Virginia. Board of Public Works

An act of the General Assembly approved February 14, 1853 authorized formation of the Franklin and Monterey Road Company to construct a state road from Franklin in Pendleton County to Monterey in Highland County. The act was amended April 1, 1858 to approve one toll gate midway but exempting local traffic provided the two counties ensure maintenance.

From the description of Franklin and Monterey Road Company records, 1853-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147319

An act of the General Assembly passed February 25, 1850 approved incorporation of the New Creek and Hardy Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike from some point on the Moorefield and Alleghany Turnpike road, at or near the house of Solomon Michael in Hardy County, by way of New Creek, to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at or near Paddytown in Hampshire County. Joint capital stock was limited to $10,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000.

From the description of New Creek and Hardy Turnpike Company records, 1850-1856. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 286913483

An act of the General Assembly passed April 6, 1838, approved incorporation of the Salem and New Castle Turnpike Company to construct a road from Salem, in Botetourt County, by New Castle to a point on the Sweet Springs and Price's Mountain Turnpike, at or near the base of Price's Mountain. Joint capital stock was fixed at $10,000. Approval for extension of the road to Lewis Harvey's in Roanoke County was granted February 11, 1839. The company charter was extended March 26, 1872, for fifteen years, for the benefit of William W. Good, late owner of the road, and his successors. A provision regarding the toll gates specified that should the toll gates be open for sixty days, all rights would be revoked.

From the description of Salem and New Castle Turnpike Company records, 1841-1852. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297429325

An act of the General Assembly passed March 17, 1860, approved incorporation in Henrico County, of the Richmond, Williamsburg and Central Turnpike Company, to construct a graveled road from Louisiana Street in Port Mayo, near Richmond, to a point on the Williamsburg Stage Road ten miles from Richmond, with a branch from Carter's on Williamsburg Road, on the present location of the Central Road, for a distance of ten miles. Joint capital stock was limited to $50,000. March 3, 1884, the General Assembly passed an act requiring the Attorney General to institute proceedings to ascertain whether the charter had been forfeited by reason of the failure of the company to comply with the provisions of its charter and the general laws in relation to turnpikes.

From the description of Richmond, Williamsburg, and Central Turnpike Company records, 1863-1864, 1884. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297175137

An act of the General Assembly passed March 2, 1846, provided for a road from the Guyandotte River in Logan County, to the Kanawha River, in Kanawha County. The Board of Public Works was authorized to appoint a commissioner to locate and superintend the improvement and construction of a road from the house of Edward Chapman on the Guyandotte River to some point on the Kanawha River, and later extended to Logan Courthouse. $3,000 was allotted, with the county courts authorized to receive donations and subscriptions up to $2,000 and subscribe to $1,000 from each county. An additional $5,000 was authorized March 6, 1848. Each of the four sections, when complete, were placed under the jurisdiction of the court in the county in which they lay.

From the description of Kanawha and Logan Road records, 1847-1855. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147481

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of May 11, 1852.

From the description of Falmouth Canal reports, 1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256493133

This road ran from the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac, near Brake's, by way of Ketterman's to the Moorefield and North Branch Turnpike at Petersburg, in Hardy County. An act of the General Assembly, passed March 17, 1849, included an appropriation of $900 for the completion of the road.

From the description of South Fork of South Branch of Potomac Road records, 1850-1852. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122464544

An act of the General Assembly passed March 3, 1860, approved incorporation of the Raleigh and Wythe Line Turnpike Company to construct a road which was a division of the Raleigh and Grayson Turnpike, as a completely separate entity. The road lay between the Giles, Fayette and Kanawha Turnpike in Raleigh County, and the county line of Wythe and Tazewell counties, on the line adopted by the Raleigh and Grayson Turnpike. Joint capital stock was limited to $8,000.

From the description of Raleigh and Wythe Line Turnpike Company records, 1860-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294907386

An act of the General Assembly passed March 8, 1853, approved incorporation of the Petersburg and Jerusalem Plank Road Company to construct a plank or timber road from Petersburg to Jerusalem, in Southampton County, by way of Templeton, in Prince George, and Hawkensville and Littletown in Sussex County. Joint capital stock was limited to $75,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $45,000.

From the description of Petersburg and Jerusalem Plank Road Company records, 1853-1858, 1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 291091096

An act of the General Assembly approved February 2, 1850 authorized formation of the Clarksburg and Wheeling Turnpike Company to construct a road from the town of Shinston in Harrison County, on the line of the Weston and Fairmont Turnpike Company, to some convenient point on the line of the Brandonville and Fishing Creek Turnpike to be selected by the company. Capital stock was set at $7,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $4200.

From the description of Clarksburg and Wheeling Turnpike Company records, 1841-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 270709977

An act of the General Assembly approved March 28, 1851, incorporated the turnpike company for the purpose of construction of a turnpike from a point at or near Buford's depot on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad to Buchanan.

From the description of Buford's Gap and Buchanan Turnpike Company records, 1853-1854, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 269530456

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated March 22, 1847 and authorized to sell stock to the state by an act dated March 19, 1850. The bridge was completed by the end of summer 1854, although it had been opened for travel sometime previously. The bridge was burned June 9th, 1861, by the army. The state's interest in the bridge was sold in 1875, in accordance with an act dated Feb. 21, 1866.

From the description of Potomac Bridge Company records, 1850-1888. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487732

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 9, 1848, provided for construction of the Weston and Fairmont Turnpike road from Weston in Lewis County, by Clarksburg and Shinston in Harrison County, to Fairmont, in Marion County. Approval for incorporation was granted, and joint capital stock was fixed at $16,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $9,600 and the three counties investing proportionately. Increases were granted in March, 1849 ($20,000) and March, 1854 ($40,000), the latter to construct a bridge across the West Fork River and to macadamize or plank the road from Clarksburg to Fairmont.

From the description of Weston and Fairmont Turnpike Company records, 1848-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122323303

An act of the General Assembly passed April 20, 1874, made it the duty of the Board of Public Works to ensure the free passage of fish up and down the streams and rivers of Virginia.

From the description of Fish ladders, 1872, 1874-1881. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86104877

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1849 and it opened in 1857. The road operated in connection with the South Side Rail Road Company. On April 18, 1867 the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, South Side Rail Road, Virginia and Kentucky Railroad, and the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad merged to form the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad Company. In 1881 the A M & O reorganized as the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company.

From the description of Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company records, 1836-1871. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262835003

Jonathan T. Curry was Superintendent of both the Beverly & Fairmont Turnpike and the Beverly & Fairmont & Huttonsville & Huntersville Turnpike, a continuation. These records concern administrative actions during his tenure.

From the description of Beverly and Fairmont and Huttonsville and Huntersville Turnpike Company records, 1853-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268966408

An act of the General Assembly approved May 22, 1852, authorized formation of the Farmville and Buckingham Plank Road Company, limiting capital at $75,000. This was amended March 18, 1853 to allow the Board of Public Works to subscribe to $45,000. The road begins at Farmville in Prince Edward County, running through a portion of the counties of Prince Edward and Cumberland, in the direction of Buckingham Courthouse, to some point in Buckingham County.

From the description of Farmville and Buckingham Plank Road Company records, 1853-1873. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122463810

An act of the General Assembly passed March 28, 1851 approved incorporation of the Newark Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Wirt County Courthouse, through the town of Newark, to intersect the Parkersburg and Staunton road at or near the mouth of Hughes' River. Joint capital stock was limited to $6,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $3,600. Cost was not to exceed $400 per mile. An increase of $2,500 was granted March 31, 1860, in order to extend the road from its present terminus, near the mouth of Hughes' River in Wirt County, to the Northwestern Virginia Railroad at or near Thompson Devaughn's storehouse, in Wood County.

From the description of Newark Turnpike Company records, 1851-1855, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288512348

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 2, 1822, approved incorporation of the "President, Directors and Company of the Wellsburg and Washington Turnpike Company," to construct a turnpike road from Wellsburg in Brooke County to the line dividing Virginia and Pennsylvania, on the way to the borough of Washington, Pennsylvania, a distance of over six miles. The state was authorized to subscribe to capital stock in the amount of $5,000, February 4, 1823, and a two year extension of time to commence work was granted December 13, 1833.

From the description of Wellsburg and Washington Turnpike Company records, 1822-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632455

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18, 1850 approved incorporation of the Hedgesville and Potomac Turnpike Company to construct a macadamized turnpike road from Hedgesville in Berkeley County to some convenient point on the Martinsburg and Potomac Turnpike, at or near Falling Water mill. Capital stock was set at $10,000. An amendment passed March 7, 1851, authorized extension of the road from Hedgesville up Back Creek Valley and dispensed with the requirement to pave or cap the road except where necessary. Capital was increased March 26, 1853 by $6,000 to construct a bridge across Back Creek, and extend the road to Fredericksburg.

From the description of Hedgesville and Potomac Turnpike Company records, 1852-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122553340

An act of the General Assembly approved May 11, 1852, authorized formation of the Glade Creek and Cloverdale Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike from the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at or near the lands of Benjamin F. Moorman, John W. Thompson's estate, and to terminate at or near the old Cloverdale furnace on the Big Lick and Fincastle Turnpike.

From the description of Glade Creek and Cloverdale Turnpike Company, 1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487904

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 20, 1894 as a successor to the Richmond and Danville RR. The company acquired, among others, the following railroads: Richmond and Danville RR; Virginia Midland RR; Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta RR; Western North Carolina RR; Georgia Pacific RR; and the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia RR. On June 1, 1982 the company combined with the Norfolk and Western Railway Company to form the Norfolk Southern Corporation.

From the description of Southern Railway (U.S.) records, 1894-1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262690762

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18, 1830 approved incorporation of the Smithfield, Charlestown, and Harper's Ferry Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Harper's Ferry in Jefferson County by way of the Charlestown, to Smithfield, or some point nearby. Joint capital stock was set at $35,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $14,000. An amendment passed February 6, 1834, stipulated that at the point where the Winchester and Potomac Railroad crosses the turnpike, the company may vary the grade in order to bring it to the same level as the railroad bed.

From the description of Smithfield, Charlestown, and Harper's Ferry Turnpike Company records, 1831-1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298342223

An act of the General Assembly, passed January 19, 1848, approved incorporation of the Thornton's Gap Turnpike Company to construct a macadamized road from Thornton's Gap in Rappahannock County, by Culpeper Courthouse to Kelly's mills. Joint capital stock was fixed at $75,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $45,000. The road was divided into two sections, one from Thornton's Gap to Culpeper Courthouse, and the other from Culpeper Courthouse to Kelly's mills. In 1850 approval was given to construct the roads wholly or in part in plank, and in 1851, capital stock was increased $10,000, with the Board paying $6,000. At the same time, the act providing for the section from Culpeper to Kelly's mills was repealed.

From the description of Thornton's Gap Turnpike Company records, 1833-1885. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538634

An act of the General Assembly approved March 9, 1847 authorized formation of the Harrisville Turnpike as a corporation to construct a road from a point on the North West Turnpike west of James Martin's and passing through Harrisville to some point on the Staunton and Parkersburg Road, west of Weston. Subscriptions were set at $10,000, with shares at $10. The route was changed the following year, on March 28, 1848, beginning near the head of Bunnell's Run down the valley of the north fork of Hughes' River, and through the town of Harrisville to some other point on the North West Road below Harrisville near to Levi Nutter's. Shares were changed to $50, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 2/5. The Ritchie County Court was authorized to subscribe to 3/5. March 3, 1851, stock was increased by $3,500 in order to complete the road.

From the description of Harrisville Turnpike Company records, 1848-1851, 1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122395206

An act of the General Assembly approved March 30, 1853 authorized formation of the Fish Creek Road Company to construct a graded road from the mouth of Fish Creek in Marshall County to the mouth of Hart's Run. The Assembly limited costs to $10,000 and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 3/5 of the capital stock.

From the description of Fish Creek Road Company records, 1854-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122646698

An act of the General Assembly approved February 3, 1900, authorized formation of the Consolidated Turnpike Company to promote, establish and maintain the business of operating any turnpike or toll bridge in either Norfolk or Princess Anne counties, which have already been authorized. Further, any turnpike or toll bridge company operating in these counties was authorized to grant, sell, lease or otherwise transfer their interest to the Consolidated Turnpike Company .

From the description of Consolidated Turnpike Company of Norfolk records, 1900. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271179299

The company was chartered by an act passed by the Generarl Assembly during the 1824-1825 session.

From the description of Junction Canal Company records, 1817-1826. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256861031

An act of the General Assembly passed February 7, 1818, authorized incorporation of the Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Company, with capital stock set at $100,000. The road was to run from Lynchburg through Liberty to Salem. The Assembly approved a width of 42 ft., with 18 ft., to be paved or gravelled, on February 22, 1820. The Board of Public Works was required to report to the General Assembly on the status of stock subscriptions, and on February 17, 1823, the Board was authorized to subscribe to 300 shares. March 1, 1826, an extension was authorized to Cocke or West Street in the town of Lynchburg, with $10,000 additional funds, and withholding any tolls on that section. In February, 1856, the portion of the road in Bedford County was released to the county as was the portion in Roanoke County. In March, 1858, parts of the road in Botetourt County were released. April 1, 1873, the Board of Public Works was authorized to sell the state's interest (300 shares), with the proceeds going to the sinking fund. March 6, 1886, all parts of the turnpike within the city of Lynchburg were transferred to the city.

From the description of Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Company records, 1823-1873. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277219588

An act of the General Assembly approved February 18, 1813, authorized formation of the Falls Bridge Turnpike Company to construct a road at any point on the route of Leesburg Turnpike Road, and extending towards the Falls Bridge to the District boundary line. $60,000 was set as the subscription level. January 7, 1820, stock limit was increased, and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $24,000. Authorization to extend the road from the terminus in Alexandria County at the former district boundary, to the bridge of Little Falls of the Potomac, was granted March 20, 1847.

From the description of Falls Bridge Turnpike Company records, 1818-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538421

The Atlantic and Danville Railway Company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of April 21, 1882. It ran from Norfolk to Danville along the south side of the James River. It was purchased by the Norfolk and Western Railway in 1962. It was renamed the Norfolk, Franklin, and Danville Railway. After the Norfolk Southern merger it was absorbed into that system.

From the description of Atlantic and Danville Railway Company correspondence, 1887-1900. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122552879

An act of the General Assembly passed March 7, 1848, incorporated the Jordan's Furnace and Rockbridge Turnpike Company to construct a road from Jordan's Furnace in Alleghany County, passing to or near the Alum Springs in Rockbridge County, and intersecting the Free Turnpike at Bell's, also in Rockbridge County. Capital stock was set at $6,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $3,600.

From the description of Jordan's Furnace and Rockbridge Turnpike Company records, 1848-1850, 1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122464272

An act of the General Assembly approved March 24, 1851 incorporated the Cedar Creek and Opequon Turnpike Company to construct a road from Old Forge on Cedar Creek to a point on the Valley Turnpike north of Kernstown in Frederick County, a distance of about 11 miles. James C. Baker was named President. Controversy arose over the fact that the road would parallel the Winchester and Hardy Turnpike, being not more than four miles apart at any point.

From the description of Cedar Creek and Opequon Turnpike Company records, 1851-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608897

An act of the General Assembly passed May 24, 1852, authorized formation of the Gooney Manor Turnpike Company as a corporation, to construct a road from Brown's or Updike's Mill at the western terminus of the Gravelly Springs Turnpike, to Front Royal, or to some convenient place on the Luray and Front Royal Turnpike. Capital stock was set at $6,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $3,600.

From the description of Gooney Manor Turnpike Company records, 1852-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640343

The New Shenandoah Company was formed to improve the Shenandoah River by means of dams and locks to produce a still or slack water navigation. In 1816, a contract was awarded to open a sluice navigation from Harper's Ferry to Port Republic, and work was completed in 1823. In 1825 a contract was awarded to open the North Branch from the junction near Front Royal to a point near Strasburg. By an act of the General Assembly on January 24, 1848, approval was given to increase capital stock to fund a survey of the river and its branches.

From the description of New Shenandoah Company records, 1831-1849. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259708748

Although chartered in 1835 by the General Assembly work on this road did not begin until the 1870s. In 1877 it was planned to run from Harrisonburg to Salem, Va. to a connection with the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. It was to be leased to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

From the description of Valley Rail Road Company correspondence, 1835-1877. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262835059

An act of the General Assembly approved January 17, 1848, provided for the improvement of the road leading from the North Carolina line through Carroll County to the valley road near Wytheville which crosses the Blue Ridge, and is known as the Fancy Gap Road. Approval was granted February 16, 1853, to complete the connection between Richlands and the Kentucky line road, and the Fancy Gap Road at Tazewell courthouse.

From the description of Fancy Gap Turnpike, 1848. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122555015

An act of the General passed March 23, 1860, provided for construction of a road from a point on the Staunton and Parkersburg Road on the west side of the Greenbrier River, at or near Slavin's Cabin, to Summerville, in Nicholas County by way of Point mountain and Fork lick to the Huttonsville and Huntersville Turnpike Road. The Board of Public Works was authorized to borrow no more than $25,000 to finance the project, issuing coupon bonds. An increase of $12,000 wa granted for the Huttonsville and Huntersville extension, March 23, 1860. The Board of Public Works was responsible for hiring an engineer to superintend the project and to establish toll gates.

From the description of Slavin's Cabin and Summersville Road records, 1853-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298342108

An act of the General Assembly, passed April 7, 1831, approved incorporation of the Southwestern Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from New River in Montgomery County, by Wythe Courthouse and Abingdon, to the Tennessee line. Joint capital stock was fixed at $200,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $80,000. The company was empowered to augment capital stock from time to time as necessary. Approval was given January 17, 1848, for the ultimate completion of the road westward between Salem and Buchanan, with an additional appropriation of $300,000, to include a complete road survey. On March 25, 1871, the Board of Public Works was authorized to transfer the state's interest in the road to the counties of Botetourt, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Smyth, and Wythe.

From the description of Southwestern Turnpike Company records, 1833-1900. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298438348

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 27, 1837. The line of road was from the coals pits in Henrico County to a "convenient point on the James River canal." The road used mule power and it appears to have gone out of business in 1843.

From the description of Tuckahoe and James River Railroad Company records, 1842. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262839394

An act of the General Assembly passed February 7, 1850, approved incorporation of the Shinnston Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Shinnston in Harrison County, by way of or near Lumberport, to the Sistersville and Salem Turnpike, at some convenient point, in Doddridge County or Tyler County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $7,200. Capital stock was increased by $10,000, in order to finance completion of the road, and build an extension to some point on the Weston and Fairmont Turnpike.

From the description of Shinnston Turnpike Company records, 1850-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298243993

An act of the General Assembly passed March 18, 1850, approved incorporation of the Rockingham Turnpike Company to construct a macadamized turnpike road from some point at or near Stanardsville in Greene County, by way of Swift Run Gap, to some point on the Valley Turnpike. Joint capital stock was limited to $100,000, and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $60,000. An increase of $50,000 was granted February 28, 1853, to extend the road from Standardsville to some point in Orange County on the Blue Ridge Turnpike.

From the description of Rockingham Turnpike Company records, 1851-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297224531

An act of the General Assembly, passed May 11, 1852, approved incorporation of the Wolf Creek Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Road, at or near the mouth of Wolf Creek in Giles County, and up the valley of the creek to some suitable point of the Tazewell courthouse and Fancy Gap Turnpike in Tazewell County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $15,000.

From the description of Wolf Creek Turnpike Company records, 1854-1875. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122553335

An act of the General Assembly passed March 30, 1838, provided for the construction of a turnpike road from Smyth Courthouse across Walker's mountain, to the Plaster Banks. Two commissioners appointed by Smyth County along with three other constituted a board to superintend and direct construction. $3,000 was appropriated from the public treasury to finance the project, and Smyth county court was directed to raise $500 each year in 1838 and 1839, to be applied to the road, and to be financed by an assessment. When completed, the county court of Smyth County was directed to appoint a superintendent to administer the road and arrange for toll gates to be erected. An increase of $1500 was granted February 9, 1850.

From the description of Smyth Courthouse and Plaster Banks Turnpike records, 1838-1853. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298337456

An act of the General Assembly passed March 14, 1849, approved incorporation of the Rich Patch Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from the Red Sweet Springs in Alleghany County, passing through Rich Patch, to some point near Shirkey's mill on James River in Botetourt County. The Board of Public Works was instructed to appoint three disinterested persons to estimate the value of labor already invested on the road, and to enter the name of the people as subscribers. The Board was to subscribe to 3/5 of the joint capital stock.

From the description of Rich Patch Turnpike Company records, 1849-1853. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297170679

An act of the General Assembly passed March 24, 1851, authorized formation of the Hardy and Randolph Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road from Petersburg in Hardy County by way of or near Mouth of Seneca in Pendleton County, to Beverley in Randolph County. Capital stock was set at $30,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $18,000.

