Douglas Land Company (1904-1932)
Historical Note
The Douglas Land Company was organized in New York in 1904 to manage the Douglas family estate of Washington, Smyth and Grayson counties, Virginia. Under the management of William W. Hurt, the company developed timber, engaged in mineral prospecting and leased to local farmers lands from the estate, known as "Laurel Farm." In 1910, the company sold 28,000 acres of timberland to the United States government as a forest reserve. Timber from other tracts of land was sold to lumber companies. W. L. Umbarger succeeded Hurt as manager upon the latter's death; Umbarger was later succeeded by H. P. Gills. The company had ceased operation by 1932.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
William W. Hurt Papers
This collection consists of business and personal financial papers of William W. Hurt, of Smyth and Washington counties, Virginia. It includes deeds, leases and other business and legal documents pertaining to several businesses, particularly the Douglas Land Company.