39
fattened here for the fall market. The soil produces good corn, and if properly cultivated would probably produce large crops of hemp. Some parts are sprinkled over with a light growth of small oaks and hickory. In other parts it is so entirely destitute of any growth of wood, that for a great distance not a single tree is to be seen. It so much resembles an old settled country, that the traveller is constantly looking out for fences and buildings.
The town of Franklinton is situated at the forks of the Scioto, forty-five miles above Chilicothe by land, and about seventy by water. It was laid out about the year 1798, by Lucas Sullivan, Esq. on the west bank of the Scioto, opposite to the mouth of Whetstone river, and on a beautiful swell of ground, which gradually depends in every direction from the centre of the town. It contains about an hundred houses, ten or twelve of which are built of brick. It is the seat of justice for the county of Franklin, and has a handsome brick court house, with a neat cupola. On one side of the town is a delightful prairie, and on the other the river Scioto, which renders the prospect highly pleasing. The land around Franklinton, in every direction, is rich and level, but, at a few miles distant, wood and timber become scarce.
Worthington is nine miles distant on the Whetstone river. It was laid out about the year 1805 by the Rev. James Kilboun and others from Connecticut. The land in the vicinity of this
