A Transportation Corridor

A Transportation Corridor. Navigating a Historic River. , When George Washington stood here in 1772, he sought a way to open a water route to the West. Traveling over the region’s most rugged mountains was time consuming and dangerous. New settlers needed a more efficient way to transport goods like tobacco, corn, lumber, iron ore, stone, whiskey, and wheat to market., The United States needed to control this water gap to protect its interests on both sides of the mountains. The James River, with the supporting canal, was a vital commercial and strategic waterway from Richmond’s port to Buchanan., You are standing at the lowest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the gateway through the Appalachian Mountains., The James River carved this gap through the mountains. The river and the Kanawha Canal created an important transportation route first by foot then by boat, train, and automobile. , Navigating a Historic River. , Here at the James River you can hike the bluffs, see traces of an old canal, and experience what once was Virginia’s passage to the great western frontier., Hike the Trail of Trees or the Otter Lake Trail to see birds, beaver, birch, and more. Stop in the visitor center to see exhibits, get a trail map, or learn about the Junior Ranger Program.