The History of Louisville, from the Earliest Settlement till the Year 1852 Part 13

It is precisely the cla.s.s spoken of in the foregoing extract that is being built up, and is yet to be built up by the German citizens in Louisville.

And, notwithstanding the number already here, there is yet room and work for many more. As has already been said the advent of artizans of this cla.s.s is desired by the city, and, if they can be content to rise to wealth by slow and steady increase rather than by rapid strides of progress, their success is infallibly certain. Other inducements will also be offered to this and to other cla.s.ses of people, seeking homes and investments, in considering the value of real estate in Louisville. Let us first look at the progress of property valuation during the last half century, as shown in the following table. The a.s.sessment valuation of property was, in

1800 $91,183 1810 210,475 1820 1,655,226 1830 4,316,432 1840[23] 13,340,164 1850 13,350,566 1852 16,350,052

This valuation is much smaller than that of the same quant.i.ty of property would be in any other American city, and this very fact has been urged against Louisville by her rival neighbors. They insist that the low price of property here is a proof that the trade of the city is not progressive, that hence no inducements are offered, either to the emigrant or to the capitalist. A slight examination of the subject, however, will show why property has not advanced here in the same ratio as in other cities, and will also demonstrate the fact that the very argument which is urged against Louisville, is really a matter of serious congratulation to her.

It is not denied that land can be had within one mile south of the center of the city at from two to three hundred dollars per acre, whereas land similarly situated either in Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis or New Orleans would command nearly, if not quite four times that price. On the contrary, it is urged that this should be and that it is at once claimed as a strong recommendation both to the capitalist and to the emigrant, in favor of this city. The reason why this difference exists in favor of Louisville, is thus plainly shown. If the reader will take up the map of Kentucky and Indiana, and, commencing at the mouth of Harrod's Creek, which empties into the Ohio river eight miles above the city, will draw a line down to a point five miles below the mouth of Salt river, and another line thence southwardly for a distance of sixteen miles; and from this point draw a gradually decreasing arc back to the point of beginning, he will have enclosed a s.p.a.ce of country, every foot of which is entirely level, is delightfully watered, abounds in building material of every description, and is equally as well suited to all purposes of building, as are the best lots now within the city limits. Nor is this all; crossing the Ohio river at the foot of the Indiana k.n.o.bs, one mile below New Albany, and going north-east a distance of sixteen miles, and thence back to the Ohio river at or near Utica, a triangle is formed whose base is twelve miles long, and whose other legs reach about twenty miles to the apex. The s.p.a.ce embraced within this triangle possesses precisely the same characteristics as that contained in the arc above mentioned. When it is remembered, as has been said by another writer upon the same subject, that we have "no need to encroach on arms of the sea as at Boston or New York, or to raze hills in the rear as at Pittsburg and Cincinnati, or to make embankments and to reclaim swamps as at New Orleans," but on the contrary, that we possess a location where building lots equally good, both as to site and material, may be had at one mile and at ten miles distant from the center of the city, the mystery of our cheap lots begins to be evolved. Here is a s.p.a.ce of level country beyond the reach of any flood, all parts of which are equally well adapted to the purposes of the builder, sufficiently large to contain within its limits the cities of London, Paris, and St. Petersburg, with the foundation for a large city already laid, with a location which, in reference to facilities of intercourse with the rest of the United States, is unsurpa.s.sed; at the only point of obstruction in a continuous line of two thousand miles of inland navigation; a half-way house between North and South; a point through which all the great railroad arteries must of necessity pa.s.s; in the center of the most fertile and productive agricultural lands in the Union; in a State distinguished for the n.o.bility and chivalry of character of its inhabitants, with every advantage which nature can give to the merchant, the manufacturer or the idle man of wealth and fashion; what is there, in view of all these circ.u.mstances, to prevent it from becoming the Great City of the West? What other inducements could be asked either by the capitalist at home or the emigrant from abroad? Does the cheapness of property or do the low prices of rents prove obstacles to either of these cla.s.ses of people? Does the fertility of the surrounding country, and the consequent cheapness of the markets draw away any who might otherwise be attracted hither? Is one of these present the reason why Louisville is not already what she must inevitably become, the first city in the West. The reason is contained in the fact, not that these things are true, but that being true, they are not known. It is to her own supineness, to her indifference and lack of ambition to attain the rank to which she is ent.i.tled, that she is indebted for her second-rate position. Had the energy of the last two years been invested ten years ago, and been continued till now, the population of Louisville would to-day have been one hundred thousand souls. But she has been content to sit languidly down to the enjoyment of the pa.s.sing hour, while her compet.i.tors were bracing every nerve and straining every muscle, not only to surpa.s.s her in the race for supremacy, but to disable and destroy her. She has at last awakened to a sense of her position, her lethargy is at last thrown off, and now the struggle begins in earnest. If it be continued in earnest it is easy to see that she can rapidly regain her place, and easily bear off the palm.

