Existing comment:
Batteaux and Batteauxmen
Navigating a Perilous River:
Batteaux, originating from the French word for "boat", averaged sixty feet long, eight feet wide, and two feet deep. They could carry cargo weighing up to six tons but only drafted eighteen inches. This allowed them to navigate the shallow waters of the upper Roanoke River and the canal. Sweeps at both the bow and stern could be used to maneuver the boat quickly and in all directions as the current propelled it. Batteauxmen also used poles to push the boats back upstream. A batteau had an average crew of five men.
Simply referred to as batteauxmen, the crews were rugged, strong, and individualistic. During the day they had to navigate swift-flowing currents and rapids and at night had to protect their cargo from thieves and maintain the boats. The batteauxmen were also renowned for their love of games of chance and contests of strength and maritime skills. |