p. 795

[Typewritten page-Oct. 1843 Watertown].

A friend has handed us the subjoined notice of Watertown, which we publish with pleasure:

Watertown, situated in Jefferson county, on Rock River, about fifty miles west of Milwaukie, is growing the most rapidly of any of the interior towns in the Territory. A large Grist Mill of sufficient size to accomodate the wants of the country within fifteen or twenty miles round, has just been erected by Messrs. Cole, Bayley & Co., and is in successful operation. Two large Saw-mills are also in operation, and such is the press of business that the proprietors have found it expedient to run them night and day. There are also two stores, two hotels, and various mechanic shops which have been recently established, besides a variety of other improvements for the use and accomodation of those who may wish to locate in this vicinity.

The water power at this place is said to be one of the best in the Territory- and it has the advantage of being good at all seasons of the year, which is not always the case with the water privileges in many other places. Every facility for further improving the water power at this place is offered. Stone, timber, and other materials, in abundance, can be readily procured with little labor and expense.

The country on the east side of Rock river, in the vicinity of Watertown, consists principally of heavily timbered land. The soil is rich and productive- is well watered- and the surface of the country is rolling and beautiful. On the west side of the river the land is principally composed of oak openings and prairie. Good locations of government land can be readily made- as good facilities are offered for farmers to settle in this region, as at any other place in the Territory.

The average wheat crop of farmers in this vicinity is about 35 bushels to the acre.