NEW YORK.
Ranks first in the United States for commerce, wealth, and population, and is one of the most extensive in point of territory. The land is uneven, and in some parts mountainous. The soil is moderately fertile, and well adapted to agriculture and grazing.
A prominent feature of this State is the great number of lakes in its interior, which, being connected together by rivers, facilitate the transportation of produce from place to place. These natural advantages, together with large rivers and grand canals, have raised New York to the elevated rank she now holds, and made the city of New York the first emporium of commerce in the Union.
The Falls of Niagara, between Lakes Erie and Ontario, are partly in this State. This is the largest cataract in the world, and is a place of great interest to the thousands of its visiters. The fall here is one hundred and fifty feet.
Long Island is a part of this State. It is one hundred and sixty miles long, and from two to fifteen broad, and is well cultivated. The principal town on this island is Brooklyn, where there is one of the United States naval stations.
Albany is the capital of New York. It is a flourishing city on the Hudson river, situated at the point where it is joined by the Western and Champlain canals, which circumstances contribute to make it a place of considerable trade. Its inhabitants are principally descendants from the Dutch, who first settled the state.
The city New York is situated on Manhattan island, at the mouth of the Hudson river; and from its commodious bay and other natural advantages for commerce, seems destined to rival all the commercial cities in the world. This city contains many elegant buildings, and beautiful parks. Its population embraces some of almost every nation on the earth, who congregate here in pursuit of wealth. New York city extends over three miles along its harbor, thus affording ample accommodation to almost innumerable vessels.
Ballston and Saratoga springs, are the most celebrated mineral springs in the United States, and are much visited, during the summer months, on account of the medicinal qualities of the waters.
NEW JERSEY.
The soil of New Jersey is not generally so fertile as that of the states which have been named, being sandy along the sea-coast, and hilly in the interior. Although this state has an extensive sea-coast yet, as there are few very commodious harbors, to vie with that of New York on the one side and of Philadelphia on the other, it has but little commerce:—These cities import almost all the foreign articles and dispose of most of the manufactures and produce of this state.
The farmers raise many cattle, and much fruit, particularly apples, from which immense quantities of cider are annually made:—for this article this state is particularly celebrated.
Iron ore is abundant—copper, lead, coal, and freestone are found in considerable quantities. Manufactures of iron, cotton, and leather, are carried on to a considerable amount.
Trenton is the capital of the state. It is situated on the Delaware river, and is on the great route of travel between New York and Philadelphia. It is celebrated as the scene of one of the most brilliant battles fought by the Americans during the revolution. Princeton is also noted for a battle.
Newark contains more inhabitants than any other town in the state, its population being about 11,000.
PENNSYLVANIA.
William Penn, a benevolent English gentleman, brought out with him, in the year 1681, a great number of Quakers, and first settled this state, under a grant from King Charles II. After his name the State is called, Pennsylvania. This State exhibits a great variety of soil and climate. The soil is suited to the growth of grain, and husbandry is said to be better understood in Pennsylvania than in any other State. Hemp and peaches are cultivated. Wine is made in small quantities, and commerce flourishes to a great extent.
This State abounds in coal, which forms an article of commerce with most of the cities of the United States. It is obtained in immense quantities in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, and from the Schuylkill and Lehigh mines.
Pennsylvania has engaged more extensively in internal improvements than any other State.
Harrisburg, the capital, is pleasantly situated on the Susquehanna River, and contains an elegant State House.
Philadelphia is the most regularly laid out and well built city in the Union. The streets generally intersect each other at right angles, and the principal ones are 100 feet wide. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in manufactures. The commerce of this place is large, and according to the amount of its exports is the third commercial city in the Republic.
In this city are many literary, scientific, and benevolent institutions, and numerous elegant public buildings, among which are the Bank of the United States, the Almshouse, Mint of the United States, and many elegant churches. The population of the city is 80,458; and of the suburbs, 87,353; total, 167,811.
DELAWARE.
With the exception of Rhode Island, this state is the smallest in the Union; it is also the least populous state. Its soil is moderately fertile, and produces a great variety of grasses, and an abundance of wheat. Flour is the principal article of manufacture and export. A considerable quantity of lumber is also exported.
The Chesapeake and Delaware canal intersects this state, and forms an easy and expeditious communication between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Dover is the capital. It contains a handsome state house.
MARYLAND.
This is the most irregularly shaped of all the American states. Here the system of husbandry peculiar to the Southern States generally commences, it being the first in our progress southward where tobacco is produced. Wheat, hemp, and flax, are considerably cultivated.
The first settlers of this State were natives of Sweden, and many of their posterity may still be found who are like their forefathers, healthy, cheerful, industrious, and hospitable.
This State ranks high in a commercial view. Its commercial city is Baltimore, where there is an excellent harbor, capable of containing a great number of vessels. Its inhabitants are celebrated for hospitality, a spirit of enterprise, and polished manners. It contains many elegant public structures, viz. the Washington and Battle Monuments, the Exchange, the Museum, and Hospital. Much attention is paid to education. Population 80,625.
Annapolis is the capital. It is situated 28 miles southeast from Baltimore, and is a flourishing place, containing a handsome state house in its centre, towards which the streets run.
The principal manufacture of this State is flour, which is made in such quantities as to form the chief article of export. Tobacco, lumber, iron, glass, and whiskey, are also exported.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Between Maryland and Virginia, lies the Federal District of Columbia, comprising a square of ten miles. This district which was given by these States to the United States, lies on both sides of the river Potomack, 120 miles from its mouth, and is under the immediate jurisdiction of the National Congress, which assembles annually at Washington, for the purpose of legislation. Washington is situated near the centre of the district, and is laid out in such manner, that the principal buildings, as the Capitol, President’s house, &c. command a full view of the city, and at the same time can be seen from every part of it. Georgetown and Alexandria are also within the district.