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Richmond's Canals:
The first section of Richmond's canals were built by the James River Company, with George Washington serving as its honorary president, and Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall among its supporters. One of the great engineering marvels of the times, the canals made it possible for boats to bypass the falls, most importantly the falls of Richmond.
The early completion of Richmond's canals was an important element in the city's rise as the industrial center of the South. By the middle of the 19th century, the James River and Kanawha Canal was the main transportation artery in Virginia. Richmond prospered as the central link between farms and industries in the West and markets in the East, in Europe, and elsewhere around the world.
The monumental task of canal building was accomplished over a period of nearly 70 years by numerous engineers and artisans, as well as by thousands of slave and immigrant laborers. Remains of their work can be found in locations along the riverfront, and in portions of the original canals that have been restored.
These maps show Richmond's canal system as it was in its peak years in the mid-19th century, and as it has been restored today.
(4) 1840: The James River and Kanawha Company, having replaced the James River Company in 1835, opened a 147-mile canal connecting Richmond to Lynchburg.
(3) 1825: An extension was completed to Maiden's Adventure, 30 miles west of Richmond.
(2) 1795: The canal became operational for 7 miles, from Westham to 8th Street in downtown Richmond.
(1) 1789: Canals were completed by the James River Company around two portions of the James River falls. One extended approximately 3 miles from what is now the Byrd Park Pump House to downtown Richmond. The second ran for 200 yards below present-day Williams Island. |