From the description of Hardy and Randolph Turnpike Company records, 1853-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498054

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 28, 1878 (1877/78 Va. Acts 123). By an act of 1890 the company was consolidated with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company.

From the description of Richmond and Alleghany Railroad Company records, 1880-1888. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262616377

The Elk River Bridge Company was incorporated March 27, 1848, by an act of the General Assembly. Capital was set at not less than $8,000 nor more than $20,000, for construction of a bridge across Elk River at or near where the Charleston and Point Pleasant Turnpike Road crosses the river. Acts of March 13, 1849 and March 12, 1850, dealt with reviving the construction, and payments to the heirs of James Truslow, who owned the ferry that would necessarily be destroyed. February 26, 1853 the General Assembly authorized the BPW to subcribe to 2/5 or $6,000 of additional capital authorized to complete the bridge. Construction was completed in 1855.

From the description of Elk River Bridge Company records, 1853-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 251427460

An act of the General Assembly approved March 1, 1850 authorized formation of the Abingdon and Pattonsville Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Abingdon in Washington County to Pattonsville in Scott County. The road from Abingdon was routed down Poor Valley, on the south side of Clinch Mountain, to intersect the Estillville Turnpike at Big Moccasin Gap. Provision for a toll-gate was included.

From the description of Abingdon and Pattonsville Turnpike Company records, 1851-1859, 1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122394548

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated April 5, 1838. The first published report was issued in 1849, no report had been made earlier as the state had never purchased stock in the company. By the next year the state had subscribed and the work was nearly completed. The work never was completed to the full satisfaction of the company.

From the description of Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company records, 1839-1857, 1849-1852 (bulk). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122555018

An act of the General Assembly approved March 19, 1850 authorized formation of the Estillville and Nickelsville Graded Road Company to construct a road from Estillville up Big Moccasin by way of Nickelsville to some convenient point on the Cumberland Gap road, with capital stock set at $6,000.

From the description of Estillville and Nickelsville Graded Road Company, 1850-1852, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271657032

Charted by an act of the General Assembly of February 3, 1888, it operated as an inter-urban in the Norfolk and Portsmouth area, Virginia.

From the description of Berkley Street Railway correspondence, 1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261135314

An act to incorporate the Covington Bridge Company for the purpose of constructing a toll bridge across Jackson River opposite Covington, was passed by the General Assembly January 23, 1833. The act was amended March 19, 1836, to change the point of termination from Second Street to Third Street in Covington. Capital stock was limited to $3,500, with any excess required to be raised by the citizens of Covington. The bridge was completed in November, 1837. Between that time and 1845, the bridge was destroyed by flood. An act of the General Assembly passed February 13, 1845, provided for rebuilding the bridge, and in March 1848, approved the appointmennt of a bridge superintendent.

From the description of Covington Bridge Company records, 1833-1848. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632000

An act of The General Assembly, passed February 7, 1828, approved incorporation of the Valley Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Winchester in Frederick County to Stony Creek, in Shenandoah County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $100,000. On March 3, 1834, the act was revived, extending the road to Harrisonburg in Rockingham County, and limiting capital stock to $250,000. These charters were forfeited when time limits expired, and on March 24, 1838, the General Assembly approved incorporation, with $300,000 joint capital stock, for a road from Winchester to Staunton, following the stage road by Union Mills, through the villages of Kerntown, Newtown, and Middletown, and the town of Harrisonburg. The company was authorized to augment capital stock up to $75,000. On February 12, 1841, an increase of $25,000 was loaned by the Board of Public Works, and later converted to stock (1848). An act, passed February 24, 1895, dealt with regulating tolls for carriages and livestock, and approved the practice of charging annual tolls to residents.

From the description of Valley Turnpike Company records, 1838-1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 299152976

The Hazel River Navigation Company was organized June 26, 1850 to improve navigation on the Hazel or Eastham's River, from the junction with the Rappahannock River, to Ficklin's Castle mills in Culpeper County. A series of 8 locks and dams were built, which made it possible for the farmer's to transport their crops to market.

From the description of Hazel River Navigation Company records, 1850-1857, 1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259118827

An act of the General Assembly passed March 30, 1853, approved incorporation of the Pleasant Valley and Tunnelton Turnpike Company, with capital stock set at $5,000.

From the description of Pleasant Valley and Tunnelton Turnpike Company records, 1853-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 291091050

An act of the General Assembly approved February 16, 1853, authorized the formation of the Gnatty Creek and West Union Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike from the Clarksburg and Buckhannon Turnpike, at or near the mouth of Gnatty Creek, then via Phillipi in Barbour County, crossing the Cheat River at the mouth of Clover Run in Randolph County, to West Union in Preston County. Capital stock was set at $18,000, for the road, which was designated in two sections.

From the description of Gnatty Creek and West Union Turnpike Company records, 1854-1855, 1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147495

The Monongahela Navigation Company was formed to improve navigation for steamboats from the Pennsylvania-Virginia state line to Clarksburg, a distance of approximately 100 miles. A series of dams and locks was constructed on the Monongahela and its tributaries, to take advantage of the slackwater from the Pennsylvania line up to the mouth of Elk Creek in Harrison County.

From the description of Monongahela Navigation Company records, 1847-1849, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259296410

An act of the General Assembly approved 5 March 1834 authorized formation of the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Company to construct a road from Price's Turnpike in Botetourt County to Cumberland Gap on the dividing line between Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky and crossing county lines in Botetourt, Tazewell, Giles, Russell and Scott counties, and to have shared jurisdiction. Initial capital stock limit was set at $100,000. A portion of the turnpike was transferred to the Mountain Lake and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike in 1861.

From the description of Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Road Company records, 1834-1847. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271457300

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 15, 1849, approved incorporation of the Williamsport Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Williamsport in Wood County to some convenient point on the Parkersburg road, east of the town of Parkersburg. Joint capital stock was fixed at $5,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $3,000. An increase of $5,000 was granted February 18, 1851, with the same ratio invested by the Board. On April 7, 1858 the state's interest in the road was released to Wood County.

From the description of Williamsport Turnpike Company records, 1848-1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611794

The company was incorporated by an act of the assembly dated Jan. 15, 1848. The bridge was completed in 1850.

From the description of Cheat River Toll Bridge Company records, 1849-1856. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122552773

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18, 1854, approved incorporation of the Middleway and Gerardstown Turnpike Company to build a road from Middleway in Jefferson County by way of Bunker Hill and Gerardstown, to some point on Back Creek. Capital stock was set at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $12,000.

From the description of Middleway and Gerardstown Turnpike Company records, 1855-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 281306780

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1835. By an act February 18, 1836, the Louisa Railroad merged with the Virginia Central. On August 31, 1868 the Covington and Ohio Railroad and the Virginia Central merged to form the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company.

From the description of Virginia Central Railroad Company records, 1835-1870. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262833638

The company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of April 3, 1831 (1830/31 Va. Acts 129).

From the description of Lynchburg and New River Railroad records, 1831-1837. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261396715

An act of the General Assembly passed March 6, 1848, approved incorporation of the New Market and Sperryville Turnpike Company to construct a road from New Market in Shenandoah County to Sperryville in Rappahannock County. Initial joint capital stock was limited to $100,000, with the Board of Public Works' share set at $60,000; this was reduced March 19, 1849, to $50,000 total, with the Board subscribing to $30,000. An increase was granted March 6, 1851 of $15,000, and March 1, 1858, the company was authorized to charge a toll on the bridge across the Shenandoah River.

From the description of New Market and Sperryville Turnpike Company records, 1849-1867. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288440582

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of 1816. By an act of 1887 the Board divested itself of its stock in the company.

From the description of Alexandria Canal Company records, 1839-1886. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256493693

An act of the General Assembly passed March 10, 1837, authorized incorporation of the Lynchburg and Buffalo Springs Turnpike Company to construct a road from Lynchburg by way of Pedlar Mills to Buffalo Springs, in Amherst County. Capital stock was set at $12,000, and increased to $25,000 March 14, 1839, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $10,000. The road was to be extended beyond Buffalo Springs to a point on or near the South River in Rockbridge County. March 15, 1856, the company was released from the responsibility of repairing portions of the road, and the eastern terminus was placed where the road intersects with the road leading from Lynchburg to Amherst Courthouse. Amherst and Rockbridge county courts were authorized to purchase the road in the event it was placed for sale.

From the description of Lynchburg and Buffalo Springs Turnpike Company records, 1830-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277222961

The company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of March 2, 1848. It merged with the Manassas Gap Railroad Conmpany by an act of February 14, 1868 to form the Orange, Alexandria, and Manassas Railroad Company. By an act of November 1872 the Orange, Alexandria, and Manassas consolidated with the Lynchburg and Danville Railroad Company to become the Washington City, Virginia Midland, and Great Southern Railroad Company. In 1880 that company was sold and the name changed to Virginia Midland Railway Company. In 1898 the Virginia Midland merged with the Southern Railway Company.

From the description of Orange and Alexandria Railroad Company records, 1836-1885. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262473068

An act of the General Assembly passed March 17, 1851, approved incorporation of the Middlebrook and Brownsburg Turnpike Company with capital stock set at $15,000. The road began at Staunton in Augusta County, and proceeded to Lexington in Rockbridge County, by way of Middlebrook and Brownsburg. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to capital stock at $9,000, and the Assembly placed a limit of $400 per mile in costs, with no toll to be collected. Capital stock was increased twice, $10,000 in 1852, and $5,000 in 1853.

From the description of Middlebrook and Brownsburg Turnpike Company records, 1851-1866. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 281313828

An act of the General Assembly approved March 29, 1855 authorized formation of the Crossroads and Summit Point Turnpike Company to construct a road from a point of intersection on the Charlestown and Berryville Turnpike, at the crossroad leading to Summit Point, to Summit Point depot on the Winchester and Potomac Railroad. Capital stock was set at $8,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $4,500. Capital was increased in December 1871, by $2,000. It was also specified at that time that notices of stockholder meetings must appear in newspapers in Jefferson County, West Virginia and Clarke County, Virginia, since the road connected the two states. In 1875 the General Assembly approved the appointment to the Board of Directors and proxies from both states. In 1910, the General Assembly authorized the board of supervisors of Clarke County to accept the transfer of the part of the turnpike that fall in the county, and to collect tolls in order to provide maintenance and repair.

From the description of Crossroads and Summit Point Turnpike Company records, 1855-1887. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122496384

Improvements of the Upper Appomattox River centered around Petersburg, with the establishment of a canal with four stone locks along the banks of the Appomattox, terminating in a basin at Petersburg, convenient for loading and unloading produce. The company was authorized to build a series of lateral canals and locks in the lower, more difficult part of the river, and to extend the canal from the basin to tidewater.

From the description of Upper Appomattox Company records, 1800-1887. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259995544

The Tye River Navigation Company was formed to improve navigation on this branch of the James River, in Nelson County.

From the description of Tye River Navigation Company records, 1819. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259768548

On March 20, 1860, capital stock of the Company was increased by $12,000 in order to build a bridge across the Little Kanawha River at Glenville in Gilmer County. The General Assembly also approved subscribing to stock by Gilmer County.

From the description of Gilmer, Ripley, and Ohio Turnpike Company records, 1850-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86104873

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1848, approved incorporation of the Jacksonville and Bent Mountain Turnpike Company to construct a road from Jacksonville in Floyd County to some point on the Pittsylvania, Franklin, and Botetourt Turnpike at or near the Cave spring in Roanoke County, by way of Bent Mountain in Montgomery County. Joint capital stock was set at $10,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $6,000. On March 15, 1858, the General Assembly approved the release of the state's interest in the company to the counties involved, and stipulated that no tolls should be charged.

From the description of Jacksonville and Bent Mountain Turnpike Company records, 1849-1856, 1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 276855934

An act to incorporate the Berryville and Charlestown Turnpike Company was approved by the General Assembly March 22, 1847, for the purpose of constructing a road from the town of Berryville in Clarke County, to the town of Charlestown in Jefferson County. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the capital stock.

From the description of Berryville and Charlestown Turnpike Company records, 1847-1882. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268778268

The Tug Fork Navigation Company was formed to improve navigation of the Sandy River by slackwater from its mouth to the forks at Louisa, and then up the Tug fork to the mouth of Wolf Creek, in Wayne County.

From the description of Tug Fork Navigation Company records, 1853-1854, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259768187

An act of the General Assembly passed March 22, 1853, directed the Board of Public Works to appropriate $20,000 to fund the extension of the Huttonsville and Huntersville Turnpike from Marlin's Bottom in Pocahontas County to Lewisburg in Greenbrier County by way of Falling Spring and the town of Frankford.

From the description of Marlin's Bottom and Lewisburg Turnpike records, 1853-1867. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277593782

An act of the General Assembly approved March 26, 1860 authorized formation of the Fetterman and Cove Turnpike Company to construct a road from Fetterman by way of Grafton and Knotsville to the Morgantown and Beverly Turnpike Road near the farm owned by Charles Zinn, in Barbour County. Cost of the road was not to exceed $3200, and 20 August 1860 the company certified sufficient capital to incorporate.

From the description of Fetterman and Cove Turnpike Company records, 1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86172201

An act of the General Assembly passed March 15, 1849 approved the incorporation of the Buchanan Turnpike Company, with John S. Wilson appointed president. The road was approximately 16 miles in length, beginning at Debrell Springs, proceeding across Allen's mountain, following the north side of Dry Branch Valley and thence to Buchanan ending at the bridge at Pattonsburg, all in Botetourt County.

From the description of Buchanan Turnpike Company records, 1849-1873. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 269316920

An act of the General Assembly approved February 25, 1850 authorized the Board of Public Works to construct a turnpike road, the same width and dimensions as the Rocky Mount Turnpike, from a point at the Floyd courthouse to Hillsville, in Carroll County. The Board was authorized to borrow $9,000 to finance the project. $4,500 additional was appropriated March 8, 1851, to extend the road from Floyd courthouse to the Rocky Mount Turnpike, near the top of Alleghany mountain, and approximately $6,000 to complete the road to Hillsville and build a bridge across Big Reed Island, in Carroll County. Additional amendments passed in March, 1853, extended the road from Hillsville to the Raleigh and Grayson Turnpike and to purchase and widen the mountain section of Rocky Mount Turnpike and transfer that part to Floyd and Carroll counties for maintenance, because not enough funds were generated from toll collections.

From the description of Floyd Court House and Hillsville Turnpike records, 1850-1864. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608836

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1851, approved incorporation of the Luray and Front Royal Turnpike Company to construct a road from Luray in Page County to Front Royal in Warren County. Capital stock was set at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $12,000. Capital was increased February 14, 1853 to $30,000 to extend the road to some point at or near Conrad's store on the Rockingham Turnpike, and an additional $10,000 to enable the company to metal parts of the road between Luray and Front Royal as they determine necessary. March 22, 1853, the county court of Warren County was authorized to subscribe to capital stock.

From the description of Luray and Front Royal Turnpike Company records, 1851-1871. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277222678

The company was formed by an act of the General Assembly dated March 1819. On March 11, 1820, a survey was conducted approving the project to construct a bridge across the James River at Cartersville. An act authorizing the subscription of stock was passed March 3, 1821, and the bridge was completed in November 1822. The bridge was destroyed by flood in September 1827. It was then rebuilt. Rebuilding was also started in 1842.

From the description of Cartersville Bridge Company records, 1819-1847, 1853. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147318

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated March 19, 1850 and amended March 20, 1851. The negotiations with the owners of the ferry were unsuccessful and apparently the bridge was never built.

From the description of New River Bridge Company records, 1851. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122394542

An act of the General Assembly, passed January 21, 1802, granted a charter to the Swift Run Gap Turnpike Company, to construct a road across the Blue Ridge from the lands of Adam Harnsbarger in Rockingham County, over the Blue Ridge and Powell Mountain to Keplinger's run, at the foot of Powell Mountain where Swift Run Gap forms. On March 13, 1849, George W. Price, owner-proprietor, was authorized to relocate and open the road and keep it in repair for the accommodation of the trade and travel from the Shenandoah Valley, across the gap, to eastern markets.

From the description of Swift Run Gap Turnpike Company records, 1817, 1819-1852. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498062

An act of the General Assembly passed March 24, 1848, approved incorporation of the Millwood and Berryville Turnpike Company, to construct a macadamized turnpike road from Millwood in Clarke County to Berryville. Joint capital stock was set at $20,000, with Board of Public Works subscribing to $8,000. Funding was reduced March 21, 1851 to $15,000, with the Board's share at $6750. The road was 6 1/2 miles in length.

From the description of Millwood and Berryville Turnpike Company records, 1850-1900. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 285284911

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18, 1826, provided for the improvement of the road from Sistersville on the Ohio River, in Tyler County, to the state road near Salem in Harrison County. At that time the General Assembly was anxious to improve an existing road which linked with a public road being constructed by the state of Ohio. It was recognized that the citizens could not improve the road without state assistance, and this was granted in that commissioners were appointed to receive tax monies from the sheriffs of the counties and through issuance of bonds. An act of February 1, 1847 provided for construction of the Sistersville and Salem Turnpike Road, with an appropriation of $6,000 from the state, and contributions from individuals and county courts in money and labor. An act passed March 30, 1848, increased the appropriation by $2,500 to allow for completion of the turnpike, provided the counties of Tyler and Doddridge add to the appropriation. March 27, 1851 incorporation was approved with a limit of $15,000 joint capital stock the Board of Public Works subscribing to $9,000. The additional funds allowed for bridges across the mouth of Point Pleasant, McElroy, and Indian Creek, and the widening and completion of the road.

From the description of Sistersville and Salem Turnpike Company records, 1834-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298340258

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 7, 1850, approved incorporation of the West Milford and New Salem Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from some point on the Northwestern Turnpike at or near Salem, in Harrison County, by way of West Milford and Jane Lew in Lewis County, to some point on the Staunton and Parkersburg road at or near George Lorentz's. Initially, joint capital stock was set at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $7,200; an increase of $6,000 was granted March 17, 1851, to finance a branch to Clarksburg. On February 24, 1860, the General Assembly authorized formation of a separate company by stockholders in Lewis and Upshur counties, called the Jane Lew and Upshur Turnpike Company.

From the description of West Milford and New Salem Turnpike Company records, 1850-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122553330

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 17, 1849, provided for construction of a turnpike road from Tazewell Courthouse by way of Wytheville and Hillsville in Carroll County, to the North Carolina line at Fancy Gap. Total cost was estimated at $32,000, with the Board of Public Works financing $19,500, and each county court bearing the cost of the section of the road in their county. The Board of Public Works was empowered to contract for construction, and a board made up of directors from the counties involved and the Board of Public Works were to superintend construction. The county courts of Carroll, Smyth, Tazewell and Wythe were authorized to increase their subscriptions by issuing bonds, and the Board of Public Works was authorized to borrow to pay its share. Increases in capital stock were authorized in 1851 and 1853 in order to complete the road. On March 14, 1878, a Board of Directors was appointed to control and manage the section in Wythe County, and they were authorized to erect a toll gate.

From the description of Tazewell Courthouse and Fancy Gap Turnpike records, 1837-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122624822

An act of the General Assembly, passed February 15, 1854, approved incorporation of the Walnut Gap Road Company, to construct a graded road from the Logan, Raleigh, and Monroe Turnpike at or near the residence of Elliott Cook, in Wyoming County, by way of Walnut Gap mouth of the west fork of Little Cole River to some point on the Kanawha and Logan road at or near the mouth of Short Creek in Boone County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $3,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/4 of 3/5 of the total. The company was allowed to increase capital stock by $2,000 as necessary.

From the description of Walnut Gap Road Company records, 1854-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122481725

An act of the General Assembly approved March 6, 1851, authorized the county courts of Smyth and Wythe counties and the Board of Public Works to each appoint one director to constitute a board to superintend construction of a turnpike from "some suitable point in Wythe County on either the Southwestern Turnpike or the Tazewell Courthouse and Fancy Gap Turnpike, passing through Black Lick settlement in Wythe County to Plaster Banks in Smyth County."

From the description of Black Lick and Plaster Banks Turnpike, 1851-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268992963

An act of the General Assembly passed February 21, 1829, approved incorporation of the Jackson's River Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Warm Springs in Bath County, by way of Hot Springs, to intersect the Kanawha Turnpike at Callaghan's. Joint capital stock was set at $20,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 2/5 or $8,000. February 24, 1842, the Assembly authorized the appointment of a superintendent selected by the Company. The General Assembly advised the Board to settle its account with the Company April 1, 1848, because of debts accumulated when bridges were replaced that had been carried away by a freshet in July 1842. April 7, 1858, the Board of Public Works was authorized to appoint a superintendent, being the principal stockholder. On January 13, 1877, the General Assembly authorized the Board of Public Works to sell the state's interest in the turnpike, as the stock was wholly unproductive.

