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Show 1836- 1837] Fogg's Far West 243 moments for such a wildfire idea to run through such an inflammable mass of curiosity. With the situation and appearance of Vandalia I was not, as I have expressed myself, much prepossessed; indeed, I was somewhat disappointed. 150 Though not prepared for anything very striking, yet in the capital of a state we always anticipate something, if not superior or equal, at least not inferior to neighbouring towns of less note. Its site is an elevated, undulating tract upon the west bank of the Kaskaskia, and was once heavily timbered, as are now its suburbs. The streets are of liberal breadth - some of them not less than eighty feet from kerb to kerb - enclosing an elevated public square nearly in the centre of the village, which a little expenditure of time and money might render a delightful promenade. The public edifices are very inconsiderable, consisting of an ordinary structure of brick for legislative purposes; a similar building originally erected as a banking establishment, but now occupied by the offices of the state authorities; a Presbyterian Church, with cupola and bell, besides a number of lesser buildings for purposes of worship and education. A handsome structure of stone for a bank is, however, in progress, which, when completed, with other public buildings in contemplation, will add much to the aspect of the place. Here also is a land- office for the district, and the Cumberland Road is permanently located and partially constructed to the [ 228] place. An historical and antiquarian society has here existed for about ten years, and its published proceedings evince much research and information. " The Illinois Magazine" was the name of an ably- conducted periodical commenced at this town some years since, and prosperously ** For an account of Vandalia, see Woods's EngUsh Prairie, in our volume z, p. 336, note 75.- ED. |