History of Augusta, Georgia, USA

This city was aroused from its peaceful slumbers this morning about 2 o'clock by the terrific cry of fire! The devouring element had made such progress, when first discovered, as to set human exertion at defiance. It commenced in that large wooden building on Broad street, known as the Globe Tavern, and extended East and West, consuming 17 houses. It reached Westwardly, to the next cross street, and Eastwardly, was stopped only by the large new brick building, lately erected by Mr. Bowdie. All the houses between these two points, from Broad street back to Ellis street, now lie in smoking ruins. The principal owners of the real estate destroyed, are Gen. W. W. Montgomery, and Mr. Angus Martin. All the merchants and shop-keepers suffered more or less; but we are informed, that the principal of both houses and goods were insured. The names of those, whose business was transacted in the destroyed buildings, as well as we can recollect, are Messrs. William Shannon, tenant of the Globe - T. ...

Augusta, a handsome city of Georgia, and capital of Richmond county, on the Savannah river, 231 miles from its mouth, 120 miles N. N. W. from Savannah, and 136 miles N. W. from Charleston. It is the second city of the state in population and importance. The Georgia railroad, of which Augusta is the eastern terminus, extends to Atlanta, and the South Carolina railroad connects it with Charleston. The following extract from a letter received from a highly intelligent gentleman of this place, will be interesting, as explaining the causes of its former and present prosperity: — " Situated at the head of navigation on Savannah river, it was for many years the chief and indeed only inland town of the state of any commercial importance, and so continued until that spirit of internal improvement was aroused in the people of Georgia which has acquired for our state the enviable fame of the empire state of the South. For some years after the construction of the Georgia railroad Augusta visibly...