industrial training. The following named departments will give some idea of this phase of work : Depart - cuts of agriculture, dairying, arpentrjs carpentry repair, 1 ilacksmithing, printing, i wheelwrighting, plumbing and foundry work, paint - , shoe-makiniT, brick- niasourj' and plastering, brick -making, saw -milling, tinning, harness-making, tailoring, plain sewing, dress-making, cooking, lauudrj-ing, nurse training, house -keeping, bee culture, canning, stock-raising, "- hitectural and mechanical drawing, and free-hand ing. Students work in all these departments, ami while learning their trades are paid something for their labor, thus enabling them to partly pay their expenses. Those who have no money work all day and go to school at night until they have enough money to go into the day school. During the past year there was an average attendance of 1,072 students — males 706, females 366. 996 of this number were regular boarders. In all the departments — literary, industrial and executive — 88 instructors and ofificers were em- ployed. The property owned by the trustees is 80 valued at about $290,000. This propertj' includes 2,267 acres of land. There are forty-two buildings used for various purposes. There are 407 head of liv-e stock, including horses, mules, cows, oxen, pigs and sheep, and a large number of fowls. An agricultural building, costing $10,000, has just been completed. The Alabama State Legislature has recently appropriated $1,500 to this school, to be used in establishing an agricultural experiment station here. Science Hall has also recently been completed. A new brick chapel, with a seating capacity of 2,400, and costing $30,000, was dedicated March 23, 1898. Last in this connection is the new Trades Building, to be erected at a cost of $30,000. This building has been begun, and when completed will be the home of the trades taught. Aside from these things, Tuskegee is making itself felt, not only through its graduates and uuder-graduates, but through the Tuskegee Negro Conferences held here annually, in which the condition of the negroes in the "Black Belt" is discussed, and remedies suggested for existing evils. By all these means Tuskegee hopes to lift up and make better the poor and lowly who so much need help. Tuskegee is connected with the Western Railwaj' of Alaliama at Chehaw, Ala., by the Tuskegee Railroad, about five miles in length. The town is one of the oldest in the South, and contains many well preser\'ed specimens of old Southern architecture. It is surrounded by a fertile and highly cultivated country, and is the home of an enterprising population numbering about one thousand. -t FALLS MFG. CO. 'Pcillassee, Ala.,i Is situated on the Tallapoosa River, seven miles from Milstead, a station on the Western Rail • way of Alabama, twentj-- five miles east of Mont- gomery, and is connected with Milstead by the Tal-,^ lassee and Montgomery Rail way. Tallassee is one of the most picturesque places in the entire South. Here the Tallapoosa River breaks through the line of rocky hills, falliuu a distance of sixty feet in three hun yards, making beautiful cataracts and — '^ representing a most magnificent water -powe1 The value of this power was early recog- nized, and while the land was still a part of the Creek Nation, that portion about the Falls was purchased from S3 FALLS ON TALLAPOOSA RIVER AT TALLASSEE. the Indians, and in 1847 a small cotton mill was erected. This formed the nuclens from which has steadily grown the manufacturing town. In 1853 a second large six-story cottou mill was erected, and in 1878 the Tallassee Falls Manufacturing Company was incorporated, representing the mills then built. This company erected a third mill and weave shed in 1883, and now operates twenty-three thousand spindles, consumes twelve thousand bales of cotton annually, and gives employment to some eight hundred people, representing a population of about two thousand five hundred souls. In 1897 the Company commenced the full development of the water-power, and the erection of a fifty thousand spindle mill, which will be completed in the near future. Upon the comple- tion of this new mill, the number of spindles in operation will be about seventy-five thousand, consuming thirty -five thousand to forty thousand bales of cotton per annum, and supporting a population of ten thousand people. The water-power is so great that after supplying the mills, there will remain a large surplus, which it is propo.sed to transmit electrically to the city of Montgomery, thereby furnishing that city with cheap power. Tallassee is attractive to the visitor, both on account of the great natural beauty of its location, and the large development of its manufacturing interests. Montcjoii^eiij, AlG., AT MONTGOMERY. Is closely associated with the history of the State, of which it is the Capital. Montgomery was founded the same year in which Alabama was organized as a territory, and was incorporated in the same month of the same year in which the State was admitted to the Union. The Alabama Indians