From the description of Jackson's River Turnpike Company records, 1848-1877. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611568

The company was authorized by an Act of the General Assembly dated March 4, 1856. The bridge was completed in September 1859 over the Coal River in Kanawha County in what is now West Virginia.

From the description of Coal River Bridge Company records, 1856, 1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608474

An agreement dated 30 December 1812 between the President and Directors of the Fauquier and Alexandria Turnpike Company and George Britton, approved a contract to construct a road from Fauquier courthouse to Alexandria. Britton died before completing the contract, causing delays. January 7, 1823, the General Assembly approved incorporation of the company, and increased capital stock by $30,000. December 31, 1824, the General Assembly amended the act, authorizing completion of the balance of the road, from Buckland to Fauquier courthouse, and to raise $30,000 by lottery to pave the road near Hay Market, to the ford of Goose Creek, in Fauquier County.

From the description of Fauquier and Alexandria Turnpike Company records, 1812-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608471

An act of the General Assembly passed February 28, 1854, approved incorporation of the Raleigh and Boone Road Company to construct a graded road from the mouth of Short Creek in Boone County, to a point on the Logan, Raleigh and Monroe Turnpike by way of the mouth of the Marsh Fork of Big Coal. Joint capital stock was limited to $3,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/4 of 3/5. Approval was given to increase capital stock by $2,000.

From the description of Raleigh and Boone Road Company records, 1854-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294902153

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated March 31, 1858. The bridge was completed by April 1859.

From the description of Urbanna Creek Toll Bridge Company records, 1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611387

An act of the General Assembly passed February 13, 1816, authorized incorporation of the Manchester and Petersburg Turnpike Company, with capital stock set at $100,000. The Assembly approved extension of the time allowed to complete the project to January, 1828, at a session January, 1823. March 1, 1826, the Company was exempted from providing stone or gravel surface to certain points on the road, and on February 17, 1860, Chesterfield County Court was authorized to purchase all or part of the Company as it became available for sale.

From the description of Manchester and Petersburg Turnpike Company records, 1824-1838. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277596506

The James River Company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 14, 1785. The company was to improve the navigation of the James River from tidewater to the "highest practicable point." The James River and Kanawha Company was chartered on February 17, 1820 as the successor to the James River Company, with the state subscribing to 3/5 of the stock. With the end of the Civil War the business of the canals began to fall off. On March 5, 1880 the James River and Kanawha Company was sold to the Richmond and Alleghany Railway Company.

From the description of James River and Kanawha Company records, 1834-1896. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256857174

An act of the General Assembly passed March 8, 1853, approved incorporation of the Wilson Creek and South Fork Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from a suitable point on the North Carolina line, near the mouth of Wilson Creek in Grayson County, passing up the creek and over Iron Mountain, and down the South fork of Holston, to intersect the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at or near Seven Mile ford in Smyth County. Initial capital stock was fixed at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $9,000; an increase of $10,000 was granted April 1, 1858 to complete the road.

From the description of Wilson Creek and South Fork Turnpike Company records, 1850-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538629

Richmond Telephonic Exchange was a corporation with a charter from the state of Virginia.

From the description of Richmond Telephonic Exchange petition, 1879. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 264664294

Incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of February 27, 1828. The road ran from Manchester, south of Richmond, Va., to the tidewater area. The road was authorized to be sold to the Richmond and Danville Railroad Company by an act of April 4, 1848.

From the description of Chesterfield Railroad records, 1830-1850. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261340982

The Board of Public Works appointed the firm of Selden, Withers, and Company of Washington, D. C. as agents for the sale of a large amount of coupon bonds under a contract dated July 9, 1853. Subsequently, the firm was liquidated, leaving a "gross indebtedness" to the state.

From the description of Memorandum of Coupon Bonds delivered to Selden, Withers, and Co., and cash received from them under the contract of 9th July 1853, 1853-1855. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122700666

An act to incorporate the Berkeley and Hampshire Turnpike Company was passed by the General Assembly March 1, 1851. The road was to be constructed from Martinsburg in Berkeley County by way of Boyd's Gap and Bloomery Gap in Hampshire County to a point on the Northwestern Turnpike Road, near French's tavern, also in Hampshire County. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 3/5 of the capital stock.

From the description of Berkeley and Hampshire Turnpike Company records, 1851-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122352026

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly during its session of 1826-1827.

From the description of Tuckahoe Canal Company records, 1830-1835. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 257597962

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 9, 1847. In 1894 it was reorganized as the Southern Railway Company.

From the description of Richmond and Danville Railroad Company records, 1847-1894. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262617027

The North River Navigation Company was established to open and improve navigation of the North River from its confluence with the James River to Jordan's Mills or any other point near Lexington. A canal was located between the mouth of the river and Buffalo, and a bridge at Buffalo gave access to the mills.

From the description of North River Navigation Company records, 1850-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259708921

An act of General Assembly passed February 27, 1827, approved incorporation of the Northwestern Turnpike Company to construct a road from Winchester to some point on the Ohio River, below the mouths of Muskingham and Little Kanawha Rivers: Joint capital stock was limited to $75,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $30,000. It was stipulated that the principal engineer was responsible for locating the route, prescribing plans for construction, and providing reports to the Board. Approval for changes in routes through the towns of Romney, Pruntytown, and Evansville was granted from 1832-1834. April 7, 1838, finished and unfinished sections of the road were placed under the direction of the principal engineer, with the approval of the Company, to expedite completion. January 15, 1840, a loan of $11,484 was authorized to complete the bridge on the south branch of the Potomac, and directors were empowered to borrow $7,000 to complete certain sections. March 14, 1842, the width of the road was fixed at 60 feet. During 1848-1849, increases were granted to macadamized sections of the road from the bridge across Valley River in Taylor County, to Parkersburg in Wood County.

From the description of Northwestern Turnpike Company records, 1823-1900. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288947467

An act of the General Assembly March 25, 1837, provided for construction of a road from the Pound Gap of the Cumberland mountain on the Kentucky line, to the Cumberland Gap Road. When subscriptions by individuals and the courts reached $2,000, the Auditor of Public Accounts was authorized to pay $3,333 of the $5,000 appropriated. March 17, 1840, the General Assembly directed a survey be made of the Pound Gap Road to the intersection with the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Road. According to Robert Fugate, Treasurer, the road would be useful for travelling to the salt works at the headwaters of the Kentucky River and for Kentuckians to drive their stock to the eastern market.

From the description of Pound Gap Road records, 1840, 1843-1848. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294847732

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 15, 1851 (1850/51 Va. Acts 72). It opened in 1852. On April 15, 1867 the Norfolk and Petersburg, South Side Railroad Company, Virginia and Kentucky Railroad Company, and Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company merged to form the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad Company. That company defaulted in 1875 and on May 3, 1881 was reorganized as the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company.

From the description of Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad Company records 1853-1875. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262474040

An act of the General Assembly passed January 19, 1848, established Wirt County, previously part of Jackson and Wood counties. The act directed a survey be made of the county boundary lines, and that they be run and marked in the manner prescribed by the act entitled, "an act for making more effectual provision for running and marking the boundaries of new counties," approved February 11, 1845.

From the description of Wirt County boundary survey field notes, 1849. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122552995

An act of the General Assembly, approved April 2, 1853, approved incorporation of the Winfield and Thompsonville Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike from the town of Winfield in Putnam County, by way of Hurricane Bridge at or near Thompsonville, and then by way of John Wheeler's to intersect Trace Fork of the Mud River Road, on to the most practical route where it would intersect Wilson's Creek and Kanawha Turnpike Road. Joint capital stock was fixed at $7,500 initially, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $4,500, but this was reduced to $6,000 when the act was amended and reenacted March 12, 1856.

From the description of Winfield and Thompsonville Turnpike Company records, 1854. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122555482

An act of the General Assembly passed March 24, 1851, approved incorporation of the Reedy and Harrisville Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Three Forks of Reedy Creek, through Palestine or Elizabeth, in Wirt County, crossing Hughes' River at or near Hughes' mills, and then to Harrisonville, in Ritchie County. Joint capital stock was limited to $12,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $7,200.

From the description of Reedy and Harrisville Turnpike Company records, 1853-1858, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297176041

An act of the General Assembly approved March 9, 1848 authorized formation of the Clarksburg and Buckhannon Turnpike Company to construct a road from Clarksburg in Harrison County to Buckhannon in Lewis County. Capital stock was set at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $9,000. Capital was increased March 5, 1851 by $5,000, and provision was made for macadamizing or planking the road March 18, 1853. An extension was authorized February 26, 1856, from Clarksburg to the Weston and Fairmont Turnpike, and to macadamize the extension.

From the description of Clarksburg and Buckhannon Turnpike Company records, 1847-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 270719980

An act of the General Assembly, February 28, 1854, authorized the Board of Public Works to borrow $15,000, and hire an engineer to locate and contract for a road from a point on the Staunton and Parkersburg Road between Washington Hillery's and George Mills', in Randolph County, crossing the line of Randolph County near the residence of William Proudfoot, the line of Upshur County near Woodley's Mills, and the Buckhannon river near the mouth of Crislip's run, to the Clarksburg road, intersecting it near the lower end of Henson L. Hoff's farm in Barbour County.

From the description of Middlefork Turnpike records, 1854-1865. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 281307244

The company was formed in 1897 by an act of the General Assembly. By that act the Petersburg Railroad Company and the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Company formed the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company of Virginia. This became the Richmond Division of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. In 1971 it merged with the Seaboard Air Line to form the Seaboard Coast Line. That company merged with the Chessie System in 1986 and is now part of CSX Transportation.

From the description of Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company of Virginia correspondence, 1894-1902. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487749

An act of the General Assembly passed February 20, 1838, approved incorporation of the Pittsylvania, Franklin, and Botetourt Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Danville in Pittsylvania County, by Rocky Mount in Franklin County, to Fincastle in Botetourt County, with branch leaving the main route at Lewis Harvey's in Botetourt County, and running to Salem. Joint capital stock was set at $40,000, with the option to increase to $60,000, and the Board of Public Works subscribed to 2/5.

From the description of Pittsylvania, Franklin, and Botetourt Turnpike Company records, 1838-1853. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 291090337

An act of the General Assembly approved March 17, 1849, incorporated the Virginia Telegraph Company for the purpose of putting up and maintaining a telegraph line from the city of Norfolk to the town of Petersburg.

From the description of Virginia Telegraph Company reports and letters, 1848-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122647178

An act of the General Assembly approved February 27, 1860 authorized formation of the Elk River Turnpike Company to construct a road from Kanawha courthouse by way of Big Sandy Creek of Elk River and the mouth of the Birch River, to Braxton courthouse, with a branch from the most favorable point on Big Sandy Creek to Roane courthouse. Stock subscriptions were set at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $5,350.

From the description of Elk River Turnpike Company records, 1860-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271657043

An act of the General Assembly approved March 9, 1853 authorized formation of the Cove Springs and White House Road Company to construct a road from the Jacksonville and Cove Springs Turnpike in Floyd County across the Allegheny Mountains and down the valley of the south fork of the Roanoke River, to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at or near the White House in Montgomery County. The road was to be under the control of the county courts of the two counties.

From the description of Cove Springs and White House Road Company records, 1853-1854, 1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271166192

An act of the General Assembly passed March 6, 1848, approved incorporation of the Russell and Washington Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Road to some point not more than eight miles east of Russell Courthouse to the Salt works in Washington County. Capital stock was limited to $10,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. An increase of $1125 was granted February 7, 1850, and $1250, on March 15, 1851. The Board of Public Works was authorized to plank the mile and three quarters of the road not under contract, or to macadamize portions.

From the description of Russell and Washington Turnpike Company records, 1849-1856. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297223879

An act of the General Assembly passed May 25, 1852, approved incorporation of the Lunenburg Plank Road Company, to construct a road from Black's and White's in Nottoway County, across the Nottoway River, below the junction of Big and Little Nottoway Rivers, to some point on the Meherrin River in Lunenburg County. Construction was to begin within two years and be completed within five. $50,000 was the limit of capital stock, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $30,000.

From the description of Lunenburg Plank Road Company records, 1853-1862. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277222749

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated Jan. 9, 1851. The bridge was completed Oct. 1, 1851, and destroyed by the army in May of 1862.

From the description of Indian Poll Drawbridge Company records, 1851-1852, 1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122700557

An act of the General Assembly passed January, 1836, approved incorporation of the Red and Blue Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Blue Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County to the Red Sulphur Springs in Monroe County. Joint capital stock was limited to $12,500. The Board of Public Works was directed to have a survey made to determine the best route and to report back giving cost estimates. In lieu of building a bridge across the Greenbrier River, the Company was allowed to establish and keep a ferry at the point where the river intersects the road. An increase was approved March 28, 1838, in the amount of $9,500. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the capital stock and 2/5 of the increases.

From the description of Red and Blue Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1836-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294907205

An act of the General Assembly passed January 8, 1834, approved incorporation of the Salt and Red Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company, to build a turnpike road from Salt Sulphur Springs in Monroe County to Red Sulphur Springs. The Board of Public Works was directed to have a survey made of the best route and report on cost estimates. The county was empowered to augment capital.

From the description of Salt and Red Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1834, 1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297539945

An act of the General Assembly passed March 8, 1847, approved construction of a turnpike road from Richlands in Tazewell County, down the Louisa fork of Sandy River, to the state line. The Board of Public Works was responsible for the construction and hiring an engineer or superintendent. The Board was empowered to borrow up to $10,000 initially, with additions of $6,500, $2,500, and $3,000 in 1848, 1849, and 1853, respectively, in order to complete the road.

From the description of Richlands and Kentucky Line Road records, 1847-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297175192

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 31, 1853 and opened in 1869. The line of road was from Richmond to West Point, Va. The road was sold under foreclosure on May 2, 1872 and reorganized by the purchasing bond holders as the Richmond, York River, and Chesapeake Railroad Company. In 1894 that company was consolidated into the Southern Railway Company.

From the description of Richmond and York River Railroad Company records, 1836-1873. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262616563

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 7, 1834. It was also received a charter for the state of North Carolina at the same time. By an act of the General Assembly of April 2, 1853 the road merged with the Petersburg Railroad Company.

From the description of Greensville and Roanoke Railroad records, 1848-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261420967

An act of the General Assembly passed March 4, 1850 incorporated Jonesville and Little Stone Gap Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike from the termination of Little Stone Gap Road in Lee County by way of the three forks of Powell's River to Yankham Station, and thence to a point on the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike Road, about two miles east of Jonesville, and for constructing a branch from Yankham Station across Lovelace gap to the Wild Cat Valley Road, at the south side of Iron Works hill. Capital stock was limited to $7,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $4,200. On March 1, 1853, the county court for Lee County was authorized to subscribe to the remaining 2/5.

From the description of Jonesville and Little Stone Gap Turnpike Company records, 1855-1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86104866

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated January 17, 1848. The bridge was completed in 1850.

From the description of Virginia and Maryland Bridge Company records, 1849-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611397

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 30, 1853, approved incorporation of the Upperville and Manassas Gap Plank Road Company, to construct a graded or macadamized road from a point at or near Upperville in Fauquier County, on the Ashby's Gap Turnpike, to some point on the Manassas Gap Railroad. Joint capital stock was fixed at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $7,200.

From the description of Upperville and Manassas Gap Plank Road Company records, 1853-1871. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122647165

An act of the General Assembly passed March 24, 1851 incorporated the Jacksonville and Christiansburg Turnpike Company to construct a road from Jacksonville in Floyd County through the town of Christiansburg, to the line of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, in Montgomery County. Capital stock was set at $12,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $7,500. Construction costs were limited to $400 per mile. March 12, 1853, funds were increased by $14,000 to extend the road from Jacksonville at the point where the present Mawberry Gap road from Patrick Courthouse enters Jacksonville by the most direct and practicable route, by Patrick Courthouse to the North Carolina line. February 2, 1874, the General Assembly approved transferring the state's interest in the company to the counties involved.

From the description of Jacksonville and Christiansburg Turnpike Company records, 1852-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632256

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 8, 1847, provided for construction of a turnpike road from Richlands in Tazewell County, down the Louisa fork of Sandy River, to the Kentucky line. The Board of Public Works was authorized to borrow $10,000 for the project, and to hire a competent engineer or superintendent for the construction. On January 30, 1850, an increase of $8,000 was granted to connect the road with the Tazewell Courthouse and Fancy Gap Turnpike.

From the description of Tazewell Courthouse and Richlands Turnpike records, 1850-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608959

An act incorporating the Buchanan and Bedford Turnpike Company was passed by the General Assembly February 9, 1850, to provide for the construction of a road from Buchanon in Botetourt County to a suitable place at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge, between the residence of James Jopling and Jones' mill in Bedford County. The road had two sections of 8 miles each, with a toll gate for each section. Rates of toll were established at ten cents for every twenty sheep or hogs; and twenty cents for every twenty cattle; five cents for every horse, mare, gelding, mule, or ass; ten cents for man and horse; twenty cents for a two-wheeled riding carriage; thirty cents for a four-wheeled riding carriage, and five cents for each animal drawing a carriage; and for a cart or wagon, if the wheels are not more than four inches wide, ten cents for each animal drawing it.

From the description of Buchanan and Bedford Turnpike Company records, 1851-1854, 1856-1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147462

The company was chartered before 1852 by the General Assembly. The line of road was from Keysville, Va. to Manson, N.C.

From the description of Roanoke Valley Railroad Company records, 1852-1873. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262692732

An act of the General Assembly, passed February 13, 1818, approved incorporation of the Staunton and James River Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Staunton, in Augusta County to Scott's Landing on the James River, or to a termination point determined by the stockholders. Joint capital stock was fixed at $200,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $80,000. The act stipulated that if the road crosses the Blue Ridge at Rockfish Gap, it would not affect the Rockfish Gap Turnpike, but terminate at the point of union, east and west of the mountain. An act passed March 9, 1827, provided for a lottery to raise funds to connect the turnpike with Kanawha Road at or near its eastern terminus. The Board of Commissioners established by Augusta County were empowered to manage the lottery and contract for the road after the location had been set by the principal engineer, provided that the Commission directed construction from Staunton by way of Warm Springs, to the intersection of the Kanawha Road at the eastern terminus, or to the eastern terminus of the recently constructed turnpike across Warm Springs mountain, no further north than Jennings Gap.

From the description of Staunton and James River Turnpike Company records, 1825-1880. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632458

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of December 1, 1787.

From the description of Dismal Swamp Canal Company records, 1816-1871. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256493765

An act of the General Assembly passed March 11, 1850, approved incorporation of the Parkersburg and Elizabethtown Turnpike, with joint capital stock limited to $8,000. The road commenced on the lower side of the Kanawha River, from Elizabethtown, in Wirt County, to Parkersburg in Wood County. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $4,800.

From the description of Parkersburg and Elizabethtown Turnpike Company records, 1850-1852, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288946391

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 26, 1836. It ran from Petersburg to City Point, Va.

From the description of City Point Railroad records, 1837-1849. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261340965

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 8, 1824.

From the description of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company records, 1833-1914. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256493468

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated Feb. 15, 1851. The bridge was built on the South Branch River, near Hanging Rock, in Hampshire County. By 1858 the debt was liquidated.

From the description of South Branch Bridge Company records, 1851-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86172200

An act of the General Assembly passed March 4, 1851, approved incorporation of the Potomac Turnpike Company to construct a road from some point at or near Charles S. Taylor's on the Cacapon and North Branch Turnpike in Hampshire County, by way of the mouth of Hopkin's Lick Run, to some point on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, not east of the Morgan line nor west of French's Depot, with the cost not to exceed $400 per mile. Capital stock was set at $4,500, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $2,700.

From the description of Potomac Turnpike Company records, 1851-1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294848197

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was chartered by the state of Maryland in 1831. It was to connect the atlantic seaboard with the Ohio River. The route which the railroad followed was the old National Road. The majority of the records concern the extension of the road to Wheeling, Virginia. In 1970 the road merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway to form the Chessie System. In 1986 this company merged with the Seaboard Coast Line and became part of CSX Transportation.

From the description of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad correspondence, 1838-1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261135355

An act of the General Assembly passed March 30, 1837, authorized the Board of Public Works to superintend and direct construction of a road from Ice's Ferry on the Cheat River to the Pennsylvania line in the direction of Monroe, based on a survey directed the General Assembly January 12, 1836. The Board was to use the Board of Directors appointed by an Act approved March 15, 1836 to administer the construction. March 11, 1840,the General Assembly directed that in lieu of the commission appointed in 1837. the county could appoint five members to the Board of Directors. In March, 1841, toll gates were authorized.

From the description of Ice's Ferry Road records, 1839-1853. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122394953

The Smith's River Navigation Company was formed to improve sluice navigation for bateaux on the river, through the counties of Franklin, Henry, and Patrick. The work was begun in 1849, and completed in 1850.

