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

Ross' Mill Race

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. Ross' Mill Race Marker

Inscription. The fluctuating water level of the James River inspired David Ross to construct this mill race. He designed it to provide a continuous source of water power for the mills he owned on this site from c. 1784 to 1809.

David Ross was born in Scotland c. 1739, and came to Virginia in the 1750s. He became a prominent Richmond merchant, tobacco planter, ship owner and operator of one of the largest iron works in the Revolutionary South.

On the occasion of his death in 1817, the "Richmond Enquirer" wrote: "....he was no ordinary man. He was gifted with a mind of extraordinary acuteness. As a Commercial Agent, he greatly befriended this Commonwealth during the struggles of the Revolution, at a time when she most needed assistance. He was a most interesting and a most intelligent companion..."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1784.

Location. 37° 31.999′ N, 77° 26.159′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker can be reached from East Byrd Street, 0.1 miles west of Virginia Street. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk between Virginia Street and S 12th 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

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distance of this marker. Electric Trolley (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Newport Cross / Canal Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Newport Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); James River & Kanawha Canal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gallego Mill Flume (about 300 feet away); The Center of Industry in 18th and 19th Century Richmond (about 300 feet away); Heron Rookery (about 300 feet away); 13th Street Bridge (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the right is a "Site plan of the Haxall Crenshaw Mills as surveyed and mapped by E.T.D. Myers, Jr. July, 1894"

Also see . . . Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on October 31, 2009.)

Site plan of the Haxall Crenshaw Mills image. Click for full size.

Photographed By E.T.D. Myers, Jr., July 1894

2. Site plan of the Haxall Crenshaw Mills

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

3. Ross' Mill Race Marker

Ross' Mill Race image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

4. Ross' Mill Race

Ross' Mill Race and James River Overlook. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

5. Ross' Mill Race and James River Overlook.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,129 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.