The Daily Phoenix

June 30, 1868.

General J. M. Harrison, President, of the Blue Ridge R. R. Company:

It affords me pleasure to comply with your request to inform you in a letter of the agricultural and mineral resources of Pickens District. With beautiful scenery, delightful climate and thousands of acres of tillable lands now in forests, we only need an importation of industrious farmers, to make this, not only the garden spot of the State, but of the South. The District is watered with many beautiful streams, affording fine water power for machinery, and rich, alluvial soil for agriculture, handsomely compensating the laborer, even under the present careless system of cultivation. With the importation of foreigners, we will, of course, attain the improvements in farming which have made sections of the North and Europe bloom like a garden. The soil and climate -- both much the same as Central and Southern France -- are admirably adapted to the culture of the grape and beet, which must, in the course of time, become important elements of wealth. In the present condition of society and of agriculture, great facilities are afforded for stock-raising -- miles of range or pasture lands, open to all, on which sheep can be fattened all the year round, and horned cattle for nine months in the year.

Although the influence of climate and soil are sufficiently great to attract the immigrant, who desires to find a profitable and a happy home, and the monied man, who looks for a delightful summer resort, still these will have but small influence in attracting capital, energy and labor to our country, in comparison with the great mineral resources, which, as yet, lie hidden and wholly undeveloped. But few attempts have been made to develop these great resources. The few, however, made, with little capital and less practical or scientific knowledge, have proven remunerative and paid handsomely for the outlay. Gold, silver, copper, lead, iron and manganese exist in considerable quantities. I have also found traces of platinum and nickel, and have been informed that these abound, nearer the mountains. Gold can be found, in small quantities, all over the County, but, as far as my observation, will only pay in three belts, which pass through the County in a North-east and South-west directions. The first, and, as far as tested, the richest belt, runs along the West branch of Seneca River, crossing Conneross Creek, below Kilpatrick's Mills, until it reaches the course of the Seneca, then crossing and along the East branch of Twelve Mile Creek. Until recently but few efforts have been made to open veins in this belt. Many thousands of dollars have been taken out of the deposits on the lands of Brown, B. Phillips, Mrs. Lorton, Dr. Lewis and others. The second belt runs across from near the source of the Conneross Creek, to the neighborhood of Walhalla. On this belt, Banker & Co. have opened a vein, about three miles from Walhalla, reported to be rich in gold, and handsome traces of silver and copper. The third belt commences in the old Indian boundary, and extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the rich deposits and veins of Cherokee and Tomassee. But little attention has been given to silver, but, from several specimens I have seen, in my opinion, with proper investigation, several rich veins will be discovered above Walhalla. Copper is known to exist, in great abundance, along the range of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Iron is found all over this County, but would only pay near the mountains. These two last-mentioned minerals will afford an inexhaustible stream of wealth, as soon as we are in communication with the coal region beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. The completion of the Blue Ridge Railroad will enable us to develop these various mineral interests, and, by bringing them together quickly and cheaply, foster and encourage manufactures.

I have overlooked, so far, the extensive and valuable beds of limestone immediately on the line of the road, not far above Walhalla. These, at small expense, can and will be opened, and this great fertilizer put within the reach of the most moderate farmers.

In conclusion, allow me to say, that, nowhere else in the South, can the enterprising capitalist find a better, more certain, or safer investment for his money, than in this region. The immigrant can find a cheap, profitable and peaceful home. Here is a fine climate, beautiful scenery, mountains and valleys, picturesque water-falls, productive soils and inexhaustible mineral wealth. We want capital, an industrious and frugal population, and the extension of railroad facilities, to fully develop this beautiful and healthy section. In addition to the immense increase of the commerce of the State, the development of the mineral wealth alone would fully compensate for the small amount now required to finish great railroad.

Yours, &c.

D. G. CALHOUN