had a town here called Hostile Bluff. As early as 1785 a number of white traders had located here, but undoubtedly the earliest inhabitant was one Arthur Moore, who, in 1814, erected a cabin on the river bank near where the depot is now located. Andrew Dexter, of Massachusetts: was one of the first adventurers who made haste to ^tow rich by buying a share in the new city. The town was first baptized "New Philadelphia." The advantages of the place must have been considered marked, even then, for the ensuing year, 1818, finds a number of Georgians buying a large tract of land adjacent to "New Philadelphia" on the west, and laying out there a town called "East Alabama." On December 3, 1819, the Legislature of Alabama passed an Act consolidating New Philadelphia and East Alabama under the name of Montgomery, and eleven days later, on December 14, 1819, Alabama was admitted to the Union. The population of the place in 1820 was estimated at six hundred, composed of immigrants from almost every State in the Union. 85 STATE CAPITOL. Descriptions of the Montgomery of the early daj's low a busy and prosperous community, with a consid- ,il)le commerce by steamboats operated ou the Alabama ivcr between Montgomery and Mobile. Montgomery's charter as a city was granted in f,S7. In February, 1836, ground was broken for a railroad from Montgomery to the Chattahoochee River, and thus was inaugurated an undertaking so signifi- cant to the life of any modern community. A charter had been granted in January, 1832, and a preliminarj' .survey to West Point, Georgia, made. This enterprise was delayed by the financial crisis of 1837, and it was not until June, 1840, that any portion of the road was thrown open to the public, and then only twelve miles of it could be used. The company owned an engine, but it was so frequently out of order that they had to use horses a great deal. In 1841, when thirty-three miles had been oijened to the public, the distance was traversed in between three and four hours at a speed of less than ten miles an hour. The first month's receipts of the railroad were $500. In 1851 the Montgomery and West Point Railroad was open to West Point, Georgia, a distance of eighty-seven miles. Tliis road is known to-day as The Western Railway of Alabama. In 1845 the Capital of Alabama was moved from Tuskaloosa to Montgomerj'. The capitol building of to-day is in design substantially the same as that erected in 1850. The population of Montgomery, in 1850, was placed by the census of that year at eight thousand seven hundred and 86 MONTGOMERY. tweuty-eight. In 1860 the ])opiilation had increased by only one hundred and fifteen. The civil war came on, and Montgomery, like many other Southern cities, made ready for it with some of tha gayety of spirit that characterized the French "military promenade" of 1870. To adequately treat "Montgomery in the War," would require a separate sketch. Such a sketch would, in all probability, include an vcount of the assem- ly here of the Pro- visional Congress, and the establishment of the Provisional Government. Three daj'S after the surrender of Lee's Army at Appomattox Court House, General Wilson's Cavalry reached Mont- In spite of the violent changes wrought by the war, Montgomery not only held her own, but steadily in- creased in wealth id population. From 1880 Montgomery ;s in every direction, and the population increased more than six thousand, being sixteen thousand seven hundred and thirteen in 1880. From 1880 to 1890 the town took on all the more distinguishing marks of its present life as a community. The population at this time was estimated to be about twenty-seven thousand people. The population, including the suburbs, to-day (1898), is estimated to be thirty -five thousand. Montgomery has to-day the following railroads: Montgomery & Mobile Railroad (I^onisville & Nashville), approaching from the South; North and South Railroad (Louisville & Nashville), from the North; The Western Railway of Alabama, extending from Atlanta, via Montgomery to Selma; Central of Georgia Railway, connecting Montgomery with Savannah via Eufaula; Alabama Midland Railroad, connecting Montgomery and Bainbridge and forming a part of the Plant System; Georgia & Alabama Railway, extending from Montgomery to Savannah ; Montgomery, Tuskaloosa & Memphis Railroad (Mobile & Ohio), extending from Montgomery northwest. 