From the description of Smith's River Navigation Company records, 1849-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259767181

An act of the General Assembly approved March 31, 1858 authorized formation of an independent company to construct and complete the portion of the Mechanicsburg and Wythe Turnpike lying between East River and Princeton. Capital stock was set at $7,000 and the Board of Public Works was to subscribe a proportional share of the state's funding of the Mechanicsburg and Wythe Turnpike. An act of the General Assembly passed March 22, 1860 incorporated the company and set stock at $8,000. The route was specified, from Princeton in Mercer County to some suitable point on Cumberland Gap road near French's mill.

From the description of East River and Princeton Turnpike Company records, 1860, 1873. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271444926

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1851, approved incorporation of the Sandy River Turnpike Company, to build a road from the James River and Kanawha Turnpike Road at or near the mouth of the Big Sandy River, running up the river by the mouth of White's Creek, passing through the Round Bottom and running up the Big Sandy to Cassville in Wayne County, at the forks of the river. Joint capital stock was fixed at $5,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $3,000. The costs of the road was not to exceed $400 per mile.

From the description of Sandy River Turnpike Company records, 1851-1855. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297537587

An act to provide for construction of a turnpike road from Beverly in Randolph County to Fairmont in Marion County, by way of Philippi and Pruntytown, was approved by the General Assembly January 14, 1848. The Board of Public Works was directed to arrange for the construction, with the counties charged with paying any land damages submitted. The original limit on cost was $24,000. This was amended February 2, 1850, when $18,000 was authorized for the construction of bridges across Tygart's Valley and West Fork rivers, and $25,800 was authorized to extend the road to Wheeling in Ohio County, bridging Buffalo Creek and Dunkard Creek. Jonathan T. Curry was named superintendent.

From the description of Beverly and Fairmont Turnpike Company records, 1848-1898. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268778236

Chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1888 as the Valley Street Railway Company. The name was changed by an act of the Assembly of January 9, 1892. The company operated at Big Stone Gap, Va. The road was abandoned in 1917.

From the description of Big Stone Gap and Powell Valley Railroad records. n.d. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261221074

An act of the General Assembly passed January 28, 1802, approved incorporation of the Little River Turnpike Company and directed that a turnpike be established "from the intersection of Duke Street in Alexandria, with the southwest line of the District of Columbia to the ford of Little River where the turnpike now crosses it." Along with many details on construction, the act states that the work was to begin within a year and be completed within seven years. February 27, 1834, the General Assembly approved charging 1/2 toll rate for wagons returning without a load, but this was rescinded February 4, 1842.

From the description of Little River Turnpike Company records, 1801-1891. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122553297

An act of the General Assembly passed March 2, 1838, approved formation of the Holliday's Cove Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from the lands of Jesse Edgington on the Ohio River, in Brooke County, through Holliday's Cove to the Pennsylvania line at the termination of the turnpike road leading to Pittsburgh. Capital stock was set at $10,000, and the company was authorized to augment capital not to exceed $25,000. On March 26, 1839, approval was given to increase augmentation to $30,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 2/5. Toll gates were approved every five miles, and on March 11, 1840, the General Assembly authorized the company to dispense with stone or gravel surface on the road where unnecessary.

From the description of Holliday's Cove Turnpike Company records, 1838-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608964

The Marshall and Ohio Turnpike Company was organized on the 7th of September 1848, under the act of incorporation passed by the General Assembly April 2, 1839, and the act revising and amending that act, passed February 11, 1848. Capital stock was set at $20,000 for the road leading from Elizabethtown and Moundsville near the residence of William Alexander in Marshall County, to the city of Wheeling, in Ohio County. Stock was increased by $20,000 March 17, 1851, with approval to extend the road to Fish Creek Bridge. March 26, 1860, stock was increased by $10,000, in order to cover construction and repairs and to macadamize.

From the description of Marshall and Ohio Turnpike Company records, 1848-1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277587605

An act of the General Assembly approved 8 March 1856 incorporated the Back Creek Valley Turnpike Company, to construct a road from a suitable point on the Northwestern Turnpike at or near Lockhart's Tavern in Frederick County up Back Creek Valley to Capon Springs in Hampshire County. An act of the General Assembly approved 29 March 1860 authorized the Board of Public Works to subscribe to company stock.

From the description of Back Creek Valley Turnpike Company records, 1860-1861, 1870. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538418

This company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of April 18, 1867. It was formed by mergin the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, Southside Railroad, Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad and the Virginia And Kentucky Railroad into one joint stock company. The road defaulted in 1875. On May 3, 1881 this company was bought by the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

From the description of Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad correspondence and records, 1870-1887. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261135003

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1838, approved incorporation of the Moorefield and Alleghany Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road in the Allegheny mountains, on the location made by James D. Brown, civil engineer. Capital stock was set at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe up to $10,000. Joint capital stock was increased $2,000 on March 11, 1853, in order to finish the road and erect toll houses. The turnpike was transferred to the Hardy county court January 20, 1858, for maintenance, because insufficient tolls were collected due to insufficient traffic.

From the description of Moorefield and Alleghany Turnpike Company records, 1836, 1849-1854. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 285281845

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 3, 1900. It operated as a terminal and inter-urban railroad in Norfolk. The name was changed to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Traction Company by an act of the General Assembly of March 29, 1902.

From the description of Bay Shore Terminal Railroad Company correspondence, 1901. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261135336

An act of the General Assembly passed March 3, 1856, approved incorporation of the Mountain Lake and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company, to construct a road from the Springs in Monroe County, by way of the Mountain Lake in Giles County, to some point on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in Montgomery or Pulaski County. Capital stock was increased $8,000 on March 24, 1860, bringing the total to $20,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $12,000.

From the description of Mountain Lake and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 286913581

An act of the General Assembly approved February 21, 1853 authorized formation of the Christiansville and Keysville Plank Road Company to construct a plank or timber road from the village of Christiansville in Mecklenburg County to the Keysville depot on the Richmond and Danville Railroad in Charlotte County. Capital stock was set at $30,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe $18,000. The road was to be no less than 24 feet wide and located on the ridge near Harding's store in Charlotte County (not east of it at that point).

From the description of Christiansville and Keysville Plank Road Company records, 1853-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 270719994

This company was chartered by the General Assembly before 1842. It ran from Petersburg to City Point, Va. It was sold to the South Side Rail Road Company in 1854.

From the description of Appomattox Railroad letter and receipt, 1848-1849. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640124

An act of the General Assembly passed February 25, 1850, approved construction of a turnpike from a point on the Staunton and Parkersburg road, near Huttonsville, by way of Conrad's in Randolph County, to Marlin's Bottom, in Pocahontas County, under the direction of the Board of Public Works. November 23, 1852, the Board of Public Works authorized a change in the location from the west to the east side of the house of Ely Butcher and Ely B. Butcher in Randolph County, after paying all costs and damages to the Butchers. The General Assembly approved an additional $8,000 in order to extend the road from Marlin's Bottom to Huntersville, and to erect a bridge over the Greenbrier River at Marlin's Bottom, February 28, 1853.

From the description of Huttonsville and Huntersville Turnpike records, 1850-1861. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122323248

An act of the General Assembly approved March 9, 1849, authorized formation of the Hillsboro and Harper's Ferry Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road from Hillsborough in Loudoun County to some point near the bridge across the Shenandoah River at Harper's Ferry in Jefferson County. Capital stock was set at $10,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $6,000. The General Assembly extended the time allowed for the company to organize on March 3, 1851, to 1 January 1852. Capital stock was increased $5,000 June 1, 1852, with approval for additional private subscriptions.

From the description of Hillsboro and Harper's Ferry Turnpike Company records, 1851-1893. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498066

The company was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of March 1, 1853. Before 1875 the name of the road was changed to Fredericksburg, Orange, and Piedmont Railroad. By an act of the General Assembly of March 15, 1876 the name of the road was changed to Potomac, Fredericksburg, and Piedmont Railroad Company.

From the description of Fredericksburg and Gordonsville Railroad records, 1853-1875. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261424869

An act of the General Assembly passed February 1, 1813, incorporated the Fairfax Turnpike Company to build a road from the Washington Bridge to the District of Columbia line, a distance of more than three miles, joining there, the Little River Turnpike Road and the Leesburg Road. The project was revived and amended January 17, 1817, with capital stock set at $20,000. By an agreement among the Bank of Washington, the Washington Bridge Company, Columbia Turnpike Road Company, and the Fairfax Turnpike Company, capital stock was reduced to $13,500, sufficient to complete the road. These records contains letters sent, reports, and orders for pay warrants. Much of the correspondence deals with problems in dealing with the bank, a large stockholder. Material covers the periods 1822-1842, 1844, 1846-1853, 1858-1860.

From the description of Fairfax Turnpike Company records, 1822-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271665231

An act of the General Assembly passed March 7, 1850, approved incorporation of the Princeton and Red Sulphur Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Princeton in Mercer County by way of Stuart and Company's Salt Wells, to a point at or near the Red Sulphur Springs in Monroe County. Joint capital was limited to $7,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $4,200. March 21, 1851, the act was amended to direct the Board to appropriate $4,200 in order to construct a free road.

From the description of Princeton and Red Sulphur Turnpike Company records, 1851-1854. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294847714

An act of the General Assembly passed February 25, 1850 authorized incorporation of the Loudoun and Berlin Turnpike Company to construct a road from some point on the Leesburg and Snicker's Gap Turnpike Road in Loudoun County to a point on the Potomac River opposite the town of Berlin, in Maryland. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $18,000 of the $30,000 authorized stock.

From the description of Loudoun and Berlin Turnpike Company records, 1851-1859, 1865. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277223875

An act of the General Assembly passed February 20, 1832, authorized incorporation of the Leesburg and Snicker's Gap Turnpike Company. Capital stock was set at $50,000, with the Board of Public Works to subscribe to $20,000. The act was amended February 24, 1834, to dispense with paving the road, and to use tolls collected to complete the road.

From the description of Leesburg and Snicker's Gap Turnpike Company records, 1832-1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277046144

This company was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly approved April 3, 1838, for the purpose of constructing a turnpike from the Cacapon Bridge on the Northwestern Turnpike in Hampshire County to some point on the North Branch of the Potomac near Cumberland, Maryland. The General Assembly voted to extend the road from Cumberland to the National Turnpike or Cumberland Road in Maryland (with the assent of Maryland) on April 9, 1839. The General Assembly agreed to increase capital March 20, 1847 in order to construct a bridge across the North Branch of the Potomac where the river is crossed by the road. With the death of C. Heiskell, President, charges of mismanagement were resolved and Jacob Grace was appointed as the new president.

From the description of Cacapon and North Branch Turnpike Company records, 1838-1854. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147492

An act of the General Assembly approved March 28, 1851 authorized the formation of the Hazel River Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike or plank road from some point on the Thornton's Gap Turnpike below Woodville in Rappahannock County, to the head of navigation on Hazel River. Capital stock was set at $16,000, $25 a share, and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $9,600.

From the description of Hazel River Turnpike Company records, 1855-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86162699

The Rivanna Navigation Company was established to improve navigation on the Rivanna River using canals and locks at Campbell's mills, removing rocks in the river channel between Shadwell mills and the top of Milton falls, a dam at Stump Island, a lock at Milton, and dams and locks at Columbia and Palmyra. "The corporate headquarters of the Rivanna Navigaion Company was at Milton. This company chartered the flat bottom boats, provided the workers, kept the river channel clear of snags and debris, erected dams at shoal places, and even built levees to raise or lower the boats to different levels." (Hagamann, James, Norfolk:Donning Company, 1986) The Heritage of Virginia.

From the description of Rivanna Navigation Company records, 1826-1898. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259709110

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated Jan. 14, 1848. The Maryland Assembly authorized the construction March 10, 1848. The bridge over the North Branch was completed in late 1851 and collapsed in 1858.

From the description of North Branch Bridge Company records, 1850-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640127

An act of the General Assembly approved February 18, 1886, incorporated the Smithville and Drake's Branch Telephone Company to provide telephone service in the counties of Charlotte, Prince Edward and Halifax.

From the description of Smithville and Drake's Branch Telephone Company annual report, 1888. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122323284

An act of the General Assembly, passed February 24, 1851, approved incorporation of the West Union Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from West Union in Doddridge County by way of Centreville, to some point on the Sistersville and Salem Turnpike between the mouth of McElroy Creek and Jughandle mill. Joint capital stock was set at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $7,200. The act was renewed February 25, 1854, reducing joint capital stock to $10,000, and routing the turnpike from West Union to a point of intersection with the Fairmont and Wheeling Turnpike, and in the direction of Cameron Depot on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with a branch to Limestone in the direction of Elizabethtown.

From the description of West Union Turnpike Company records, 1853-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122602002

An act of the General Assembly approved March 31, 1851, incorporated the Leading Creek and Buffalo Creek Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from a point on the Beverly and Fairmont turnpike road near Leading Creek bridge, by way of the valley of Leading Creek, the mouth of Clover Run on the Cheat River, the valley of Buffalo Creek to the North Western turnpike road, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, near the crossing of Cheat River, in Preston County. Capital stock was limited to $10,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $6,000. The cost of the road was not to exceed $400 per mile. On March 9, 1853, capital was increased by $6,000.

From the description of Leading Creek and Buffalo Creek Turnpike Company records, 1851-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611691

The company was chartered before 1850 by an act of the General Assembly. On February 18, 1836 the Louisa Railroad Company merged with the Virginia Central Railroad Company. The Virginia Central and the Covington and Ohio merged on August 31, 1868 to form the Cheaspeake and Ohio Railway Company.

From the description of Covington and Ohio Railroad Company records, 1850-1879. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261340244

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 3, 1856, approved incorporation of the Strasburg and Capon Turnpike Company to construct a road from Strasburg in Shenandoah County, to some point on the Winchester and Moorefield Road at or near Hoff's Gate. The act was amended March 27, 1860, to approve an additional $3,000 to complete the road, which had been limited to $10,000 joint capital stock.

From the description of Strasburg and Capon Turnpike Company records, 1860, 1869. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122395203

An act of the General Assembly approved March 27, 1858 authorized formation of the Clear Fork Road Company to construct a road from the mouth of the Marsh fork of the Cole River in Raleigh County up the river, passing through the head of Sand Lick, intersecting the Logan, Raleigh, and Monroe Turnpike at or near the house of Jacob Harper.

From the description of Clear Fork Road Company records, 1858-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271183353

The company was incorporated by an Act of the Assembly December 15, 1852. The company organized in February of 1856 and the bridge was completed by 1858.

From the description of Buckhannon Bridge Company records, 1854-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122653726

An act of the General Assembly passed March 25, 1848, incorporated the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from a point at or near the town of West Union on the Northwestern road in Preston County, to Kingwood, then to some point on the Beverley Road west of Laurel Hill in the direction of Morgantown in Monongalia County. $10,000 capital stock was approved, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. Further, the two county courts involved were authorized to subscribe, and these counties were required to pay the expenses of any land condemnation. Capital stock was increased by $10,000 on March 24, 1851, in order to complete the road to Kingwood and extend it to Morgantown.

From the description of Kingwood and West Union Turnpike Company records, 1849. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122496690

Before the creation of the Internal Improvement Fund and the Board of Public Works in 1816, public works were funded with appropriations from the General Assembly. Expenditures were accounted for through reports to the auditor of public accounts until 1823, when the office of the second auditor was established to supervise disbursements from the Internal Improvement Fund. Even after 1823 some reports continued to be made to the auditor of public accounts.

From the description of Public roads, orders and vouchers, 1780-1855. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611324

A resolution of the General Assembly that the Board of Public Works initiate a survey for a road from Danville in Pittsylvania County to the Wythe courthouse, was approved by the Senate December 16, 1824, and the House of Delegates January 11, 1825. In March, 1851, the General Assembly approved incorporation of the Danville and Wytheville Turnpike Company, with a limit of $30,000 capital stock, the Board of Public Works subscribing to $18,000 or 3/5 of the total. Capital was increased by $25,000 February 10, 1853, in order to construct a side road at or near the house of George Layman in Patrick County to Waller Ford in Henry County.

From the description of Danville and Wytheville Turnpike Company records, 1824-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271445041

An act of the General Assembly approved March 15, 1849 incorporated the Buckhannon and Little Kanawha Turnpike Company for the purpose of constructing a turnpike from Buckhannon in Lewis County by way of Haymond's Mills in Brayton County, to some point on the road from Weston to Sutton, also in Brayton County. An act of the General Assembly approved March 18, 1853, altered the route, omitting Haymond's Mills in favor of a more direct route from Buckhannon, now in Upshur County, direct to a convenient point on the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike. Samuel T. Talbert was president of the company.

From the description of Buckhannon and Little Kanawha Turnpike Company records, 1849, 1853-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 269546318

The Lower Appomattox Company was formed to improve navigation of the Appomattox River from the Pocahontas bridge to Broadway to admit large vessels as far as Petersburg. A series of dams and excavations of canals were undertaken to straighten the course of the river and increase its depth.

From the description of Lower Appomattox Company records, 1826-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259130333

The Guyandotte Bridge Company was first incorporated by an act of the assembly dated March 17, 1848. This act was amended March 30, 1853. The act of 1853 was repealed and replaced by acts dated Jan. 23, 1854 and March 1, 1854. The bridge was probably completed sometime in 1857 or 1858.

From the description of Guyandotte Bridge Company records, 1853-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122601318

An act of the General Assembly passed February 4, 1850, authorized construction of a turnpike road from some suitable point in Raleigh County on the Giles, Fayette and Kanawha Turnpike by way of Princeton in Mercer County, Wytheville in Wythe County, and the site selected for the new courthouse in Grayson County, to the North Carolina line, in the direction of Jefferson, in Ashe County, North Carolina. The county courts of Fayette, Giles, Grayson, Mercer and Wythe each appointed a director to serve on a board for the purpose of superintending road construction. The work was divided in sections corresponding to the length or distance the road would cover in each of the counties.

From the description of Raleigh and Grayson Turnpike records, 1850-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294902142

An act of the General Assembly to incorporate a company to pave a road from the western extremity of the Little River Turnpike road, through Ashby's Gap to the Shenandoah River, was approved January 30, 1810. The road was built at the joint expense of the Ashby's Gap and the Little River Turnpike companies using funds from individual subscribers and bank loans. The length of the road was nearly 21 miles. An act of the General Assembly approved 7 February 1825 authorized the Board of Public Works to subscribe to a part of the company stock with the provision that the Board would have two directors representing interests of the state. On February 13, 1877, the General Assembly authorized the Clarke County court to establish a toll-gate on the turnpike in order to finance road maintenance.

From the description of Ashby's Gap Turnpike Company records, 1819-1866. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147317

An act of the General Assembly passed March 17, 1849, approved construction of a road from the house of James Shannon, in Logan County, to the Bluffs, on the line between Logan and Mercer counties. The act was amended February 7, 1850, to extend the terminus at the Bluffs on to the Cumberland Gap Turnpike, by the most practicable route, at or near the mouth of the East River in Giles County. $2,000 was appropriated for the construction, which was to be directed by an engineer.

From the description of Shannon's and Bluffs Road records, 1849-1856. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298257062

An act of the General Assembly passed March 25, 1848, approved incorporation of the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Weston in Lewis County, by Sutton in Braxton County, and Summersville in Nicholas County, to some point at or near the falls of the Great Kanawha in Fayette County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $30,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $18,000, and the four counties investing proportionally. Capital was increased $15,000 in both 1850 and 1853, the latter for the purpose of bridging the West Fork River, Little Kanawha, and Elk River, and for road improvement.

From the description of Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike Company records, 1848-1900. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632453

An act of the General Assembly passed March 18, 1847, approved incorporation of the Rocky Mount Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from a point on the Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike west of the town of New London, by Franklin Courthouse or Rocky Mount, to Jacksonville in Floyd County. Joint capital stock was limited to $25,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $15,000. An increase of $30,000 was granted February 19, 1848, to extend the road from Jacksonville in Floyd County, to a point on the Southwestern Turnpike at or near the Seven Mile ford in Smyth County. $25,000 of the $30,000 increase was earmarked for the road west of Jacksonville. The Company was authorized to construct a branch road from a point west of Rocky Mount in Franklin County, to Taylorsville, in Patrick County, with a further increase of $10,000. The county courts of Bedford, Franklin, Floyd, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Wythe and Patrick, were authorized to subscribe. The amount subscribed was to be passed on as an assessment to tithables and owners of real and personal property, and collected by the sheriffs in each county until the subscriptions were paid.

From the description of Rocky Mount Turnpike Company records, 1847-1856, 1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297220153

An act of the General Assembly approved March 5, 1856 divided the road of the Howardsville and Rockfish Turnpike Company into two sections and changed the name of one portion to Beverly Manor Turnpike Company to operate under the same provisions of the acts in force covering the Howardsville and Rockfish Turnpike, incorporated February 17, 1846. The newly named turnpike is the section west of Stuart's Draft in Augusta County.

