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

The Center of Industry in 18th and 19th Century Richmond

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. The Center of Industry in 18th and 19th Century Richmond Marker

Inscription. Her, beside the Falls of the James River, the foundation of Richmond's industry and commerce was built. The canal was the vital artery of transportation and the source of water power that nurtured industry's growth. Grain, hides, tobacco, cotton, wood, iron and coal were brought down the canal from the developing up country of Virginia. Finished products were then transported on the canal to Richmond's deepwater port below the fall line. The city became the center of industry south of the Potomac with flour mills, iron foundries, paper mills, tanneries and tobacco manufacturing. This area of the city was largely destroyed during the Great Conflagration of 1865, but the foundation of Richmond industry laid here has grown and prospered, encouraging a climate for economic development that continues today.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 37° 32.023′ N, 77° 26.102′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker can be reached from Virginia Street near East Byrd Street. This marker is affixed to the 13th Street bridge along the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk between Virginia Street and S 12th

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 13th Street Bridge (here, next to this marker); A Bateau Pole (a few steps from this marker); Gallego Mill Flume (within shouting distance of this marker); Tidewater Connection Locks (within shouting distance of this marker); Tidewater Lock View (within shouting distance of this marker); James River & Kanawha Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Ross' Mill Race (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electric Trolley (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on October 30, 2009.)

2. James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on October 30, 2009.)

13th Street Bridge. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

2. 13th Street Bridge.

James River & Kanawha Canal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

3. James River & Kanawha Canal

Richmond, Virginia. Ruins along the canal. image. Click for full size.

Apr 1865

4. Richmond, Virginia. Ruins along the canal.

This area of the city was largely destroyed during the Great Conflagration of 1865 as Confederates evacuated the city. Library of Congress [LC-B811- 3150]

Richmond, Va. Ruined buildings on banks of the Canal Basin. image. Click for full size.

1865

5. Richmond, Va. Ruined buildings on banks of the Canal Basin.

This area of the city was largely destroyed during the Great Conflagration of 1865 as Confederates evacuated the city. Library of Congress [LC-B811- 3247]

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on November 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.