89 MONTGOMERY COTTON MILL. Tlie merchants of Montgomery are full\ y. alive to the benefits of river competition, and :i ^ number of steamboats ply between Montgomery ] and Mobile on the Alabama River. The city has about twenty -five miles of well equipped electric street railway, which affords transit facilities to every portion of the city and suburbs. All the main streets are paved with granite blocks or a high class of brick. There is a complete system of sanitary sewerage, put in according to the Waring System, and water-works, with a capacity of fiftj' millions of gallons daily of artesian water. The death rate of Montgomery is among the lowest in the country. There is a fine graded system of public schools that rank with the best in the South, and in addition there are a number of high -class private schools. The average annual cotton receipts exceed one hundred and twenty -five thousand bales of cotton, and in a multii>lied way this product brings prosperity to the place. More than one hundred ] manufacturing enterprises are in operation, employing three thousand hands, with an annual product of about -n $10,000,000. I i Montgomery is the capital of Alabama, a State ^^ Ij whose area is more than fifty thousand square miles, and who.se population is nearlj- or quite one million and a half. It is near the geographical center of the State, 90 COTTON MILL exactly in the center of the three great sources of wealth — timber, minerals and agriculture — that are giving such impetus to Alabama's development, and has such close coiuiection with every part of the State that every station on Alabama's nearlj^ three thousand miles of railroad may be reached in one day. The Alabama River, navigable during the entire year, connects Montgomery with the Gulf of Mexico. No city is more completely equipped with all the conveniences that make the modern city than Montgomery. Its water- works supply fifty million gallons of pure artesian water daily. Its streets are lighted by Brush Electric Lights, and its dwellings and business houses by incandescent electric light and gas. A complete system of street railway is in operation, and a thorough system of sanitary sewerage has recently been completed. That such a city should have good hotels, churches, free public schools, theaters, telephones, etc., goes without saying. Montgomery does an annual business of over $50,000,000; manufacturers are rapidly becoming an important element of its wealth, while millions have been recently expended in improvements. Montgomery invites attention to its claims as the best location for business, either commercial or manufacturing, that the developing South affords. Alabama has three sources of wealth — agricultural, mineral and timber. The mineral belt lies across the northern third of the State, and there more than $100,000,000 have been expended within the past five years in opening coal and iron deposits that surpass those of Pennsylvania. The timber belt lies across the southern third of the State, and three billions of feet of yellow pine stand untouched in the virgin forest, while a hundred saw mills are humming along the railroads and rivers. 91 The agricultural belt lies across the center of the State from east to west. A belt of prairie, fertile as that of Illiuois, is separated from the timber belt on the south and the mineral belt on the north by wide stretches of fertile uplands. Along the streams and the uncleared forests of this central belt are vast quantities of hard woods, suited to every purpose of manufacture. In the heart of this agricultural belt sits Montgomerj', with its river and six railroads — the commercial emporium of this farming region ; a few miles north and south lie the cheap fuel and the cheaj) lumber of the mineral and timber regions of a State more richlj' endowed in these respects than any other State in the American Union. These rich farming lands, already recovered from the revolution in the labor system, are still to be had for from $3 to $15 per acre, while vast bodies of timber lands are still in the hands of the Government, at $1 "^ V' '' '^'•'''■ Montgomery only asks that the man of enterprise md the man of capital shall come and see for himself. Cheap iron, cheap \j - - \ v ''*'^''' '-''ic^P cotton, cheap lumber and a consuming population of five hundred /"^Ar^X^^'jKfcfcfa thousand farmers, hold out inducements to the manufacturer, unsurpassed on _i.4^^dfaaB7B9HHk. the American Continent. JEFF. DAVIS' MANSION. jOVVnClCSbOrO, The town of Lowndesboro (first called McGills Hill) , has a population of L_ lYI^I about five hundred. The town proper is about three and one-half miles *' from Lowndesboro Station on the Western Railway of Alabama, nineteen miles west of Montgomery. It has seven general stores which do a large business with the surrounding country ; two drug stores, seven churches, and separate schools for white and colored children. The area of Lowndes County, of which Lowndesboro is the county seat, is about seven hun- dred and fift}' square miles; population about thirty -Ihree thousand. The assessed value of real estate in 1897 was $2,453,673; of personal property, $1,616,314. It has long been noted for the productiveness of its lands, and is classed among the best ag:ricultural districts of the State. Cotton is the staple crop — -yielding from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty pounds of lint per acre. Corn, oats, and other cereals are successfully raised. Sweet and Irish potatoes, millet, sugar cane, peas, and various grapes are cultivated with success. The ridge lands are well adapted to numerous varieties of fruit, producing peaches, apples, pears, quinces, pomegranates, figs, grapes, pecans, and English walnuts. The climate is healthful and water good. Lands range in price from $5 to $25 per acre. Transportation facilities are excellent. Steam ginneries and saw -mills are operated on many plantations. Lowndesboro is especially noted for its breeding of fine stock, and produces large numbers of blooded horses and Jersej' cattle. 