Existing comment:
The James River...Floating Through The Centuries
Native Americans 1500's:
These boats were used by the Powhatan Indians to carry furs, food, and other trading items.
First Settlers 1600's:
Shallops were wider and sometimes longer than canoes. They were propelled by oars or by mast. These wide body crafts were excellent for shallow water and were a practical means to transport people and cargo from one settlement to the next.
Colonists 1700's:
Sloops, shallops, barges, and double canoes were some of the more popular modes of floating the James during the 18th century.
Antebellum 1800's:
Prior to the Civil War, the James was alive wth packets from New York, Baltimore, and Boston carrying a variety of cargo to and from Richmond.
Today:
Floating past Henricus today are pleasure crafts, tugboats and 10,000 ton cargo ships hauling tobacco, cotton, and other goods. |