I have lived in Richmond for 71 years and thought everyone knew the origin of the "Dogtown" name. In the 1800s farm families would bring crops in wagons from the western counties at harvest time. There were campgrounds in Manchester and after selling the harvest, the family would leave the wagon guarded by the family dogs and go into Richmond for an annual shopping trip and to enjoy evening diversions.
All the dogs would start barking and keep it up until the last of the families returned to the campground. In the time before automobile noise the evening hours would be quiet except for the incessant barking from across the river at harvest time.
@Bob: I think I had heard that explanation - or something along those lines - as well. Tho' I've heard others - like the shape of Manchester on the map(being like a dog's head?) and others I can't even remember. Thank-you for sharing!
I have lived in Richmond for 71 years and thought everyone knew the origin of the "Dogtown" name. In the 1800s farm families would bring crops in wagons from the western counties at harvest time. There were campgrounds in Manchester and after selling the harvest, the family would leave the wagon guarded by the family dogs and go into Richmond for an annual shopping trip and to enjoy evening diversions.
All the dogs would start barking and keep it up until the last of the families returned to the campground. In the time before automobile noise the evening hours would be quiet except for the incessant barking from across the river at harvest time.
@Bob: I think I had heard that explanation - or something along those lines - as well. Tho' I've heard others - like the shape of Manchester on the map(being like a dog's head?) and others I can't even remember. Thank-you for sharing!
Post new comment