From the description of Beverly Manor Turnpike Company records, 1856-1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268992591

An act of the General Assembly approved March 10, 1853, authorized formation of the Franklin and Circleville Turnpike Company to construct a road from Franklin in Pendleton County to Circleville, with costs not to exceed $4,000. After subscription of $1,600 incorporation would be granted and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 3/5 of the capital stock. February 27, 1856, capital stock was increased by $2,500.

From the description of Franklin and Circleville Turnpike Company records, 1854-1856, 1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122700711

An act of Congress, approved April 21, 1808, granted a charter to the Washington and Alexandria Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road between the town of Alexandria and Bridge point, on Alexandria Island, opposite the city of Washington. On March 4, 1854, the General Assembly authorized the sale of any part of the work of the Company, to the Alexandria and Washington City Railroad Company, or any other company. Correspondence in 1874 indicates great dissatisfaction with the company by the citizens of Alexandria, because the railroad occupied half of the roadway, made passing vehicles dangerous, and upkeep of the road was inadequate. An act, approved February 27, 1894, required the Attorney General to ascertain whether the charter of the Washington and Alexandria Turnpike Company had been forfeited for failure to comply with charter provisions. On March 7, 1900, the General Assembly authorized the company to dispose of their property and surrender the charter and franchises to the Washington Southern Railway Company, and specified that the turnpike would continue as a public road.

From the description of Washington and Alexandria Turnpike Company records, 1874. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122481723

A charter of incorporation was granted to the Southern Union Telegraph Company by the Circuit Court of Richmond, Virginia on November 3, 1865, and became effective November 9, 1865. The Company planned to construct and maintain a continuous line of telegraph from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans.

From the description of Southern Union Telegraph Company petition, 1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122481751

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of December 11, 1793 (1793 Va. Acts 31). It was to make the Rappahannock River navigable from "Tidewater to the highest point practicable." By an act of February 25, 1853 the Assembly authorized the Board to foreclose on the company and sell its assets.

From the description of Rappahannock Company records, 1816-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 257586036

The Guyandotte Navigation Company undertook construction of a series of locks and dams from the mouth of the Guyandotte River in Cabell County to Gilbert Creek in Logan County. When the locks and dams were completed, the river would be navigable for small steamboats a distance of 30-35 miles, and admit passage to the Ohio River.

From the description of Guyandotte Navigation Company records, 1848-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259106496

An act of the General Assembly approved February 1, 1839, authorized formation of the Dunkard Creek Turnpike Company to construct a road from the mouth of Scott's Run in Monangalia County by way of the valley of Dunkard Creek, to intersect the Middletown and Wheeling Turnpike at some suitable point. Capital stock was limited to $15,000 with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. An act to renew the charter was passed March 13, 1847, reducing capital to $10,000 and state subscription to $4,000. The road was to extend up the western side of the Mononganela River to intersect the Brandonville and Fishing Creek Road. February 4, 1853, the General Assembly authorized extending the western terminus to Harrisonville on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Wetzel County and requiring valuation of the bridges be entered on company books and that the bridges become company property with the additional subscription of $6,000.

From the description of Dunkard Creek Turnpike Company records, 1851-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271444945

An act of the General Assembly passed February 25, 1851, approved incorporation of the Morgan and Frederick Turnpike Company to construct a graded road from a point at or west of Gainesborough on the Morgan and Hampshire Turnpike, to some point on the Potomac River, in Morgan County. Joint capital stock was to fall between $4,000 and $6,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5, and the road not to exceed the cost of $400 per mile.

From the description of Morgan and Frederick Turnpike Company records, 1851-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 285231998

An act of the General Assembly passed February 28, 1866 and amended March 20, 1867, directed the Board of Public Works to sell all unappropriated lands on the Chesapeake Bay, the seashore, or on the shores of rivers or creeks which remain ungranted, unless they deem it advisable to rent or lease any part which can be used as fisheries. The lands were not to be sold for less than $1.00 per acre. These lands were referred to as "waste" or, in some cases, "desert" lands.

From the description of Waste and unappropriated land, 1866-1876, n.d. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122368101

This company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of April 18, 1867. It was formed by merging the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company, South Side Rail Road Company, Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad Company, and the Virginia and Kentucky Railroad Company into one joint stock company. The road defaulted in 1875. On May 3, 1881 it was reorganized as the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company.

From the description of Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad Company correspondence and records, 1870-1887. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487802

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company was chartered by the state of Maryland in 1831. It was to connect the atlantic seaboard with the Ohio River. The route which the railroad followed was the old National Road. The majority of the records concern the extension of the road to Wheeling, Virginia. In 1970 the road merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway to form the Chessie System. In 1986 this company merged with the Seaboard Coast Line and became part of CSX Transportation.

From the description of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company correspondence, 1838-1902. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122463916

A Coal River Navigation Company was incorporated by an act of assembly passed Feb. 17, 1834. Apparently this company did not complete the improvements in the time allotted by law, because a company with the same name and responsibilities was incorporated March 17, 1849. By this act the Virginia Cannel Coal Company may accept this act as part of its act of incorporation. In 1852 the Virginia Cannel Coal Company and the Cannel Coal Company of Coal River were authorized to hold stock in the navigation company. In 1853 an additional $50,000 in stock was authorized. In 1856 an act was passed to increase the capital stock of the company by $100,000. The improvement was completed in 1859. In 1860 the company was authorized to condemn lands flooded by the work of the company.

From the description of Coal River Navigation Company records, 1849-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122624156

An act of the General Assembly passed March 21, 1838, approved incorporation of the Salem and Pepper's Ferry Turnpike Company, to build a turnpike road from Salem in Botetourt County, by Lafayette and Blacksburg, to Pepper's Ferry in Montgomery County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. A deadline was imposed on the completion of the section between Salem and Lafayette: if not completed by January 1, 1841, the company forfeited the right to the road. The company was authorized to increase capital stock up to $20,000. March 25, 1858, the General Assembly approved payment of a claim due the company for damages to the road and franchise during the construction of the Southwestern macadamized road.

From the description of Salem and Pepper's Ferry Turnpike Company records, 1840-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297537634

An act incorporating the Brunswick and Roanoke Plank Road Company was passed by the General Assembly March 14, 1853, for the construction of a plank or timber road from a point on the Boydton and Petersburg plank road at or near Burch's bridge by Smoky Ordinary and Laurenceville to a point on the Roanoke River near Robertson's ferry. The Company was authorized to form a connection with the Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road at any appropriate point.

From the description of Brunswick and Roanoke Plank Road Company records, 1853-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 269328711

An act of the General Assembly passed February 4, 1853, aproved incorporation of the Sinking Creek and Craig's Creek Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike from a point on the Cumberland Gap Road, on the lands of Samuel Walker, in the valley of Sinking Creek in Craig County, to intersect the Salem and New Castle Turnpike road at the nearest eligible point, in the Valley of Craig's Creek, to be ascertained by a competent engineer. Capital stock was fixed at $3,000 with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $1,800.

From the description of Sinking Creek and Craig's Creek Turnpike Company records, 1854-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298256579

An act of the General Assembly passed February 2, 1850, directed the Board of Public Works to have constructed a graded road not to exceed 12 ft., suitable for wagons, across the Blue Ridge, at Gravelly Springs Gap from Partlow's shop in Rappahannock County, at the eastern base, to Brown's Mill in Warren County, at the western base. The Board of Public Works was authorized to borrow $1,500 for road construction, and upon completion, the road would be under the control of the court of the two counties for maintenance.

From the description of Gravelly Springs Turnpike records, 1850-1856. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122647152

An act of the General Assembly passed February 13, 1829, approved incorporation of the Middle Turnpike Company to construct a road form Wiley's Tavern in Fairfax County, to a point on the Little River Turnpike road or on the District of Columbia line. Capital stock was set at $60,000. The act was revived February 3, 1826, and in March, 1831, the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 239 shares or 3/5 of the stock. An act of the General Assembly of March 6, 1871, approved turning over to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors all of the State's interest in any turnpike within the county, including the Middle Turnpike.

From the description of Middle Turnpike Company records, 1826-1871. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 279039021

An act of the General Assembly, passed April 12, 1852, approved incorporation of the Wytheville and Grayson Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from a point at or near Wytheville in Wythe County, by the Grayson Sulphur Springs and the old courthouse of Grayson County, to the North Carolina line at or near Fisher's Gap. Approval was also given to construct a branch road to the lead mines in the county, and a branch from a point at or near Grayson Sulphur Springs to Hillsville in Carroll County, allowing the company to increase capital stock subscriptions as necessary. The state was authorized to subscribe $3 for every $2 subscribed by the individuals March 21, 1853; this was changed to 3/5 by an act March 14, 1856, and capital stock was increased $30,000 March 7, 1864.

From the description of Wytheville and Grayson Turnpike Company records, 1853-1901. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487918

The company was incorporated by an act of the assembly March 12, 1850 and amended March 15, 1851. The wire suspension bridge across the Monongahela between Fairmont and Palatine was completed by Oct. 1, 1851.

From the description of Fairmont and Palatine Bridge Company records, 1851-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 251429481

An act of the General Assembly passed March 10, 1851, approved incorporation of the Saint Mary's Turnpike Company, to build a turnpike road from Parkersburg in Wood County to St. Mary's. Joint capital stock was fixed at $10,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000.

From the description of Saint Mary's Turnpike Company records, 1850-1960. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297429383

An act of the General Assembly passed 31 March 1851, authorized the formation of the Hot Springs and Clifton Forge Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road between the two towns. Capital stock was set at $6,000. Charles King was selected as contractor for the road which was 18 1/2 miles long. His total payment was $5,250.

From the description of Hot Springs and Clifton Forge Turnpike Company records, 1852-1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498051

An act of the General Assembly passed March 15, 1836, provided for the construction of a road from the Ohio River at the mouth of Fishing Creek, in Tyler County, by way of Morgantown, in Monongalia County and Brandonville in Preston County, to the state line in the direction of Smithfield, on the National Road. When money and labor contributed by county courts, private individuals, equals the value of $3,000, the Board of Public Works was authorized to pay $2,000 until the limit of $12,000 was reached. The Board was authorized to borrow $22,000 to complete the road to the Ohio River, with the bridges over Buffalo, Piles Fork, and Little Fishing Creek, and another $6,000 to macadamize or plank portions of the road. February 11, 1854, the Assembly authorized the appointment of a commissioner to report on losses sustained by Edward Parish caused by extraordinary land slides, repairs, and other extra work.

From the description of Ohio River and Maryland Road records, 1823-1871. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288946468

An act of the General Assembly approved 8 March 1847 authorized incorporation of the Bath and St. John's Run Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Bath in Morgan County to the mouth of St. John's run on the Potomac. The Board of Public Works was authorized to pay to the treasurer of the trustees of the town of Bath an amount not to exceed $2,500 for road construction.

From the description of Bath and St. John's Run Road Company records, 1846-1851. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122497935

An act of the General Assembly passed March 4, 1851, approved incorporation of the Mechanicsburg and Wythe Turnpike Company to construct a road from the town of Mechanicsburg in Giles County, passing through the east end of the Cove in Wythe County, to the Virginia and Tennessee railroad at or near the first depot east from Wytheville. Joint capital stock was set at $5,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $3,000. An act of April 20, 1852, authorized a change of terminus of the road in Wythe County, and extended the road from Mechanicsburg across Wolf Creek and East River mountains to the Cumberland Gap Turnpike at or near Napoleon B. French's house, in Mercer County and then to Princeton, with a branch to the Princeton and Red Sulphur Turnpike, in the direction of the Mercer Salt Works, with $15,000 additional. March 31, 1858, the Assembly authorized construction of the portion between East River and Princeton by an independent company, for $7,000. April 2, 1860, $2,500 of the state's subscription was transferred to the Raleigh and Grayson Turnpike Company to cover repair of that turnpike between Wytheville and Walker's Big Creek.

From the description of Mechanicsburg and Wythe Turnpike Company records, 1852-1866. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 279053134

An act of the General Assembly passed March 14, 1849, approved incorporation of the Morgantown and Bridgeport Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Morgantown, in Monongalia County, by way of Palatine and Boothsville in Marion County, to Bridgeport, on the Northwestern Turnpike in Harrison County. Joint capital stock was set at $10,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $6,000. Authority to alter location was authorized February 1, 1850, where the road passes through the land of James Kearns, in Monongalia County, as well as bringing the road below a spring about thirty poles from the present location. An increase of $12,000 was approved February 7, 1850, to complete the road and to extend it from Bridgeport to some point on the Weston and Fairmont Turnpike, 6-10 miles south of Clarksburg. Another increase of $12,000 was approved March 12, 1853 to construct a road to connect from a point in Palatine, with the Ohio River and Maryland Road in Fairmont, and for macadamizing it as necessary.

From the description of Morgantown and Bridgeport Turnpike Company records, 1849-1857, 1880. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 286985704

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 25, 1840. The company was to open a canal between the Elizabeth and North rivers in Princess Anne County.

From the description of Kempsville Canal Company records, 1857-1875. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 256866171

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 15, 1849, approved incorporation of the Sweet Springs in Monroe County by way of Salt Sulphur Springs, to the Red and Blue Sulphur Springs Turnpike, at or near the mouth of Indian draft. Joint capital stock was fixed at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $7,200. Capital stock was increased $5,000 to complete the road, by an act of March 25, 1853.

From the description of Sweet and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1852-1857, 1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122647164

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 14, 1836 and completed on September 17, 1838. The line of road was from Richmond to Petersburg, Va. In 1898, by an act of the Assembly, the company consolidated with the Petersburg Railroad Company to form the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad of Virginia.

From the description of Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Company records, 1836-1883. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262615542

The company was incorporated by an act of the assembly dated March 19, 1850 and amended March 20, 1851. The negotiations with the owners of the ferry were unsuccessful and apparently the bridge was never built.

From the description of New River Bridge Company correspondence, 1851 Nov. 11. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 252026323

An act of the General Assembly incorporating the Brown's Gap Turnpike Company was passed March 1, 1853 to provide for construction of a road from some point on the Rockingham Turnpike in Rockingham County by way of Port Republic and through Brown's Gap to some point on the Central Railroad in Albemarle County. The Company would assume ownership of the newly constructed bridge at Port Republic and collect tolls there.

From the description of Brown's Gap Turnpike Company records, 1853-1858, 1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86172265

An act of the General Assembly passed February 15, 1854, authorized incorporation of the Letart Falls and West Columbia Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike from a point on the Glenville and Ohio Turnpike at or near Letart Falls, passing through the town of West Columbia, and terminating at the top of the bank on the lower side of Ten-mile Creek, immediately above the bridge. Capital stock was set at $3,500, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 of that amount.

From the description of Letart Falls and West Columbia Turnpike Company records, 1854-1858, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277041849

An act of the General Assembly approved February 1, 1847 authorized formation of the Giles, Fayette, and Kanawha Turnpike Company as a corporation, to construct a road from Kanawha, the western terminus, to Fayette Courthouse, to New River, then to the mouth of Indian Creek to the Red Sulphur Springs, to the second crossing of the New River, where it intersects the Fincastle and Cumberland Gap Road. Prior legislation indicates the company was formed much earlier, as in April, 1839, approval was given to allow an additional two years to begin work on the road without forfeiture. An amendment in March, 1841 authorized extension of the road to the furnace of Foar and Peyton on the south side of the Kanawha River, making that point the western terminus. In March, 1849, the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to an additional (sic) $8,000 in capital stock, and in, March 1850, to an additional $6,000. February, 1853, the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to another $15,000 to enable the company to complete the road.

From the description of Giles, Fayette, and Kanawha Turnpike Company records, 1837-1901. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122601968

An act of the General Assembly approved March 29, 1853 authorized formation of the Gilmer and Braxton Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from Glennville in Gilmer County to the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike at or near Bulltown Saltworks in Braxton County. Capital stock was set at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe at 3/5 or $7,200.

From the description of Gilmer and Braxton Turnpike Company records, 1854-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611776

An act of the General Assembly passed March 20, 1832, authorized incorporation of the Huntersville and Warm Springs Turnpike Company to construct a road from Warm Springs in Bath County to Huntersville in Pocahontas County, and not to exceed $16,000 in joint capital stock. The Board of Public Works was instructed to direct the principal engineer to survey and locate a route, and the Board was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 or $6,400. An act of the General Assembly passed February 16, 1860, authorized formation of a corporation with the same name, to construct a turnpike on or near the line of the old road at a cost not to exceed $7,000.

From the description of Huntersville and Warm Springs Turnpike Company records, 1833-1864. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122608727

An act of the General Assembly passed February 27, 1854, authorized the formation of the Indian Creek Turnpike Company for the purpose of constructing a turnpike from some point on the Richlands and Tazewell Courthouse Turnpike, near the mouth of Indian Creek in Tazewell County, by the most eligible route, to some point on Prince's Turnpike and Cumberland Gap Road, at or near Liberty Hill. The Board of Public Works was authorized to invest 3/5 of the joint capital stock of $5,000, or $3,000.

From the description of Indian Creek Turnpike Company records, 1854, 1857-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122481584

An act of the General Assembly approved March 13, 1849 authorized formation of the Alleghany and Huntersville Turnpike Company to construct a road between Covington and Huntersville, beginning at a point near Shumate's tavern, on the Jackson's River Turnpike in Alleghany County, to the Warm Springs and Huntersville Turnpike in Bath County.

From the description of Alleghany and Huntersville Turnpike Company records, 1849-1854, 1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 265803871

An act of the General Assembly approved February 2, 1850 authorized formation of the Fredericksburg and Valley Plank Road Company as a corporation to construct a road from Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County to the eastern base of the Blue Ridge in Greene County, on to Harrisonburg in Rockingham County. Capital stock subscriptions were set at $100,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $60,000. They were to begin construction at Fredericksburg, with gates every five miles to collect tolls so long as the amount collected did not exceed 15% of the capital stock per year. Branches to Culpeper courthouse and any others were authorized, not to exceed ten miles in length, and $30,000 additional was approved for the branches. Sale of the Swift Run Gap Turnpike Company was authorized to the Company, and the Commonwealth would become a stockholder in the Company in an amount equal to that invested in the Swift Run Gap Turnpike Company. The city of Fredericksburg was authorized to subscribe as much as $3,000. Capital stock was increased by $50,000 in March, 1851, and by $74,000 in March, 1853, in order to construct a branch road to Culpeper Courthouse.

From the description of Fredericksburg and Valley Plank Road Company records, 1850-1862. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147512

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 26, 1853, approved incorporation of the Yellow Springs Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from the depot nearest the town of Christiansburg on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, by the Yellow Sulphur Springs, to a suitable point on the Salem and Pepper's Ferry Turnpike, near the town of Blacksburg. Joint capital stock was set at $3,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $1,800. An increase of $600 was granted February 27, 1854.

From the description of Yellow Springs Turnpike Company records, 1853-1854. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 300288539

The company was incorporated by an act of assembly Jan. 7, 1807. The bridge was completed in 1809. The bridge was destroyed in 1842 and again in 1876.

From the description of Great Hunting Creek Bridge Company records, 1842. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538437

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 15, 1849, approved incorporation of the Wellsburg and Bethany Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Wellsburg in Brooke County, to some point of the Wheeling, West Liberty, and Bethany Turnpike, at or near Bethany. Joint capital stock was fixed at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $9,000. An increase of $12,000 was granted March 14, 1850, in order to macadamize the road.

From the description of Wellsburg and Bethany Turnpike Company records, 1849-1853, 1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122653940

An act incorporating the Brandonville, Kingwood, and Evansville Turnpike Company was passed April 7, 1838, for the construction of a road from Brandonville in Preston County, by Kingwood, to point on the Northwestern Turnpike near Evansville. In March, 1851, the General Assembly increased capital by $10,000 for planking or macadamizing portions of the road and making a branch from the wire suspension bridge on Cheat River to the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike road, either by Ashby's Gap or up the river.

From the description of Brandonville, Kingwood, and Evansville Turnpike Company records, 1838-1903. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611581

By an act of the General Assembly approved 19 February 1835, the Augusta Springs Turnpike Company was incorporated, to run from Dudley's sawmill in Augusta County, passing the springs and ending at the Warm Springs-Harrisonburg Turnpike. The turnpike was planned to give access to Augusta Springs, "a fashionable and valuable watering place", and provide an approach to rich anthracite coal beds. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the capital stock. April 8, 1839 the Augusta Springs Turnpike Company merged with the Warm Springs-Harrisonburg Turnpike Company.

From the description of Augusta Springs Turnpike Company records, 1835-1839. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268674128

An act of the General Assembly, passed January 19, 1836, provided for the construction of a turnpike road between Weston in Lewis County, and Charleston in Kanawha County. The road was financed with an appropriation of $6,000 by the state and the two counties authorized to subscribe in money and labor at the rate of $2,000 each.

