Shockoe Bottom in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Norfolk and Southern Bridge

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. Norfolk and Southern Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Kanawha Canal Draw Bridge was built in 1930 by the Virginia Bridge and Iron Company to carry the Norfolk and Western Railroad's West Point line over the James River and Kanawha Canal. This type of bridge is known as a single-leaf bascule bridge. The bridge lifts its hinged single span using a large counter weight. Sketches for bascule bridges have been found among notes made by Leonardo da Vinci in 1500. Although the bridge has not been raised in years, it is still in use carrying Norfolk Southern railroad traffic across the canal.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 37° 31.597′ N, 77° 25.328′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Bottom. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Dock Street and Pear Street. This marker is located in the Great Shiplock Park on the south bank of the canal. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2806 Dock Street, Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Here Stood the Trigg Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker); 28th St Draw Bridge / Great Shiplock Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Chapel Island

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Water Quality in the James (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tobacco Row (about 400 feet away); The Tidal James (about 400 feet away); Great Ship Lock (about 400 feet away); Confederate Navy Yard (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . Friends of the James River Park. (Submitted on October 26, 2009.)

Norfolk and Southern Bridge counter weight image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

2. Norfolk and Southern Bridge counter weight

Kanawha Canal Draw Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

3. Kanawha Canal Draw Bridge

Kanawha Canal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

4. Kanawha Canal

Great Lock (facing upriver) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

5. Great Lock (facing upriver)

Great Lock (facing downriver) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

6. Great Lock (facing downriver)

Civil Engineering Landmark. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

7. Civil Engineering Landmark.

Great Shiplock Park. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

8. Great Shiplock Park.

The great lock, built between 1850-1854, connected the James River with the Richmond Dock, completing the James River and Kanawha Canal system that bypassed seven miles of falls and continued 197 miles through Virginia’s western mountain ranges.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,398 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 26, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.