9.^ B V i llOl I, /AlCl., Is situated on the Alabama River, sixteen miles from Selma and thirtj'-five miles from Montgomerj', in Lowndes County, Alabama. Beiitdii has n iioptilatinn of nhoiit fivi- hiimlred, and a tributary population in the sur- : iiniding counties of three to four thousand. It lias fifteen general stores, two drugstores, tin I churches, Methodist, Baptist, and icsbyterian, and a good public school. Its annual shipments of cotton amount to from eight to ten thousand bales. ; The lands surrounding Benton aic productive and well watered ; timber IS abundant. The price of lands ranges from S.) to $10 per acre. Markets are acces- sible and climate healthful. This section offers excellent in- icements for general agriculture, truck 'arming and manufacturing. BRIDGE ACROSS ALABAMA RIVER. SELMA. .elUACi, Ale, 5c II I ILI, MKI., Is a thriving city, with a population of fifteen thousand people, located in Dallas County, of which it is the county seat, near the central part of the State of Alabama. It is on the bank of the Alabama River, in the verj' heart of the Black Belt. This part of the State is so called on account of the rich black lands which constitute this L ' ical division. Owing to its geographical position and natural advantages, the City of Selma will continue to be one of the leading commercial and manufacturing centers of the South. Only a few miles to the north, we find coal and iron in abundance, while our southern ^boundary is covered with virgin forests of pine, cedar and walinit. No inland city of the South can boast of superior shipping facilities. With railways radiating in all ■ directions, an admirable system of river steamboats Dlying between Selma and Mobile nearly the t ^^^^ entire year, Selma has the means of ^^f^i^iil^^H i 1 ^ ^hipping and receiving merchandise to and from all points, t Its dmity to the S outh j^| MiMK.C7^!1 Atlar^ic MG NORTH ON BROAD STREET, SELMJ through and Gulf ports, makes it an excellent point for export business. The following are the railroads entering the city: Western Railway of Alabama, the Southern Railway, Mobile & Birmingham, Pine Apple & Selma (a branch of the L. & N. Railroad) , and the Binning'^ ham, Selma & New Orleans Railroad. The country contiguous to Selma, which the above lines run, is very fertile and its plantations supply Selma with about one hundred thousand bales of cotton per annum. While the principal product of its farms is cotton, yet the soil is capable of producing nearly every variety of vegetation grown in the United States. Selma is the chief commercial center of this section of Alabama. The climate of Selma is exceeding mild and healthful. The heat of the summer season, tem- pered by the cooling winds of the Gulf, seldom reaches ninety-five degrees, and the mildness of the winter season is most attractive to those who have experienced the hardships of Northern climates. A perfect drainage system was completed several years ago, and covers the largest portion of the citj'. This system of underground drainage (the Waring System), is constantly being extended, and has, to a great extent, destroyed all malarial influences and other local causes that might produce sickness. Selma has water works, a system of electric and gas light, and a first class fire department, equipped with the latest Gamewall Fire Alarm System. Its streets are broad, lined on either side by 96 majestic oaks, and nianj' imposing business blocks and elegant residences. Selma has three banking houses; one national and two ])rivate banks, with a combined capital of over one million dollars. These are the City National Bank, the Woolsey Banking Comi)any, and the Bank of Selma. One of the most important features of Selma's" business is its wholesale trade. This has increased from j^ear to year until it now occupies a large territory, which is constantly extending. The wholesale and retail trade of Selma amounts to about $40,000,000 per annum, representing every line of business. The country surrounding Selma has recently developed a new industry in the raising, curing, and shipping of Johnsongrass liay. T'" ■•■ '■■rn, is developing a large cattle business, and shipments of cattle are now made 3'early from this section to vari- ous points in the United States. The manufacturing interests of Selma are in a "osperous and flourishing condition, and other enter- ises will be cordially welcomed. Selma has two cotton lories, the Cawthon Mill, and the Selma Cotton 11. The Cawthon Mill, with thirteen thousand Midles and three hundred and fifty looms, is a three - ; y structure, equipped with modern machinerj', con - ,.ning about ninety bales of cotton per week, with an output of one hundred and forty -five thousand \- ir,l< lit