From the description of Weston and Charleston Road records, 1835-1844. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147510

An act of the General Assembly approved March 7, 1849 authorized formation of the Clarksburg and Philippi Turnpike Company to construct a road between Philippi in Barbour County and Clarksburg in Harrison County. Capital was set at $10,000 and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe $6,000.

From the description of Clarksburg and Philippi Turnpike Company records, 1849-1853, 1858-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 270719931

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1846. In 1854 the road absorbed by merger the Appomattox Railroad. It operated in connection with the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and in 1870 it was consolidated into the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad Company.

From the description of South Side Rail Road Company records, 1849-1869. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262690737

Chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 25, 1900. The road ran from Devon, West Virginia to Blackey, Virginia. where it connected with the Norfolk and Western.

From the description of Big Sandy and Cumberland Railroad records, n.d. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261222259

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 10, 1851, approved incorporation of the Tazewell Courthouse and Saltville Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Tazewell Courthouse, passing by the Broad ford in Smyth County to Saltville in Washington County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $12,000 and the three counties also authorized to subscribe according to their share of the road. A change of route was approved March 23, 1858, taking it along the Price's Mountain and Cumberland Gap Road, as part of their road to Liberty and then to Saltville, passing by the Broad ford or any other suitable route.

From the description of Tazewell Courthouse and Saltville Turnpike Company records, 1851-1863. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86162696

This company went into operation November 1, 1888, and additional lines were opened April 1, 1889. There were a total of five lines, all emanating from Gloucester Courthouse: line 1 to Gloucester Point; line 2 to Port Haywood; line 3 to Taliaferro's Store; line 4 to West Point; and line 5 to Urbanna, a total of 90 miles of line.

From the description of Tidewater Telephone Company reports 1888-1889. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640379

An act of the General Assembly passed March 16, 1847, authorized incorporation of the Manassas Gap Turnpike Company for construction of a road from Farrowsville in Fauquier County, near Manassas Gap, to some point on the Ashby's Gap Turnpike not lower down than the town of Mechanicsburg. The Board of Public Works was instructed to appoint an engineer to survey and estimate cost of the project, and the Board was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the capital stock which was set at $45,000. March 25, 1848, the Board was authorized to subscribe to an additional 120 shares, and approval for macadamizing the road was given.

From the description of Manassas Gap Turnpike Company records, 1847-1848. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277599627

The Monongalia Navigation Company was formed to improve the navigation of the West Fork and Tygart's Valley rivers to correspond to similar improvements undertaken by the state of Pennsylvania. A survey of the Monongahela River from the Pennsylvania line to the junction of the mentioned rivers was undertaken as part of the project.

From the description of Monongalia Navigation Company records, 1818-1831. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259324240

An act of the General Assembly passed February 28, 1867, approved opening of capital stock subscriptions in the amount of $25,000 in the Fairfax and Georgetown Turnpike Company, to develop a road from Fairfax courthouse to the aqueduct bridge opposite Georgetown in the District of Columbia. The town council of Falls Church was authorized by the General Assembly to take charge of the portion that fell within corporate limits, in March 1877. The company was incorporated March 2, 1888, and the project was revived.

From the description of Fairfax and Georgetown Turnpike Company records, 1869, 1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271655634

An act of the General Assembly, approved March 21, 1836, granted a charter of incorporation to the Sweet Springs and Price's Mountain Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Sweet Springs in Monroe County, to the eastern base of Price's Mountain, in Botetourt County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $7,000. Approval for one toll station was given April 5, 1838.

From the description of Sweet Springs and Price's Mountain Turnpike Company records, 1837-1850. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632457

An act of the General Assembly passed March 12, 1849, provided for the construction of a road from the forks of Sandy River in Wayne County to the Kanawha Turnpike in Cabell County. A board of commissioners formed from representatives of the two counties was authorized to appoint a superintendent to supervise construction, and the auditor of public accounts was instructed to draw $3,500 from the treasury to fund the project.

From the description of Wayne and Kanawha Road records, 1850-1852. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611791

An act of the General Assembly passed February 19, 1834, approved incorporation of the Pittsylvania and Lynchburg Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Lynchburg, running so as to cross Staunton River at or near Ward's Bridge, and terminating at a point on the public road between Ward's Bridge and Dejarnatt's Tavern, in Pittsylvania County. Approval was also given for a bridge across the Staunton River not less than twenty feet wide. June 11, 1852, approval was given to convert the turnpike to a plank road, and to extend the road to the southern line of Pittsylvania County or to the town of Danville, with a brand road to the Pittsylvania Courthouse. Joint capital stock was limited to $20,000.

From the description of Pittsylvania and Lynchburg Turnpike Company records, 1830-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 291090356

An act of the General Assembly passed March 10, 1851, approved incorporation of the Salem and Harrisville Turnpike Company, to build a road from Harrisville in Ritchie County, by way of the headquarters of the South fork of Hughes' River, to some point on the Northwestern Turnpike, at or near Salem, in Harrison County. Capital stock was fixed at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $7,000. March 9, 1853, the company was authorized to change th eastern terminus to some convenient point on the line of the West Milford and New Salem Turnpike, provided that the mouth of Tom's fork of Middle Island creek would be a point in the route.

From the description of Salem and Harrisville Turnpike Company records, 1852-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297429354

The Shenandoah Company was formed to improve the Shenandoah River; work was completed in clearing out and making navigable the 150-160 miles stretch from Port Republic in Rockingham County to Harper's Ferry, which forms the main channel.

From the description of Shenandoah Company records, 1816, 1818-1819. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259759577

A survey was made of the area between Teay's Valley and a location opposite the town of Gallipolis, in Ohio, for a turnpike road as an auxillary to the Kanawha Turnpike.

From the description of Teay's Valley and Gallipolis Turnpike records, 1833. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 299064839

By an act of the General Assembly passed February 24, 1851, the stockholders who subscribed to the increased capital stock of the Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike Company, were authorized to form a new, separate company called the North Frederick Turnpike Company, with joint capital stock in the amount of $13,000. The road was to branch off from the Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike, from a point at or near the house of Frederick B. Jenkins in Hampshire County, through the town of Gainesborough to the town of Winchester. The company was also given approval to plank or macadamize the road from Winchester to the Little North Mountain.

From the description of North Frederick Turnpike Company records, 1851-1900. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288495284

An act of the General Assembly passed April 1, 1848, approved incorporation of the Russell Old Courthouse and Abingdon Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Russell Old Courthouse in Russell County, through Little Mocassin Gap, to Abingdon, in Washington County, then up to Laurel fork to the Tennessee line in the direction of Shoan's crossroads. The county courts concerned were authorized to subscribe to capital stock, and they were allowed to raise the funds through land taxes. Joint capital stock was fixed at $25,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $15,000, March 9, 1853, the act was revived, and capital stock was increased $15,000. March 1, 1854, in order to complete and extend the road to a point on the Pound Gap road, north of Clinch River, and to bridge the river. A branch road from Hansonville, in Russell County, to a point not more than one mile west of Lebanon, was also authorized. Permission to macadamize the road for one mile led to Abingdon both from the east and the west was granted March 31, 1858, in order to meet the paved section.

From the description of Russell Old Courthouse and Abingdon Turnpike Company records, 1853-1887. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297429403

An act of the General Assembly passed December 31, 1824, to amend an act incorporating the Shepherdstown and Winchester Turnpike Company, provided that the road not be extended beyond Smithfield, and that the name of the company be altered to the Shepherdstown and Smithfield Turnpike Company. Increases were authorized in 1826, 1847 and 1848, in the amounts of $30,000, $35,000 and $14,000 respectively with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5. An act passed March 31, 1848, authorized the appointment of commissioners to receive stock subscriptions.

From the description of Shepherdstown and Smithfield Turnpike Company records, 1824-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298257167

An act of the General Assembly passed March 9, 1848 authorized formation of the Estillville Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Tennessee line near Joseph Hickman Sr.'s property in Scott County through Estillville, intersecting the Cumberland Gap and Price's Turnpike at Pattonsville. Capital was set at $12,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $7,200 and Scott County for the remainder.

From the description of Estillville Turnpike Company records, 1851-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271655669

An act of the General Assembly passed December 18, 1852, approved incorporation of the Richmond and Charlottesville Turnpike Company, to construct a graded or plank road between Richmond and Charlottesville, or any portion of the distance along the country watered by the South Anna River and its tributaries. The Common Council of Richmond was authorized to subscribe for 3/5 of the $200,000 joint capital stock. An increase of $12,000 was authorized February 26, 1856. The original act was reenacted March 23, 1872, with the provision that no tolls would be collected until the respective county courts had received the sections and authorized collection of the tolls.

From the description of Richmond and Charlottesville Turnpike Company records, 1869. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297170695

An act of the General Assembly passed January 8, 1834, approved incorporation of the White and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County to the Salt Sulphur Springs in Monroe County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $10,000. A change in location was approved March 22, 1843 to make the road run through the main street of the town of Union in Monroe County at the termination then across the north side of town to the line of Hugh Caperton, and through his land to the nearest convergence with the road already established.

From the description of White and Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1834-1853. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86162691

An act incorporating the Charleston and Point Pleasant Turnpike Company was passed January 23, 1835, to construct a road from Charleston in Kanawha County to the town of Point Pleasant in Mason County. Capital was increased in 1838 and 1848 for improvements to include a bridge over the Pocatalico River in Putnam County, where the turnpike crosses the river. Approval for a toll was given, if it did not interfere with the ferry. Construction of the road was done by the company itself rather than a contractor. Mention is made of the use of 20 yoke of oxen, four work horses and between 50-60 hands.

From the description of Charleston and Point Pleasant Turnpike Company records, 1835-1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122464452

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 25, 1834. The line from Richmond to Fredericksburg, Va. opened January 23, 1837 and to Quantico, Va. on September 30, 1852. The road finally reached to Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Va., which the road acquired in the 1920s. The road is now an independent unit of CSX Transportation.

From the description of Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad records, 1835-1889. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262692782

An act of the General Assembly passed March 7, 1848, authorized the Board of Public Works to cause to be constructed a road suitable for passage of wagons, from the head of Powell's Valley in Lee County, to the nearest and best point on the Pound Gap Road. $30,000 was appropriated and an engineer or superintendent was to be appointed. Upon completion, the road would be under the control of Lee County Court. An additional $650 was appropriated for the road March 17, 1849, for the completion of the road and with the stipulation that any excess funds be used to extend the road in the direction of Lee County Courthouse.

From the description of Little Stone Gap Road records, 1848-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277140237

An act of the General Assembly passed March 22, 1847, approved incorporation of the Moorefield and North Branch Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Paterson's Creek depot or the Green Valley depot, in Hampshire County, to Moorefield, in Hardy County. Joint capital stock was set at $25,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $10,000. An increase to $3,500, with the Board's share at $2,100 was approved March 10, 1848, to alter the location of the road from Petersburg, in Hardy County by way of Moorefield, Mill Creek and Romney to the Green Spring depot. The road was further extended March 7, 1849 and March 11, 1850, from Petersburg to Franklin, in Pendleton County, to Monterey , in Highland County, with increases of $28,000.

From the description of Moorefield and North Branch Turnpike Company records, 1842, 1848-1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 285273579

The Meherrin Navigation Company was formed to improve navigation on the river from the town of Hicksville in Greensville County up river as far as is practicable.

From the description of Meherrin Navigation Company records, 1848. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259277319

An act of the General Assembly, passed February 28, 1829, directed the principal engineer to examine and locate a road from Staunton to the mouth of the Little Kanawha River, between Weston in Lewis County and Parkersburg in Wood County. On March 16, 1838, the Board of Public Works was authorized to provide for the construction of the road from Staunton, through Dry Branch Gap, to Parkersburg. The Board was empowered to borrow up to $150,000. On March 18, 1842, an act provided for making Beverley a point on the road, provided the citizens of Randolph County pay the superintendent $4,200 by July 1, 1842, or execute a bond by July 15, 1842. The Board of Public Works was directed to borrow $30,000 to continue and complete the road between Weston and Beverley. Other increases over the years covered construction and replacement of bridges as necessary, due to flooding. The right of the company to collect tolls for the section of the "free road" lying between Staunton and Buffalo Gap in Augusta County was validated December 21, 1871. The state's interest in the turnpike was released and transferred to Highland and Augusta counties February 25, 1884.

From the description of Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike Company records, 1823-1884. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86104876

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1830. In 1877 the company went into receivership. In 1898 it merged with the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Company to form the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company of Virginia.

From the description of Petersburg Railroad Company records, 1831-1879. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487791

An act of the General Assembly passed March 12, 1834, authorized the incorporation of the Lewisburg and Blue Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company to construct a road from Lewisburg, in Greenbrier County, to the Blue Sulphur Springs by any suitable route. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the capital stock, or $4,000. March 30, 1837, capital stock was increased by $2,500 in order to complete the work.

From the description of Lewisburg and Blue Sulphur Springs Turnpike Company records, 1834-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277045735

The New River Navigation Company was formed to open and improve navigation of the New River from the central depot of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in Pulaski County to the Wythe lead mines in Wythe County.

From the description of New River Navigation Company records, 1861-1864. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259328655

An act of the General Assembly passed March 12, 1834, provided for the construction of a road from Skidmore's fork of Dry River in Rockingham County across the Shenandoah Mountains, to a point on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac in Pendleton County. The Board of Public Works was directed to appoint commissioners to constitute a Board to superintend and direct construction of the road. The commissioners were to evaluate labor and collect monies from the county courts and individuals, and the state appropriated $1,000. When complete, the Board of Commissioners were authorized to erect toll gates on the road.

From the description of Skidmore's Fork and South Fork Road Company records, 1835-1874. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298340268

An act of the General Assembly approved February 20, 1830, incorporated the Fincastle and Blue Ridge Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Fincastle in Botetourt County to intersect the Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike at some appropriate point. Stock certificates were limited to $15,000. Should Noffsinger's Gap be selected as the best point to cross the Blue Ridge, the Company was authorized to extend the road from Fincastle to the western extremity of the road. Capital was reduced to $8,000 February 26, 1833, with the Board of Public Works picking up 2/5 of the stock.

From the description of Fincastle and Blue Ridge Turnpike Company records, 1833-1852. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122464070

An act of the General Assembly approved April 1, 1848, authorized formation of the Front Royal and Gaines's Cross Roads Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road from Front Royal in Warren County to a point on the Sperryville and Rappahannock Turnpike Road at or near Gaines's Cross Roads in Rappahannock County. The road was to be at least 15 feet wide, with a grade not to exceed 4 degrees. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $9,000 or 3/5 of the capital stock.

From the description of Front Royal and Gaines's Cross Roads Turnpike Company records, 1850-1866. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538865

The Roanoke Navigation Company was formed to improve the Roanoke River between Gaston and the confluence of the Dan and Staunton: the Dan River to Danville and the Staunton River to Brookneal, by means of locks and dams, and, at the prinicipal falls, short, lateral canals, to provide for navigation at all seasons for steamboats drawing not more than two feet of water.

From the description of Roanoke Navigation Company records, 1825-1876. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259709197

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 27, 1848, approved incorporation of the Sperryville and Rappahannock Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Sperryville, in Rappahannock County, to some point at or near the head of canal navigation on the Rappahannock River. Capital stock was fixed at $50,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $30,000. Authorization to construct the road of plank was granted March 16, 1850, and a time extention was approved, giving two years to commence and ten years to complete the road. An increase of $30,000 was granted February 19, 1851, to complete the road to the river, erect a bridge over the river, and extend the road to Warrenton, or to any point on the Warrenton and Rappahannock Turnpike. On March 6, 1874, the Board of Public Works was authorized to sell at public auction all the rights, title, interest and franchise, including state's interest, of the road.

From the description of Sperryville and Rappahannock Turnpike Company records, 1850-1873. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122555486

An act of the General Assembly approved February 19, 1830 authorized the construction of a turnpike from Berryville in Frederick County to Snicker's Ferry on the Shendandoah River. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe for 126 shares and provide two directors for the company March 19, 1831. An act of the General Assembly, March 30, 1839, authorized the extension of the road to Winchester and approved augmentation of the capital stock of $15,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing for $6,000. This act was revived March 5, 1846, and capital was again increased February, 1847, by $5,000 in order to complete the road.

From the description of Berryville Turnpike Company records, 1831-1902. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268782798

The company was incorporated by an act of the assembly dated Jan. 9, 1851. The bridge was completed Oct. 1, 1851, and destroyed by the army in May of 1862.

From the description of Indian Poll Drawbridge Company records, 1851-1865. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 252002372

An act of the General Assembly passed April 4, 1848 approved incorporation of the New Manchester Turnpike Company to complete construction of a road begun under an act of February 20, 1828, from the Ohio River by Manchester in Brooke, now Hancock County, to the Pennsylvania line, by private subscribers, who petitioned that the commonwealth become a subscriber. $5,000 was approved as joint capital stock, with the Board of Public Works assuming $2,000. Permission was given to change the location to Hamilton's Ferry or the town of New Cumberland or any intermediate point on the Ohio River.

From the description of New Manchester Turnpike Company records, 1850-1852, 1857. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288515714

An act of the General Assembly passed March 28, 1861, incorporated the Leesburg and Aldie Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from Leesburg in Loudoun County to some point on the Little River Turnpike at or within one mile of the town of Aldie. The Company was to build a firm roadway 14 feet wide, with a graveled or macademized surface, with no more than three toll gates. Loudoun County court was authorized to subscribe. Capital stock was set at $25,000. The county roads between Leesburg and Aldie were surrendered to the company as well as the county bridge over Goose Creek. March 28, 1873, the location of the Goose Creek Bridge was changed and branches of the road were authorized.

From the description of Leesburg and Aldie Turnpike Company records, 1874. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640290

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1860, approved incorporation of the Saltville and Laurel Turnpike Company, to construct a graded turnpike from Saltville by way of the Glade Spring depot on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, to some suitable point on the intersection with the turnpike from Abingdon, by way of the Laurel, to the Tennessee line, or at the White top fork of the Laurel, near the house of Sabrid Dinkins. Joint capital stock was fixed at $8,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $4,800.

From the description of Saltville and Laurel Turnpike Company records, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297542428

An act of the General Assembly passed February 27, 1854, approved incorporation of the Salem Station and Rappahannock Turnpike Company, to construct a macadamized road from the Salem Station on the Manassas Gap Railroad, through the town of Salem in Fauquier County, then by the most convenient route to Gaine's Crossroads in Rappahannock County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $30,000, for the turnpike which was to be built in two equal sections, the Salem section, and the Rappahannock section. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to $18,000. An act passed March 31, 1858, required the Company to macadamize only a portion of th road.

From the description of Salem Station and Rappahannock Turnpike Company records, 1856-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297537625

An act of the General Assembly approved December 31, 1805 authorized formation of the Alleghany Turnpike Company to construct a road from the head of the Roanoke River over the Alleghany mountains. The road was jointly owned by Elijah McClanahan and Henry Edmundson.

From the description of Alleghany Turnpike Company records, 1847-1848. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268676271

The Louisa Railroad Company, incorporated in 1835 by an act of the General Assembly, merged with the Virginia Central Railroad Company on February 18,1836. On August 31, 1868 the Covington and Ohio Railroad Company and the Virginia Central merged to form the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company. In 1870 The Blue Ridge Railroad merged into the Chesapeake and Ohio. The road defaulted in 1878. On July 1, 1878 it reorganized as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company. In 1970 the road merged with Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company to form the Chessie System. In 1986 this road merged with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad to form CXS Transportation.

From the description of Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company records, 1868-1901. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261341642

An act of the General Assembly passed February 17, 1851, approved incorporation of the Weston and West Union Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road between Weston and West Union, following the route located by James McCally, engineer, as appointed in a joint resolution adopted March 16, 1850. Joint capital stock was fixed at $14,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $5,600.

From the description of Weston and West Union Turnpike Company records, 1850-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122368127

An act of the General Assembly approved March 19, 1850 authorized construction of a plank or timber road from Boydton in Mecklenburg County to Petersburg, passing near Ebenezer in Brunswick County, financed by $160,000 capital stock, with the Board of Public Works investing $96,000. The General Assembly authorized an extension March 16, 1853, from Boydton to a point on the Roanoke River opposite the town of Clarksville and increased capital by $20,000.

From the description of Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road Company records, 1850-1859, 1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268966416

An act of the General Assembly passed May 13, 1852, authorized incorporation of the Marysville Plank Road Company, to construct a road from Charlotte Courthouse to the Richmond and Danville Railroad, at some point between Keysville and Overby's Store in Charlotte County; the Company was authorized to continue the road from Charlotte Courthouse to some point on Cub Creek. March 8, 1853, state subscription was authorized at $3 of every $2 of private subscriptions, of the original $25,000 capital stock. February 28, 1854, the Company was authorized to extend the road to some point in Campbell County, with one or more lateral branches not to exceed ten miles in length, and stock was increased to $35,000. March 21, 1860, the Company was permitted to lay iron rails on the track, and change the name to the Marysville Rail Road Company. A further change was permission to extend the road from the terminus at Charlotte Courthouse to any point of the Staunton River, thus eliminating the route into Campbell County.