Let us look for a moment at the geographical position of Louisville, and her facilities of intercourse with other portions of the country. The following table of distances, time, conveyance and cost will readily show this:

+---------------------------------------------------------------------+ From Louisville to Dist'ce. Time. Conveyance. Cost. ------------------ -------- ----------- --------------------- ------- Pittsburg 608 60 Hours. Steamboat. $7 50 Cincinnati 150 14 " " 2 50 Memphis 643 60 " " 8 00 New Orleans 1365 240 " " 20 00 St. Louis 535 40 " " 8 00 Nashville 176 33 " Stage. 12 00 New York 1080 60 " Steamboat & Railroad. 22 00 Boston 1135 62 " " " 25 00 Philadelphia 793 54 " " " 20 00 Washington 736 52 " " " 19 00 Baltimore 696 50 " " " 17 50 +---------------------------------------------------------------------+

In a very few years, Cincinnati, Nashville and St. Louis, will be connected with us by railroads, which are already partly completed, and so reduce the time to those cities to six, eight, and twelve hours respectively. These communications once established, Louisville becomes the very center of a vast network of roads, connecting different climates, the products of different soils and regions of every diversity of wealth.

The railroad to Nashville connects immediately with Charleston, and thence opens roads to New Orleans and Mobile; while in another direction it reaches Richmond, Va., pa.s.sing through immense tracts of rich agricultural and mineral lands. The railroad to Cincinnati opens to us the whole North and East; while that to St. Louis will ultimately bring to our doors the products of the Pacific Coast and the treasures of the modern El Dorado.

Add to all these advantages the unavoidable effects of these railroads, in bringing to light all the possible wealth of the countries through which they pa.s.s, and then say if anything but the most criminal neglect of the advantages which Nature has given her, can prevent Louisville from arriving at the most prominent rank among Western cities. Does the capitalist desire an investment? Where can he better find it than near a city thus situated, and one where lands are sold at less prices, and building materials are cheaper and are more accessible than in any other city of the Union? Does the emigrant desire a home? Where can he better find it than near a city thus situated, one where the whole of his little fortune is not required to buy him a shelter from the winds and the rain, one that is yet unfilled with eager compet.i.tors in the struggle for wealth, one where the products of his industry are needed and will be eagerly taken from his hands at their fair value, one where he can have not only a field for his own struggle with the world, but a place and a circle of friends possessing all those attributes which make a home happy?

It cannot be but that as publicity is given to these advantages possessed by this city, she will attract to her thousands of emigrants from abroad, and thousands of capitalists and adventurers from other parts of our country. While other cities have been spending time and means and influence in advocating their claims to consideration, Louisville has been silent. She gives publicity to her merits now for the first time, and, by this humble little missive, she begs only for a fair hearing and for an unbia.s.sed consideration of her claims to public favor, satisfied that if these can be secured her, she need have no fear that the highest dreams of ambition which have ever been presented to her will be fully realized.

APPENDIX.

LOUISVILLE ROLLING MILL COMPANY, MANUFACTURERS OF BOILER, BAR, AND SHEET IRON, (CHARCOAL AND PUDDLED.) Flue Plates; Railroad Axles, Chairs and Spikes, PLOW SLABS, WINGS, BOLTS, &C.

Office and Store 640 Main street, corner Fifth.

J. C. COLEMAN, President.

This establishment is one of the largest in the city and forms a very important branch of Louisville manufactures; not only in the way of affording employment and the means of living to a large number of persons, but also by attracting from every part of this Great Valley an important branch of its trade. The company is organized in the best possible manner; the mill contains all the scientific improvements in this description of manufacture, and the energetic President of the company possesses all the requisites which could tend to guarantee the success of the concern. The Iron made here has been fully tested all over the West and commands every market into which it is introduced. The company have testimonials of the most flattering character from all the iron-workers of Louisville, who p.r.o.nounce it "_fully equal if not superior to any Iron they have ever worked_, and more uniform in its quality than any other Iron." Similar testimonials have been received from the superintendents of the Louisville and Frankfort, the New Albany and Salem, the Jeffersonville, the Vicksburg and Jackson, and other Railroads, as well as from Col. Long, superintendent of the U. S. Marine Hospital. The following letter is a fair specimen of the favor with which the company's Iron is everywhere regarded, and is only one of many such constantly received by them. It is dated

CLEVELAND, OHIO, May 1, 1852.

