(Train 3 passes 10:29; No. 41, 3:06; No. 25, 2:19; No. 19, 6:50. Eastbound: No. 6 passes 8:34; No. 26, 9:44; No. 16, 1:00; No. 22, 4:16.)
Settlers were attracted to the site of the present town of Ashtabula (an Indian word said to mean "fish river") in 1801 by the excellent harbour here, formed by the mouth of the Ashtabula River. The city is built on the high bank of the river about 75 ft. above the lake and commands some fine views. There are large green-houses under glass from which forced fruit and vegetables are shipped to Pittsburgh and other large cities. It is the centre of a prosperous agricultural and dairying region which has been largely settled by Finns.
Ashtabula is one of the most important ports in America for the shipment of iron ore and coal. Iron ore especially, is brought here in enormous quantities by boat and trans-shipped to Pittsburgh. The shipyards and drydocks in the harbour, and the huge machines for loading coal and unloading ore are of great interest. The city has large manufactories of leather, worsted goods, agricultural implements, foundry and machine shop products; and the total value of its output is close to $10,000,000 annually.
602 M. GENEVA, Pop. 3,081.
(Train 3 passes, 10:42; No. 41, 3:18; No. 25, 2:29; No. 19, 7:03. Eastbound: No. 6 passes 8:22; No. 26, 9:32; No. 16, 12:39; No. 22, 4:02.)
Geneva is built close to the site of the early Indian village Kanadasaga, burnt in 1779.
In that year Gen. Sullivan was despatched at the head of an expedition against the Indians of Western N.Y., who had taken up arms for the British and had been guilty of the terrible Wyoming and Cherry Valley massacres. Kanadasaga was one of the Indian "council hearths" destroyed, and tribes in this region were driven westward, never to recover their old power.
In addition to the lake, there are good mineral springs. According to Duncan Ingraham, a Massachusetts traveller who wrote an account of a journey in 1792, the town then consisted "of about 20 log houses, three or four frame buildings, and as many idle persons as can live in them." Some of these old houses along the main street are of pure Colonial type, and really beautiful. Hobart College, founded 1822, is situated here. Malt, tinware, flour, stoves, wall-paper, etc., are manufactured, and there are also extensive nurseries.
622 M. PAINESVILLE, Pop. 7,272.
(Train 3 passes, 11:06; No. 41, 3:40; No. 25, 2:46; No. 19, 7:27. Eastbound: No. 6 passes 8:05; No. 26, 9:16; No. 16, 12:18; No. 22, 3:43.)