From the description of Marysville Plank Road Company records, 1851-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 279053146

An act of the General Assembly approved March 4, 1834 authorized formation of the Alleghany Mountain Turnpike Company to construct a road across the Alleghany Mountains in the counties of Pendleton and Pocahontas. $6,000.00 was appropriated for the road located from Staunton to Parkersburg, from Heavnor's store in Pendleton County to the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County.

From the description of Alleghany Mountain Turnpike Company records, 1834-1838. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268661601

The Little Kanawha Navigation Company was incorporated in 1860 to open and improve navigation from the mouth of the Little Kanawha River at Parkersburg to a point where the Gilmer and Braxton county lines cross the river.

From the description of Little Kanawha Navigation Company records, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259126206

An act of the General Assembly approved February 18, 1854 authorized formation of the El Dorado Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike from Culpeper courthouse to some point on the Sperryville and Rappahannock Road at or near Gaines Crossroads. The road was divided into two sections, with the first from the courthouse to where Castleton and Spring Valley Road strikes the Richmond Road, and the second, from that point to the terminus in Rappahannock County.

From the description of El Dorado Turnpike Company records, 1858-1860, 1866 (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271454400

The Louisa Railroad Company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of February 18, 1836 (1835/36 Va. Acts 126). The Louisa Railroad Company merged with the Virginia Central Railroad Company. On August 31, 1868, the Covington and Ohio Railroad and the Virginia Central merged to form the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company.

From the description of Louisa Railroad Company records, 1837-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261417155

The Rappahannock Navigation Company was established in 1826 to extend and improve navigation of the Rappahannock River and all its improvable branches, from Fox's Mill in Fauquier County, to the tidewater, or to a convenient basin within 800 yards of tidewater. An act of the General Assembly, passed February 25, 1853, provided for the sale of the works of the company because of foreclosure of their mortgage.

From the description of Rappahannock Navigation Company, 1829, 1840. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259709030

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18, 1850, approved incorporation of the Ravenswood and Reedy Creek Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from some point at or near the Three Forks of Reedy Creek in Wirt County, to the town of Ravenswood on the Ohio River. Capital stock was limited to $10,000 with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. Capital stock was increased $5,000, March 24, 1851, along with authorization for an extension from Three Forks to the Gilmer, Ripley and Ohio Turnpike at or near the town of California, in Wirt County. The Board of Public Works subscribed to 3/5 of the increase which was required to construct the road through the town of Glenville.

From the description of Ravenswood and Reedy Creek Turnpike Company records, 1850-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 294907218

This company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of March 15, 1853.

From the description of Alexandria, Loudoun, and Hampshire Railroad reports, 1853-1883. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122700602

An act of the General Assembly passed March 24, 1848, revived the act of March 24, 1838, and provided for construction of a macadamized turnpike road from Martinsburg in Berkeley County, to Winchester, in Frederick County. The Company was authorized in January, 1849, to divide the road into two sections, the first, from Martinsburg to Bunker's Hill, or to the Frederick County line, and the second, from that point to Winchester. Capital stock was reduced from $60,000 to $45,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $12,000. The name of the company was changed to the Winchester and Martinsburg Turnpike Company in the session of the General Assembly from 1883-1884.

From the description of Martinsburg and Winchester Turnpike Company records, 1838-1884. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 279175337

The Slate River Navigation Company was formed to clear, improve, and extend navigation of the Slate River in Buckingham County, from its junction with the James River to the highest practical point of improvement. Because of various obstructions and the refusal of mill owners to allow the erection of locks through the mill dams, work proceeded slowly. An act of the General Assembly on March 3, 1851, incorporated the company, which was to extend improvements to the town of Maysville.

From the description of Slate River Navigation Company records, 1821-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 259761017

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 11, 1819, approved incorporation of the Tye River and Blue Ridge Turnpike Company to construct a road from Massie's Mills in Nelson County, along the Tye River, in Nottoway County, intersecting the Valley Road at Steele's Tavern near the Augusta and Rockbridge county lines, where it terminated. The road was 22-1/4 miles long, with two toll gates, one on either side of the mountain. The road was used chiefly for wagons passing from the Valley to Lynchburg and the James River. Subscription of capital stock by the Board of Public Works was approved March 1, 1826.

From the description of Tye River and Blue Ridge Turnpike Company records, 1822-1853. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 84140175

An act of the General Assembly passed March 10, 1834, authorized incorporation of the Martinsburg and Potomac Turnpike Company with a capital stock of $25,000. The road was to be constructed from Martinsburg in Berkeley County to Shepherdstown in Jefferson County; this was revised later, to terminate opposite the town of Williamsport, Maryland, along with raising the capital stock to $30,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $18,000. February 25, 1850, the company was authorized to reduce the width of the road to less than 20 feet.

From the description of Martinsburg and Potomac Turnpike Company records, 1849-1894. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277583883

An act of the General Assembly passed March 16, 1849 approved incorporation of the Salem and Orleans Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike road from Orlean, in Fauquier County, to some point on the Salem and Paris road. Joint capital stock was set at $5,000, with the Board Public Works instructed to subscribe to $3,000.

From the description of Salem and Orleans Turnpike records, 1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297434790

From the description of Orleans and Salem Turnpike Company records, 1851. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487912

An act of the General Assembly passed February 6, 1856, approved incorporation of the Mount Jackson and Howards Lick Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Mount Jackson in Shenandoah County, to Howards Lick, in Hardy County. The state's interest was transferred to Shenandoah County March 5, 1900, because only 13 miles of the road remained in the commonwealth after partition.

From the description of Mount Jackson and Howards Lick Turnpike Company records, 1860-1899. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 286983655

An act of the General Assembly passed February 13, 1809, authorized incorporation of the Leesburg Turnpike Company to establish a turnpike from the town of Leesburg in Loudoun County to the Little River Turnpike. A tollbridge over Broad Run and Goose Creek was authorized in 1810. The state's subscription was authorized in 1819, at $33,600, 2/5 of the total capital stock of $83,000. February 18, 1830, approval was given to extend the road to Fairfax County to meet the Middle Turnpike Road. March 2, 1840, the board of directors was increased to five members to make it more effective. Additional state funds were authorized in the amount of $7,850, March 19, 1850.

From the description of Leesburg Turnpike Company records, 1818-1866. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277046013

An act of the General Assembly passed March 12, 1851, approved incorporation of the Ritchie and Gilmer Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from some point on the Northwestern Turnpike at or near Schumla, then through the town of Harrisville to the town of Glenville in Gilmer County. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 3/5 of the $15,000 joint capital stock. An act approved January 11, 1853, authorized the option of changing the route from Glenville in Gilmer County to Elizabeth in Wirt County, or to some point on the Salem and Harrisville Turnpike in Ritchie County.

From the description of Ritchie and Gilmer Turnpike Company records, 1854-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297224117

The Fairmont and Wheeling Turnpike Company was formed to construct an extension of the Beverly and Fairmont Turnpike, from Fairmont to Wheeling. The General Assembly authorized the Board of Public Works to change the location between Marcle's run and the top of the ridge next to Dunkard Creek, February 16, 1854. In January, 1862, an act to provide for repair of the Moundsville branch of the road was passed, and all stock was transferred to Marshall County, in order for the county to provide maintenance for the whole branch road.

From the description of Fairmont and Wheeling Turnpike Company records, 1849-1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 272299047

An act of the General Assembly passed March 20, 1847, approved incorporation of the Wheeling, West Liberty and Bethany Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from a point at or near the mouth of Wood's Lane on the National Road in Ohio County, to some point on the line between Pennsylvania and Virginia, by way of West Liberty, in Ohio County, and Bethany, in Brooke County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $8,000. An increase of $15,000 was granted March 29, 1848.

From the description of Wheeling, West Liberty, and Bethany Turnpike Company records, 1848-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122640359

An act of the General Assembly passed March 17, 1849, incorporated the Junction Valley Turnpike Company, to make a macadamized road from the town of Buchanan in Botetourt County to Staunton in Augusta County, passing through Lexington in Rockbridge County. Capital stock was set at $60,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $27,000. The Board of Public Works was to appoint an engineer to locate and superintend construction. The company was to be allowed to increase capital up to $40,000 additional. The charter was amended January 19, 1850, to limit the width of the road to 20 ft., and to allow the construction of a plank road rather than macadam. March 20, 1851, an increase was authorized by private subscription for a branch from Lexington to Alum Springs in Rockbridge County, and a branch to the Natural Bridge, and also to allow the town of Staunton to subscribe to stock up to $3,000. March 31, 1853, an increase of $25,000 was approved to complete work to the northern terminus at Staunton. February 25, 1856, an amendment provided that the company was not required to renew plank or macadam which had deteriorated, and that tolls could be collected. December 22, 1857, the Board of Public Works was authorized to buy the turnpike under a decree of the circuit court of Rockbridge County to settle a suit brought by William L. Figgat and others, vs. the Turnpike Company. On March 6, 1873, the Board of Public Works transferred its interest to the counties through which it passed.

From the description of Junction Valley Turnpike Company records, 1849-1873, 1897. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122496618

The company was formed by an act of the General Assembly of March 9, 1850 (1850 Va. Acts 102). By an act of the Assembly of February 14, 1868 (1866/67 Va. Acts 192) the company was transferred to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Company.

From the description of Manassas Gap Railroad Company records 1850-1870. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261411715

An act of the General Assembly approved February 10, 1853 authorized formation of the Cranberry Summit and Brandonville Turnpike Company to construct a road from Cranberry Summit on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Preston County to intersect the Maryland and Ohio Turnpike at the town of Brandonville.

From the description of Cranberry Summit and Brandonville Turnpike Company records, 1853-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271168043

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 16, 1849, approved incorporation of the Warrenton and Rappahannock Turnpike Company to construct a macadamized road from Warrenton in Fauquier County, to some point on the Rappahannock River at or near the Warrenton Springs. Joint capital stock was fixed at $20,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $12,000. An extension of time of two years to begin construction, and five years to complete the road was given March 24, 1851.

From the description of Warrenton and Rappahannock Turnpike Company records, 1851-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122632449

An act of the General Assembly approved March 25, 1848 authorized construction of a macadamized turnpike road between New Market in Shenandoah County to Gordonsville in Orange County, and to incorporate the Blue Ridge Turnpike Company when 1800 shares had been subscribed, on an initial capital investment of $200,000. The Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 2/5 of the stock, or $80,000. Capital was increased March 3, 1851, by $50,000, with the Board of Public Works funding $30,000. The General Assembly transferred an appropriation from Madison and Page counties, giving precedence to the Blue Ridge Turnpike over construction of a road connecting the east and west base of the Blue Ridge in those counties.

From the description of Blue Ridge Turnpike Company records, 1850-1868. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 268990829

An act of the General Assembly passed February 19, 1829, authorized incorporation of the Lexington and Covington Turnpike Company with capital stock of $20,000, to construct a turnpike from Lexington in Rockbridge County to Covington in Alleghany County. The Board of Public Works was instructed to direct the state civil engineer to locate and survey the road. An act of April 7, 1831 empowered the company to enter private land for the roadway and provided instructions for reimbursement to the property owners. March 20, 1837, the rates of toll were established.

From the description of Lexington and Covington Turnpike Company records, 1826-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277147780

An act of the General Assembly passed January 9, 1928, approved incorporation of the Rivanna and Rockfish Gap Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from some point on the Rivanna River near Charlottesville, to intersect with the Staunton and Scottsville turnpike road, at some point designated by the commissioners. An act passed February 6, 1856, authorized the county court of Albemarle County to purchase road way rights and the franchise of the corporation.

From the description of Rivanna and Rockfish Gap Turnpike Company records, 1831-1832, 1893. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 297224552

An act of the General Assembly approved March 24, 1851, authorized the Fincastle and Covington Turnpike to construct a road from Fincastle in Botetourt County to Covington, in Alleghany County. The firm of Jones and Mays received the contract, being the low bidders at $11,000. The General Assembly exonerated the company from making a portion of the road from Kemberline's mill to the top of the mountain in Richpatch Valley in order to share in common that section with the Richpatch Turnpike Company. There was to be no toll gate on the shared section. The contractor agreed to complete the road before 25 December 1852.

From the description of Fincastle and Covington Turnpike Company records, 1851-1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122323266

An act of the General Assembly passed February 18,1840, approved incorporation of the Patterson's Creek Valley Turnpike Company to construct a road from Moorfield, in Hardy County, to the mouth of Patterson's Creek. Joint capital stock was set at $25,000.

From the description of Patterson's Creek Valley Turnpike Company records, 1850-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 291091099

An act incorporating the Charleston, Ripley, and Ravenswood Turnpike Company was passed March 25, 1848, to construct a road from Charleston in Kanawha County to Ravenswood through Ripley, in Jackson County, with a branch to Parkersburg in Wood County. Capital was increased in 1859 in order to complete the main stem of the road and the branch from Ripley to Parkersburg.

From the description of Charleston, Ripley, and Ravenswood Turnpike Company records, 1855-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122425742

An act of the General Assembly passed April 6, 1839, approved incorporation of the Winchester and Berry's Ferry Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road, from Winchester to Berry's Ferry on the Shenandoah River. Initial capital stock was fixed at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $6,000. The act was revived January 21, 1848 granting two more years to commence construction, and in January, 1854, capital stock was increased by $6,000 to complete the road.

From the description of Winchester and Berry's Ferry Turnpike Company records, 1850-1897. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122395196

The company was charterd by an act of the General Assembly of February 26, 1833 (1832/33 Va. Acts 129). By an act of February 27, 1846 (1845/46 Va. Acts 118) the company consolidated with the Roanoke Railroad Company as the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad Company. In 1883 this company was reorganized as part of the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company.

From the description of Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad Company records, 1832-1858. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262616677

An act of the General Assembly, passed February 4, 1848, approved incorporation of the Pepper's Ferry and Holston Turnpike Company. An act of March 25, 1851, revived and reenacted the legislation, changing the name of the company to Walker's Creek and Holston Turnpike Company. The road commenced at Pepper's Ferry in Pulaski County, continued over Cloyd's Mountain, to the end of Shannon's Turnpike in Giles County, then up Walker's Creek valley, by the Plaister banks to the Salt Works in Smyth County. Joint capital stock was set at $26,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $15,600. The county courts involved were authorized to subscribe to capital stock, and to appoint directors to the board that supervised construction.

From the description of Walker's Creek and Holston Turnpike Company records, 1851-1862. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 299126236

An act of the General Assembly passed March 30, 1837, authorized construction of the Morgantown and Beverly Turnpike, from the Pennsylvania line in Monongalia County, by Morgantown, to the Beverly and Fairmont Road. Location change was authorized April 4, 1848, on the west side of the Monongalia River, to connect with Fishing Creek and Brandonville Road near Granville. A Board of Directors was responsible for the administration of the road.

From the description of Morgantown and Beverly Turnpike Company records, 1836-1851. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 285265392

An act of the General Assembly passed March 31, 1860, approved construction of a turnpike road by the Sir John's Run Turnpike Company. The road was from the Berkeley and Hampshire Turnpike, near McIntire's mill in Frederick County, to some point on the Bath and Potomac Road in Morgan County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $7,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $4,200.

From the description of Sir John's Run Turnpike Company records, 1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 298257405

An act of the General Assembly passed February 28, 1853 approved formation of the Huntersville and Lewisburg Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road from Huntersville in Pocahontas County to Lewisburg in Greenbrier County. There was a great debate about the mountain vs. the valley route; the mountain route was chosen by Luther Haymond, engineer.

From the description of Huntersville and Lewisburg Turnpike Company records, 1853-1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147459

An act of the General Assembly, passed January 29, 1830, approved incorporation of the Warm Springs and Harrisonburg Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from the end of the turnpike on the eastern side of the Warm Springs mountain in Bath County, or another point, to Harrisonburg, in Rockingham County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $40,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $24,000. The Board of Public Works was required to direct the principal engineer to survey and locate the road. An act approved April 8, 1839, authorized the merger of the Augusta Springs Turnpike with this company. On March 26, 1853, capital stock was increased $15,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to $9,000. On March 7, 1900, an act was approved to fix the rates of toll and allow the citizens of Augusta and Rockingham counties to pay an annual toll at 3/4 the usual rate, in advance, for travel or horseback riding or driving in pleasure carriages.

From the description of Warm Springs and Harrisonburg Turnpike Company records, 1830-1901. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122647162

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of February 14, 1851 (1850/51 Va. Acts 88). By an act of 1859 the company was acquired by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.

From the description of Northwestern Virginia Railroad records, 1857-1859. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262473495

An act of the General Assembly passed March 21, 1838 incorporated the Lafayette and English's (Ingles') Ferry Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike from Lafayette in Montgomery County by Christiansburg, to English's ferry on New River. The Company was also empowered to acquire the turnpike owned by Edmondson and McClannahan, along the same route. In addition, if the Salem and Pepper's Ferry Turnpike Company should fail to make the portion of the road between Salem and Lafayette, this company would be allowed to extend the route from Lafayette to Salem over the same route. They were authorized augmentation of capital stock not to exceed $15,000. By the same legislation, the president and board of directors of the company were authorized to extend the road to the town of Newbern in Montgomery County. March 18, 1841, the company received authorization to locate and construct that portion of their road from the base to the summit of the cliff, on the west side of New River.

From the description of Lafayette and English's Ferry Turnpike Company records, 1839-1847, 1849. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122555345

The company was formed, in 1846, by the merger of the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad Company (chartered 1832) and the Roanoke Railroad Company (chartered 1836). In 1883 the company was reorganized as part of the Seaboard Air Line Railway.

From the description of Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad Company records, 1846-1884. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262690816

An act of the General Assembly, passed March 12, 1853, approved incorporation of the Wythe Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from apoint on the Mechanicsburg and Wythe Turnpike, passing the first depot on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad east of Wytheville, to the lead mine in Wythe County. Joint capital stock was fixed at $10,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to invest $3 for every two dollars subscribed by private investors. On February 16, 1854, the General Assembly legalized the subscriptions of Wythe County for 2/5 of the capital stock.

From the description of Wythe Turnpike Company records, 1854-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122395200

March 26, 1860, the General Assembly approved an act to incorporate the Jeffersonville, Marion, and Rye Valley Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Jeffersonville in Tazewell County to intersect the Smyth Courthouse and Plaster Banks Turnpike in the Rich Valley by Marion, then to intersect the Blue Springs Road in Rye Valley.

From the description of Jeffersonville, Marion, and Rye Valley Turnpike Company records, 1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122352090

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of April 8, 1831 and opened in 1836. The line of road was from Winchester, Va. to Harpers's Ferry, WVa. The road was operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and was eventually absorbed into that system.

From the description of Winchester and Potomac Railroad Company records, 1831-1879. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262972250

An act of Congress approved March 29, 1806, authorized construction of a road from Cumberland, Maryland, to the state of Ohio. The Cumberland Road in Virginia was located in and around Wheeling, then in Ohio County, Virginia. An act of the General Assembly passed February 7, 1832, authorized the Board of Public Works to accept maintenance and establish toll gates, when the U.S. Government released the Virginia portion (1833).

From the description of Cumberland Road in Virginia records, 1806-1893. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 271462266

An act of the General Assembly passed March 29, 1853 authorized formation of the Huntersville and Monterey Turnpike as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from Huntersville in Pocahontas County to Monterey in Highland County. Capital stock was set at $16,000 with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $9,600.

From the description of Huntersville and Monterey Turnpike Company records, 1853-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122323295

An act of the General Assembly, passed January 29, 1810, approved incorporation of the Snicker's Gap Turnpike Company, to construct a road from Snicker's Gap in the Blue Ridge, to the Shenandoah River, towards Winchester, at the western extremity of the Little River Turnpike Road. Funding was increased and delays granted in 1822, 1823, 1824 and 1825. February 23, 1826, the company was given an additional year to complete the road, and authorized to raise by lottery the sum of $50,000 to finance a bridge across Goose Creek (which had been lost in high water), and to extend the termination of the road to Winchester.

From the description of Snicker's Gap Turnpike Company records, 1820-1895. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498063

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly in 1857. On April 18, 1867 the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, South Side Rail Road, Virginia and Kentucky Railroad, and the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad merged together to form the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. The Virginia and Kentucky Railroad Company never opened before this merger took place. In 1881 the A M & O was reorganized as the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company.

From the description of Virginia and Kentucky Railroad Company records, 1857-1880. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262833738

The company was incorporated by an act of the assembly March 11, 1850. The capital stock was increased by $10,000 by an act of assembly dated March 15, 1851. The bridge was opened over the Monongahela River on December 9, 1854.