We are now using, and have, within the past year, used some fifty tons of the Louisville Rolling Mill Iron, for large Bolts for Railroad Bridges in Indiana. The Iron for this work must be of very superior quality, uniting great strength and tenacity. All the Iron we received of the Louisville Rolling Mill was of that character, and gave great satisfaction.

THATCHER, BURT & CO., Railroad Bridge Contractors.

FULTON FOUNDRY.

GLOVER, GAULT & CO.

(SUCCESSORS TO INMAN, GAULT & CO.) MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM ENGINES For Marine and Land purposes, and MACHINE CASTINGS OR ALL DESCRIPTIONS, Main street, near corner of Ninth.

This is believed to be the oldest Foundry in Louisville, and one of the largest and most extensive in the Western country. Their engines have a wide-spread reputation in the West and South, and are well known and highly prized by Southern boat builders. Their fidelity in materials and workmanship, their promptness in the execution of orders, and their extensive a.s.sortment of the latest and most improved style of tools and patterns, combined with the well-known enterprise of the gentlemen who compose the firm, have all contributed to build up for this establishment a business and a reputation which reflects credit upon this branch of manufacture in the city. Steam engines are built by them in complete running order and ready for use, the purchaser not being required to go to any other factory for any of his order. Their business relations extend over a very large surface of country, and bring to the city much foreign trade. Besides their engines for boats, they also manufacture machinery of all kinds, Car wheels, Axles and Car castings of all descriptions, together with Iron and Bra.s.s castings and Wrought Iron work.

This foundry employs one hundred and twenty hands, and uses six hundred tons of pig iron annually, besides other materials in proportion.

UNION FOUNDRY.

ROACH & LONG, MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM MACHINERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, SUGAR MILLS, COTTON GINS, &C., &C.

Main street, near Ninth.

This concern, although not so old as many of its cla.s.s is yet one deserving especial notice. The description of the business of this foundry differs very little, if at all, from some of those already noticed. The quality of work is in the highest degree creditable to the proprietors and profitable to this department of manufactures in the city. Both members of the firm are thorough practical workmen, having been regularly brought up to the business, and hence the work which proceeds from this foundry compares favorably, not only with any in the city, but with similar kinds of manufactures in any part of the country. Like most of our large machine foundries, the Union has extensive connection with the Southern markets.--They have frequently forwarded as many as seven cotton-gins within a fortnight, to different ports on the Mississippi river. Their Sugar Mills, wherever they have been used, are eminently successful in their operation. The casting of Chairs and Frogs for Railroads has also been extensively carried on at this foundry. In the great department of their business, the manufacture of Steam Engines for Boats, the Union Foundry enjoys a reputation which cannot be anywhere surpa.s.sed. They have built all sizes of engines, and are at present engaged upon a pair of engines with thirty inch cylinder and ten foot stroke. Indeed the heaviest castings of all sorts are constructed as readily and perfectly as the lightest, and are made to work with equal ease and precision.

The Union Foundry employs eighty-four hands the "year round," and consumes six hundred tons of metal.

KENTUCKY BRa.s.s FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.

LAWSON & FRANK.

MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM AND FIRE ENGINES, BAGGING MACHINERY, &C.

Main street, near Ninth.

This well known Bra.s.s Foundry, now in the fifteenth year of its existence, is another of those factories which are ornaments to the city. It has never attempted the heavy steamboat castings, rather choosing the lighter machinery; and the reputation of the establishment is derived chiefly from the excellent finish and completeness of the work turned out. The most complex machinery is carefully and accurately made and fitted together.

All work requiring nicety of construction and careful attention to detail, is here manufactured, and in a manner which has always given entire satisfaction.

Every article is made under the immediate supervision of the proprietors, who are practical workmen and whose past reputation is a sure guarantee for the quality of every piece of work. The Fire Engines, and machinery for Hemp manufacture made at this establishment are deservedly celebrated.--

Some of the most effective fire engines of this city and vicinity, have been constructed at this foundry. The Bra.s.s work made there is also creditable.

From thirty-five to forty hands are employed constantly; the business, unlike that of most foundries, being equally good at all seasons of the year.

HYDRAULIC FOUNDRY.

TEVIS & BARBAROUX, MANUFACTURERS OF CAST IRON SCREW PIPE, IRON RAILING, ORNAMENTAL CASTINGS, PATENT PUMPS, &C., &C.

WASHINGTON ST. COR. FLOYD.