flotli Tlip- Sf^hna Cotton Mill is a t%vo-story 97 DALLAS ACADEMY building with capacity lor five thousand spindles and one hundred and forty -four looms. The building and installation of machinery is so arranged as to admit of doubling its capacity. This mill was designed by C. R. Makepeace, of Providence, R. I., and its machinery has all the latest improvements The cotton used by our mills in the manufacture of their goods is all home pro- duct. The- C o 1 1 C) ; States .M chinery Co. is engaged in , the manufacture of the "Young Cottonseed Crushe and Separator," valuable invention for the puqwse of separating the hull and grinding the meat of the cotton seed. It is growing in use by the farmers of not only the State of Alabama, but over the entire South. The Union Iron Works is engaged in the building and repairing of machinery of all kinds, also owners and maiui- facturers of the Pollock Brake Shoe. The Peacock Iron Works does a large business in the manufacturing of tram cars, cane cars, and general repair work . The Selma Brick & Tile Company has a capacity of five million brick per annum. Two cotton seed oil mills, the International Cotton Seed Oil Co. , with a capacity of eighty tons of cotton seed per day, and the Alabama Cotton Oil Co., consuming one hundred tons daily, are in active operation. Two ice factories, the International and the Star Ice Cos. , Slate, artesian water being used exclusively in its manufacture. There are two cotton compresses, one sash, door and blind factor3\ two cigar factories, one broom factory, several job i)rinting oiHices, a first class book bindery, and other minor indii^lrii-. T 1 Iiiteiudtional Gram Co., whose mills are novvnearing completion, will have a capatit\ of ibout twent3'-five hundr^ 1 bushels of meal per (h.v The Southern Railway shops of the Anniston division are located in Selma. At the Driving Park, in Selma, Ala., are to be seen some of the finest trotters and pacers in the. United States, brought there for winter training. The climate and soil of this section is pronounced b}^ those in charge of these horses, to be the finest in the country. The park is fitted with comfortable stables, has an excellent track, and water supplied by a six-inch overflowing artesian well. One hundred and fiftj- horses were wintered here iu 1897-8. The Academy of Music, corner Broad and Selma Streets, is under the management of B. F. Toler, and, during the theatrical season, all the principal attractions traveling, through the South are brought here. Located on Broad Street, in the heart of the city, about three blocks from the Union Depot, is the beautiful and capacious Hotel Albert, under the management of W. H. Millspaugh & Co. It is a four -story structure with all modern improve- ments, and is acknowledged by traveling men and tourists to be the most spacious and homelike hotel in the State. There are many other hotels and private boarding houses in the city. The educational interests of Selma have always received marked attention. The schools are in charge of the best instructors and are operated 100 2'iifi -lOTEL ALBERT. SELMA. under the most approved methods. During the --^ season these institutions are attended by several hundreds of children. The buildings and facili- ties are expensive and modern. Nearly ever}' religious denomination is re] '*:' * resented by large and intelligent congregation The churches, of which there are twentj'-two in number, are large and beautiful structures. The .-:.,•. ;h.j.. l,^i-o.\ .-.liL.i, iLL.v.A. Young Men's Christian Association owns an elegant three-storj' building on Broad Street, and has a large and flourishing membership. The Railroad Y. M. C. A., for the exclusive benefit of railroad men, is also a thriving institution. Too much cannot be said of the press of Selma. Its newspapers are enterprising and loyal to the city's interests, and miss no opportunity of urging the people to take hold of new enterprises for the upbuilding of the city. There are two daily papers, the Moyiiing Times and the Daily Journal (an evening paper). The Mirror and Saturday Telegram are the leading weekly papers. In no city will 3'ou find more hospitable or warmer hearted people. The}' are ever ready to extend a hand of welcome to the stranger, and invite the new comer to share the benefits and advantages, both social and commercial, which belong to their progressive city. Uhe 3ltlanta and Slew Orleans Short £ine /Itlanta and Ulcst Point R. R. and Ulcstcrn RailiDav of /llabama Between Atlanta, Montgomery and Selma ♦ ♦ « IS THE GREAT THROUGH CAR ROUTE BETWEEN THE ^/1 57" AND MOBILE, NEW ORLEANS AND TEXAS, MEXICO, CALIFORNIA AND THE WEST There is no better location in the United States for Eastern and Northern emigrants than the line of this popular railway. The productions of Georgia and Alabama cannot be duplicated by any other section of country in the world. Come and sec. The throu>;li vestibuled limited between New York and New Orleans is via the Atlanta and New Orleans Short Line, the most attractive route to travel