From the description of Morgantown Bridge Company records, 1850-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 252023281

From the description of Morgantown Bridge Company records, 1850-1860. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86172199

An act of the General Assembly approved February 19, 1850, authorized formation of the Abb's Valley and Tug's Road Turnpike Company to construct a road between the counties of Tazewell and Wyoming. Upon completion, it was under the control of the two county courts.

From the description of Abb's Valley and Tug's Road Turnpike Company records, 1851-1855, 1859, 1861. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 265896411

An act of the General Assembly approved March 31, 1848, authorized the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Company to operate in the state of Virginia. Rights-of-way were obtained from the railroads to construct lines, and it was completed in four sections: Washington to Raleigh and Wilmington, Raleigh to Macon, Macon to Lower Peach Tree, and Lower Peach Tree to New Orleans.

From the description of Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Company letters and reports, 1846-1850, 1852, 1854. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122538413

An act of the General Assembly passed February 17, 1846, authorized the formation of the Howardsville and Rockfish Gap Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from the James River and Kanawha Canal at Howardsville in Albemarle County, to the bridge across Rockfish River. January 28, 1847, the assembly approved extension of the road to the forks of the Rockfish River above Martin's old mill in Nelson County, increased capital stock by $5,000, and approved toll gates every five miles on the completed road. A further extension was approved March 9, 1848, through Waller's Gap in the Blue Ridge to or near Greensville in Augusta County, along with an increase of $35,000. The Company was authorized to contract with the commissioners of the Nelson County Court, April 4, 1848, for the use of the covered bridge across the Rockfish River. April 1, 1853, capital was increased by $15,000 to extend the road to Alum Springs in Rockbridge County. By legislation passed March 5, 1856, two separate corporations were formed to cover two sections of the road; the eastward section retained the company name, and consisted of the road east of Stuart's Draft in Augusta County; the westward section became the Beverly Manor Turnpike.

From the description of Howardsville and Rockfish Gap Turnpike Company records, 1848-1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122498052

An act of the General Assembly approved construction of a road from Nicholas Courthouse to the bridge over Gauley River, on the line of the Kanawha Turnpike March 21, 1837, to be called the Nicholas Courthouse and Gauley Bridge Road. The Commissioners were empowered to receive donations and subscriptions in money and labor from individuals and the county courts of Fayette and Nicholas counties. In addition, $1,500 was allocated from the public treasury.

From the description of Nicholas Courthouse and Gauley Bridge Road records, 1837-1838. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 288508175

The company was formed by Clarence H. Clark, who bought the road, properties, and bonds of the defaulted Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad Company on February 10, 1881. The Norfolk and Western Railway Company was incorporated on September 14, 1896 as successor to the Norfolk and Western Railroad. On June 1, 1982 that company and the Southern Railway merged into the Norfolk Southern Corporation.

From the description of Norfolk and Western Railroad Company records, 1880-1903. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 262472990

An act of the General Assembly passed March 13, 1832, approved incorporation of the Millboro and Carr's Creek Turnpike Company, to construct a road from a point on Lick Run, four miles south of Millboro, in Bath County, across the Mill and North mountains, to a point ten miles distant, on Carr's Creek, in Rockbridge County. Capital stock was set a $5,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $2,000. January 13, 1837, approval was given to extend the road from its western terminus to Millboro, and increase stock by $2,000.

From the description of Millboro and Carr's Creek Turnpike Company records, 1833-1853. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 281302490

An act to incorporate the Botetourt Bridge Company was passed by the General Assembly, March 11, 1850. March 11, 1851 the General Assembly mandated the construction of the bridge across the James River at Lick Run in Botetourt County. Capital stock was not to exceed $6,000. The bridge was completed within three years, and in 1858, it required a new floor.

From the description of Botetourt Bridge Company records, 1853-1874. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487733

An act of the General Assembly passed March 21, 1850, authorized the formation of the Grave Creek and Pennsylvania State Line Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from Grave Creek in Marshall County, by way of Beeler's Station to the Pennsylvania line. Capital stock was set at $8,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $4,800. The company was not required to gravel or pave or make any side road. Length of the road was 4 1/2 miles.

From the description of Grave Creek and Pennsylvania State Line Turnpike Company records, 1851-1856, n.d. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122653933

An act of the General Assembly approved March 29, 1851, authorized formation of the Holliday's Cove and New Cumberland Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road beginning at some point on the Holliday's Cove Turnpike to the town of New Cumberland in Hancock County. Capital stock was set at $4,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $2,400.

From the description of Holliday's Cove and New Cumberland Turnpike Company records, 1857-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122602024

An act of the General Assembly approved March 31, 1848, incorporated the Leeds Manor Turnpike Company, to construct a turnpike from Barbee's crossroads in Fauquier County to some point at or near the head of navigation on the Rappahannock River. Capital stock was set at $5,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to $2,000. May 29, 1852, the county court of Fauquier County was authorized to receive the second section of the turnpike from the company, if 5 miles had been completed. Six years later, March 15, 1858, the Board of Works released to Fauquier County all of state's interest in the company.

From the description of Leeds Manor Turnpike Company records, 1849-1853. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86147477

An act of the General Assembly passed March 21, 1853, authorized formation of the Lewiston Plank Road Company to construct a road from a point on the Richmond and Danville Railroad by way of Lewiston in Lunenburg County to some point on the Meherrin River or to the Lunenburg Plank Road. Capital stock was set at $30,000 with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe to 3/5 or $18,000. The construction was to begin within two years, with completion by five years. An increased in capital stock was authorized March 29, 1858 by $10,000 to complete the project.

From the description of Lewiston Plank Road Company records, 1853-1860. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 277148099

Chartered by the General Assembly in 1886.

From the description of Big Stony Creek Railroad correspondence, 1897. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261221543

The Blue Ridge Railroad Company was chartered by the General Assembly by an act of March 5, 1849. It was to connect the Louisa Railroad Company, later the Virginia Central Railroad Company, with a point "near Waynesboro." The road built four tunnels through the Blue Ridge Mountains and was essentially an extension of the Louisa Railroad Company from Charlottesville westward. After the Louisa Railroad became the Virginia Central Railroad in 1850 it operated the Blue Ridge Railroad, but the road was owned by the Board of Public Works until such time as the indebtedness of the Blue Ridge Railroad was paid off. In 1870 the road merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company.

Claudius Crozet was chief engineer of the Blue Ridge Railroad from 1849-1858. John Kelly of Kelly and Larguey was one of the contractors for the building of the road.

From the description of Blue Ridge Railroad Company records, 1845-1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611309

In Virginia the government program for public works began on February 5, 1816, when the General Assembly passed an act to establish a "Fund for Internal Improvement." In the words of the preamble of the act, the fund was created for "the purpose of rendering navigable, and uniting by canals, the principal rivers, and of more intimately connecting, by public highways, the different parts of this Commonwealth." (35 Va. Acts 1815-1816) The act further provided that, "for the purpose of preserving and improving this fund, and of disbursing such portions of it ... to be applied to any object of internal improvement," the Board of Public Works was to be established. (35 Va. Acts 1815-1816)

The board was authorized to invest money from the fund in internal improvement companies, provided certain conditions were met: none of the state's money could be invested until three-fifths of the company's stock had been privately subscribed, one-fifth of which actually had to be paid for, or secured by bonds payable to the board. The remaining two-fifths of the stock could then be purchased by the board.

From 1816 until 1831 the Board of Public Works consisted of the governor as president and twelve directors: the treasurer and attorney general of Virginia, and ten private citizens chosen annually by the General Assembly. On April 2, 1831, the General Assembly passed an act to reorganize the board. The governor continued to act as president, but the number of directors was reduced to three: the lieutenant governor, the treasurer, and the second auditor. The board was reorganized twice more before mid-century. An act of March 5, 1833, removed the lieutenant governor from the board and added the auditor, and an act of February 28, 1846, added the register of the Land Office.

The composition of the board was changed by the Constitution of 1851. Instead of state governmental officials, private citizens made up the board. The state was divided into three districts, each of which elected one commissioner to serve six years. The first board elected under this system met on July 4, 1853, and was composed of Archibald Graham, president; Thomas J. Boyd; and Edward J. Armstrong. Between 1853 and 1865 Alexander B. Holladay, Zedekiah Kidwell, Odin G. Clay, G. W. Murphy, and J. F. McIlhenny were also members of the board.

The end of the Civil War, when Governor Francis H. Pierpont and the "restored" government of Virginia assumed control, brought another change in the character of the board. On June 3, 1865, the new board met with the governor as president and the auditor and treasurer as directors. The board retained this organization until February 28, 1903, when it met for the last time. In accordance with the Constitution of 1902 the board was dissolved and replaced by the State Corporation Commission, which first convened on March 2, 1903.

Like many organizations the Board of Public Works was most powerful and effective during the early years of its existence and became less so with age. The antebellum period was one of great interest in canals and turnpikes, while railroads were gradually gaining acceptance. Maps were required for these projects and county maps constructed by John Wood and Herman Böye between 1817 and 1825 were used in preparation of the state map published in 1827. After the Civil War the board primarily was concerned with making tax assessments and regulating railroads; before that the board had been deeply involved in the financing and construction of a wide variety of internal improvements.

During the early years the principal engineer was the board's official agent in the field. The principal engineer was responsible for surveys and maps of the routes of improvements, as well as managing his teams of assistant engineers and accounting for surveying expenses. He also bore the brunt of the criticism over his selection of routes. The board was most fortunate that this position was filled by a series of talented men, the most illustrious of whom was Claudius Crozet.

The board's investments of money and talent had to be repaid by the companies by way of reports and accounts. Annual reports were required of each company in which the state had purchased stock, and company expenses chargeable to the board had to be accounted for strictly. The annual reports included a description of the progress of the work, as well as a statement of the company's financial condition. Lists of stockholders, certificates of the amount of money actually paid on private subscriptions, and accounts of expenditures were sent to the board regularly.

Besides its involvement with internal improvements, the board was responsible for several short-term projects of importance to the state. For example, by an act of the General Assembly passed on March 6, 1835, the board was authorized to appoint a person to make a geological survey of the state, and Professor William Barton Rogers of the University of Virginia faculty was chosen. During the Civil War the board was given the task of ensuring the production and distribution of salt. A state superintendent of the salt works was appointed by an act of March 30, 1863, and the Board of Public Works acted as a board of directors of the salt works for the remainder of the war.

Shortly before the Civil War the state began to divest itself of its stock in internal improvement companies. This process accelerated after the war. Turnpikes were abandoned or taken over by the counties through which they passed. Canals yielded to the railroads, which now ran from state to state, and were now controlled by ever more powerful and complex corporations. After the war the board took a passive rather than active role, concerning itself primarily with tax assessments.

As evidence of the board's new role, the office of railroad commissioner was created on March 31, 1877, by an act of the General Assembly. The commissioner saw to it that the railroad companies did not violate their charters--a responsibility that the board had assumed in earlier years. He also recommended changes in procedure to the companies and reported violations to the Board of Public Works for possible legal actions. Railroad and internal improvement companies made annual reports of their real and personal property in Virginia to the auditor, who sent the reports to the board for assessment of taxes.

Because of the increasing complexity of public and private business in the late nineteenth century and the press of other duties upon the officers of the board, its membership was changed once again. The state Constitution of 1902 created the State Corporation Commission, whose duty it was to regulate all corporations (including those concerned with transportation) that did business in Virginia. The constitution also provided that "... upon the organization of the State Corporation Commission, the Board of Public Works and the Office of Railroad Commissioner, shall cease to exist; and all books, papers and documents pertaining thereto, shall be transferred to, and become part of the records of, the office of the State Corporation Commission." (37 Va. Acts 1902-1904)

From the description of Agency history. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145406597

An act of the General Assembly passed March 5, 1846, authorized formation of the Hardy and Winchester Turnpike as a corporation to construct a road from some point on the waters of the Great Cacapon River in Hardy County, to Winchester in Frederick County. The road was to be no wider than 30 feet, and the company could dispense with a summer or side road and did not need to use gravel or pave the surface. March 4, 1847, and amendment passed extending the road from a point at or west of Fizer's tavern on North Western Turnpike , to Moorfield, in Hardy County, or such other point short of these, instead of the originally designated point.

The cost of shares was reduced at this time, from $100 to $50, and the Board of Public Works was authorized to subscribe to 80 shares. Capital stock was increased $6,000 on March 28, 1848, in order to finish the road between the North West Turnpike and Wardensville in Hardy County, and to construct a branch to Capon Springs in Hampshire County. Further increases were approved March 15, 1849, for internal improvement ($1,000), and March 27, 1851 ($4,000) for tollhouses. February 7, 1860, the General Assembly approved changing the location west of Wardensville where it crosses Sandy Ridge, in order to pass through the gap of the ridge.

The state's interest in the turnpike was transferred to the Board of Road Commissioners of the Back Creek Magisterial District in Frederick County by an act of the General Assembly passed May 18, 1887. Since the turnpike was constructed about four miles from Winchester to the West Virginia line, the entire road fell within the district, and it had been neglected by the stockholders, who held the minority interest.

From the description of Hardy and Winchester Turnpike Company records, 1848-1887. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122352131

An act of the General Assembly approved March 27, 1848 authorized formation of the Front Royal Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a road from Front Royal in Warren County to some point on the Valley Turnpike. Corporate stock subscriptions were initially set at $15,000, with the Board of Public Works authorized to subscribe $6,000. An amendment passed March 17, 1849 changed the terminus to Newtown on the Valley Turnpike. In March, 1850, Winchester was authorized to subscribe to a capital stock limit of $1,000. The General Assembly also approved the use of plank rather than macadam, and allowed a two year extension for beginning construction and ten years to complete the road. The company had the option to route the road along the county road from Front Royal to Winchester, passing by Nineveh. Capital stock limit was raised from $15,000 to $40,000 at the same time, with the Board of Public Works authorized to hold 3/5. A branch road from the intersection with the Newtown and Berry's Ferry Road to Whitepost was also approved. Capital stock was increased again in February, 1851 by $20,000 to complete the turnpike and construct bridges across each of two branches of the Shenandoah River where the turnpike intersects, and to collect tolls.

In January, 1872 the company was authorized to sell the turnpike at public auction. In January, 1896, the General Assembly approved as many as four toll gates on the road which now extended continuously for 11 miles, with 8 1/2 miles in Frederick County, 2 1/2 in Clarke County, to White Post. The turnpike was sold September 25, 1874 to Edmund Purcell, who subsequently sold and conveyed by deed to his heirs (1883). In 1894 a new Board of Directors was approved, including members of the Purcell family, and they were empowered to conduct turnpike business as the corporation had done in the past.

From the description of Front Royal Turnpike Company records, 1848-1874. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122497975

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 14, 1785. The purpose of the company was to extend the navigation of the James River to its "highest practicable point." By an act of February 17, 1820 the James River and Kanawha Company was chartered as successor to the James River Company; the state of Virginia subscribing to 3/5 of the stock. With the expansion of the railroads at the end of the Civil War the company fell on hard times. On March 5, 1880 the company was sold to the Richmond and Alleghany Railway Company.

The records for this company are broken down into three series: records concerning the Blue Ridge Canal, the Kanawha Road and river improvements, and the work on the James River itself.

From the description of James River Company records, 1794-1840. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122481371

An act of the General Assembly passed March 9, 1835 approved formation of the Falmouth and Alexandria Railroad Company as a corporation to construct a railroad from some point on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad in Fredericksburg to the corporate limits of Alexandria. Capital stock subscriptions were not to exceed $600,000. February 2, 1836, the General Assembly amended the act authorizing the Company to begin construction at Falmouth in lieu of Fredericksburg, and to construct a lateral route to Warrenton, and to extend the main stem to the termination of the line from Baltimore to Washington.

The General Assembly authorized subscription by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad and the Board of Public Works to the stock of the Falmouth and Alexandria Railroad, on March 30, 1837.

From the description of Falmouth and Alexandria Railroad field notes, 1836-1837. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 301336084

Acts of the General Assembly to incorporate the Natural Bridge Turnpike Company were passed in 1832, 1833 and February 29, 1836, setting capital stock limit at $16,000, for the purpose of constructing a turnpike road from the upper end of the canal through the Blue Ridge, by way of the natural bridge and Dagger's Sulphur Springs, to its intersection with the Lexington and Covington turnpike near Clifton Forge. Capital stock was increased March 30, 1837, by $12,000. April 7, 1838, the General Assembly provided that the eastern part of the intersection of the turnpike with the main valley stage road should be at or near Galbraith's Tavern if suitable.

An act to change the name of the company to Natural Bridge and Virginia White Sulphur Springs Turnpike was approved March 18, 1872, upon the consent of the three counties involved, Alleghany, Botetourt, and Rockbridge. Authority was also given to extend and enlarge the road by constructing a new turnpike to intersect, commencing at Natural Bridge and extending to the James River and Kanawha Canal at Gilmore's Mill, and also a new road from the former western terminus near Clifton Forge, crossing Jackson's River, to the Clifton Forge depot, on the Covington and Ohio railroad. The act also approved erection of a toll bridge across Jackson's River, as peitioned by William M. Harvey, former proprietor or the turnpike.

From the description of Natural Bridge Turnpike Company records, 1836-1843. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 286978551

The company was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of February 5, 1841. The road ran from Clover Hill, in Chesterfield County, to Petersburg, Virginia. It was built to haul coal from the Clover Hill coal pits to Petersburg, Virginia, where it would interchange with the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad leased the Clover Hill Railroad until 1875 when the Clover Hill Railroad defaulted.

After defaulting, the road was reorganized and purchased by its bond holders. In 1877 the road was acquired by the Brighthope Railway Company. This road had been built in 1853 as a coal hauler and ran from Eppes Falls, in Chesterfield County, to Bermuda, Virginia by an act of the General Assembly of March 5, 1888 the Brighthope Railway merged with the Farmville and Danville Railroad Company.

From the description of Clover Hill Railroad Company records, 1844-1886. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 261341180

An act of the General Assembly passed March 6, 1835 authorized the appointment of a geologist to do a reconnaissance of the general geological features, chemical composition of soils, minerals and mineral waters, and to report to the next session of the General Assembly with a plan for a complete survey of the state. Compensation was set not to exceed $1,500.

February 29, 1836, an act was passed providing for a complete and detailed geological survey of the state, with a careful and accurate chemical examination and analysis of various soils, and principal ores, marls, saline and mineral waters. The Board of Public Works was responsible for employing a geologist and an assistant, as topographical surveyor, to work on a geological map. The goal was to determine the height of principal mountains and to collect specimens of rocks, fossils, ores, minerals, compounds, and organic remains, so that there would be a sufficient amount to distribute to institutions of learning. An annual report was due on January 10 each year.

The General Assembly appropriated $5,000/year for salaries. As part of the final report, it was required that the geologists construct and prepare for engraving a complete geological map. Specimens collected were to be preserved, accompanied by a catalog.

From the description of Geological survey records, 1837-1853. (Library of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 244786278

An act of the General Assembly was passed March 15, 1849, to authorize formation of the Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike Company as a corporation to construct a turnpike road from some point on the North Western Road in Hampshire County, to some point on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, at or near the Pawpaw tunnel in Morgan County. Capital stock was set at $11,000, with the Board of Public Works subscribing to 3/5 or $6,600. The road was to be at least 16 feet wide, but the Company was not required to pave or cover with stone or gravel, nor build a summer side road. Stock was increased $13,000, March 11, 1850, in order to cover costs of constructing a branch leading to a point at or near the house of Frederick R. Jenkins in Hampshire County, through the town of Gainesborough to the town of Winchester. The General Assembly approved the formation of a new company to administer this branch road, called the North Frederick Turnpike Company, on February 24, 1851. Directors on the Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike Company board served on the new company board until the next annual meeting. The Assembly also approved planking or macademizing the new branch road form Winchester to the Little North Mountain.

March 20, 1858, the Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike Company was released from paying a fine imposed by a judgment of the circuit court of Henrico County on 28 October 1857.

From the description of Hampshire and Morgan Turnpike Company records, 1849-1857. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122611779

A company to improve navigation in Dragon Swamp was first incorporated 19 Feb. 1829. Additional trustees were appointed 13 Feb. 1834. A survey was directed 18 March 1836 and the capital of the company was increased the same year. The Dragon Swamp Navigation Company was incorporated by an act of assembly dated 3 April 1838. Part of an act dated 16 March 1840 set the rates of toll. The improvement extension was authorized by an act of 18 March 1841. The improvements were suspended in 1841/42 due to a contract dispute.

In 1843/44 the company had extended the improvements to some extent in cooperation with a lumber company. The subsequent reports show no change in this. The last report was dated 1852 and the company had apparently died from lack of interest.

From the description of Dragon Swamp Navigation Company records, 1836-1850. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122394554