This foundry possesses many features which are peculiar to it alone. It is only here that Cast Iron Screw pipes are made; no other manufactory of this article exists in the Western States. The machinery used in this manufacture is beautiful in its construction, and perfectly adapted to the use for which it is intended. All the Gas pipes for the city, as well the main, as the smaller service pipes are made at this establishment. Many of these screw pipes are used in the Southern sugar houses, and their cheapness and durability, as well as the convenience with which they are put up, especially recommend them for that purpose. For supplying rail road stations, distilleries and tan yards they are also largely used. The demand for this article of so universal use is of course very great, and attracts much attention to Louisville manufacture. This foundry also manufactures a pump, well known to be the best forcing and lift pump in existence. Many hundreds of them are annually sold in New Orleans, and their reputation and sale all over the South is of the very first character. Tobacco Screws and Presses for Cotton, Tobacco and Hay as well as machinery generally, are also made here. Iron Railing is another large branch of their manufacture. The patterns for this railing are almost endless in variety, and few foundries in the country can offer so many inducements to the purchasers of all sorts of ornamental Castings as this.

Their latest novelty is a Morticing machine, which is worthy of the special attention of mechanics. This establishment employs fifty hands, and is the only one of the kind in the city.

NOVELTY WORKS

BEATTY & HAWLEY, MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM-MADE c.o.c.kS AND FAUCETS AND BRa.s.s FOUNDERS, North side Main Street between Eighth and Ninth.

This factory, which has been but recently put into operation, is the deliberate result of several years consideration and study. Messrs. Beatty and Hawley, the former of whom has been long and well known in Louisville as a sagacious practical manufacturer and man of business, have finally completed all the arrangements which are necessary to the establishment of this foundry on thoroughly scientific principles, and have possessed themselves of all the advantages to be derived from a complete study of the business. The concern is by no means an ordinary bra.s.s foundry. The West has heretofore sadly needed an establishment of this kind, those already in operation being incompetent to the wants of the people. The factory is now thoroughly organized, the best workmen have been employed, the most recent and useful tools and machinery have been provided and everything has been done with reference to a permanent and valuable business. Cylinder, Pump, Guage and Oil c.o.c.ks, Oil Cups, Fawcetts, Couplings and all like requirements of the Steam Engine builder are made here and warranted fully equal to any made in the United States. The same may be said with reference to articles used by the house plummer. Their planing machines, lathes, &c., are of the very best quality, and their machines for screw-cutting and for punching nuts and washers are also very perfect. Bells, Steam-Whistles, and in fine every variety of article manufactured from bra.s.s or bell metal will be made at this foundry. Babbet metal and such other like compositions as are useful to the machinest or bra.s.s founder are also sold at this establishment.

MARKET STREET FOUNDRY.

C. S. SNEAD, AGENT, MANUFACTURERS OF ALL KINDS OF ORNAMENTAL AND ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORK, Market Street, between Eighth and Ninth.

This Foundry directs its attention more particularly to a new branch of business, in which it also has been eminently successful. It adds yet a greater number to the already large variety of uses to which iron is applied. Mr. Snead is the pioneer of this business in Louisville, and his is the only establishment in the West where ornamental work is the chief business of the foundry. It is well known that Iron can be applied to almost all work of this description, and furnished at less price than any other kind of material. The city abounds with proofs of the taste displayed by this gentleman in his manufacture. His efforts have been constantly directed toward attaining the highest degree of excellence, both in design and execution, and he is constantly preparing novelties and adapting his pliant material to new and valuable uses. Among the latest of these novelties may be mentioned a cast-iron Pavement for the sidewalk, which is composed of nicely fitting plates of Iron, in various forms of mosaic work, ornamented with graceful designs. This pavement, which will soon be exhibited, will doubtless at once take the place of the present destructible and uncomfortable footways, as it is not only more beautiful but far more durable. Iron counters for fancy stores form another improvement proceeding from this foundry. Cast Girders for the builder is also a novel article. The patterns for this establishment, already greater than would readily be credited, are daily augmented by additional designs from competent and tasteful hands. Store-fronts, Porticos for churches and private dwellings, Corinthian, Ionic, Doric, Composite and Gothic columns, cast Lintels and Sills for windows and doors, Brackets and Trusses of the most ornamental designs, Flue Covers, Chimney Covers, Vault Gratings, Air Grates, Stair Plates, Bedsteads, Window Frames and Sash, Hat Racks, Caps and bases for columns of any order, and numerous other like articles, are made at this foundry. Spittoons, Grate-bars, Hollow-ware, Tea-Kettles, &c., also form a part of their work. The continued success of this foundry is a proof of the existence of a high order of taste in the city.

LOUISVILLE STOVE & GRATE FOUNDRY.

D. & J. WRIGHT & Co.

MANUFACTURERS OF STOVES, GRATES, COPPER, TIN, AND SHEET IRON WARE.

NO. 432 MAIN STREET.