in the South. It passes throUKh a rich country, teeming with attractive and jirosperous towns and villages all the way from Atlanta to Montgomery. l'"or rates of fare or other information write or call on OEO. W. ALLEN, T. P. A., Atlanta, Oa. W. J. TAYLOR, Qen'l Aftent, MontRomerv. Ala. D. I>. O'ROURKi;. Pass. Accnt, Selma, Ala. JOHN A. QEE, Gen'l Pa.is. AkI., Atlanta. Qa. E. B. EVANS, Cnnt. Frt. Anent, New Orleans. E. E. KIRBV, C. T. A.. 12 Kimball House. GEO. C. S.TITH. President and (ieneral iManaKer. PEARL LAKE Picnic Grounds* JEARL LAKE, the popular and attractive Picnic and Assembly Grounds, is situated on the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, forty miles south of Atlanta. It has the picturesque scenery, the cool, mossy woodlands, the fern covered glens, and the bubbling streams that combine all the charms of nature necessary to make it the ideal place for picnics and mid-summer encamp- ments. The lake is a charming body of water, situated on the divide between the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, which gives it an elevation that magnifies its other natural charms. It is supplied with boats, and affords admirable attractions to the sportsman with gun or line. Its shady woodlands, cool dells and refreshing springs, its swings, boats, pavilion and charming natural scenery, combine all the attractions for a delightful outing for a day or week. Pearl Lake is two miles from Newnan, a city of five thousand inhabitants, the county seat of Coweta County, Georgia. Newnan is one of the live and progressive manufacturing county towns of the South, having electric improvements and waterworks. The Atlanta and West Point Railroad affords the best facilities known to the traveling public, and runs daily and special trains from Atlanta and intervening towns, direct through Newnan, and Fairburn, county seat of Campbell County, to Pearl Lake. This road passes through the most delightful section of this great State, distinguished for its wonderful fruit and other agricultural features, and through scenery of endless change and variety. A trip to, and a day at Pearl Lake is a circumstance never to be forgotten for its delight and refreshment. Cureton Sulphur Springs, T the time when the great Yamacraw chief, Co-mo-chi-chi, was smoking the calumet of peace with the neighboring tribes, whose dominion reacheil from the Savannah, on and into the lovely valley where the Cherokces grew their rose upon the banks of the Etowah; where the dusky maiden trimmed, with eagle pinions the arrowsof the noble Casique of the Oostanaula, Nature, smiling upon her forest children, had alread\" created in her mysterious laboratory the above-named sources of healing liquids, which easilj' make us reali/.e that close by the fountain of tears she has placed the spring of laughter. And Nature, in this particular case, was most generous to her simple children and to their successors from a foreign shore, for no less than twenty laughing springs have been grouped in a picturesque spot, mid sylvan glens, where the violet and fern bedeck the shade, and the daisy and mocking bird make J030US the sunshine. This spot, six miles from Newnan, and exactly the same distance from Moreland, on the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, was known and enjoyed not only by the aborigines, but by our colonial and revolutionarj' fathers, who would camp for weeks around the healing waters. Coming down by purchase from the Indians to Mr. James Cureton, who came over from South Carolina in 1832, these remarkable Sulphur Springs took the name of Cureton Sulphur Springs. Of the twenty in the group, there are two of red sulphur and one of white sulphur — seven mineral springs, chalybeate, limestone, magnesium, etc. The late venerable Dr. A. B. Calhoun, of Newnan, spoke enthusiasticall)' of the successful use he made in his extensive practice of the Cureton Sulphur Springs before and since the war. Rev. Dr. Stacey, of Newnan, whose travels and familiarity with mineral springs and their properties is extensive, says he knows of no superior waters to the chalybeate as a tonic, and the sulphur for cutaneous diseases. In 1S60 the Newnan Guards, commanded by Captain Hanvey. now in Atlanta, went into a prolonged encampment at Cureton Sulphur Springs, in order to start in robust health for the hardships of war. In 1S63 the property changed hands by inheritance, and its present owner is Mr. J. H. Rollins, of Moreland. Dr. G. W. Clower, of Grantville, Ga., is lessee, and gives personal attention to the comfort of all visitors. A commodious hotel is located at the Springs, and comfortable homes are furnished in piclures(|ue farm houses adjacent. All communicalioMs by parlies desiring to arrange accommodations can be addressed to Dr. G. \V. Clower, Grantville, Ga. t.^^^'^^% Along the Line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad AND Western Railway of Alabama. (.(..Mr '^■- ^^>qr/J ^~'^^>f^?V£.^a^-e«'^ts#^ itA' AND CONNECTIONS LB Ja U^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 498 589 8