File:27 Brunswick taken from Virginia.jpg

Summary

While hazy because of the train smoke, this fascinating photo taken from Virginia shows the Potomac River and islands, the railroad yards, and a fast-growing town sprawling over the hills of Brunswick. If you look closely, you'll see from left to right along the railroad, the YMCA before expansion and the emergency hospital, Cage's Garage, the original roundhouse, shops and coal tipple.

This photo was part of a study commissioned in 1906 by Mayor A.G Horine to reflect the town's progress.

As context, this was before Brunswick High School was built high atop 4th Avenue. Much of the old Wenner farm on N. Maple Avenue appears to have been undeveloped. Visible above Cage's on East A Street & 2nd Avenue is Grace Chapel on the site where the 1923 stone church was built by Charles B. Karn. Note the eastward view along Potomac Street past "Ten Row" and around dead man's curve up to New York Hill.

What other landmarks jump out at you?

(Photo courtesy of Phil Graves)

Don Michael Streight: This pictured island below the bridge is called Sneaky Pete Island. Grandpop Streight said the town wine-0s would boat to the island to fine drinking and relaxation away from the town people as their paradise. On this side of the island deeper water 4 to 6 ft. offered a fishing day adventure superior to other fishing spots - including 40 pound carp and 7 pound catfish . (In the Spring) For the more experienced boaters that would dare to be out there during high waters could harvest 2 stringers full of nice size fish. Floating logs could capsizes your boat easily so be observant ant pick up anchor. This accomplished 80% safety !