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

James River Bateaumen

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 30, 2019

1. James River Bateaumen Marker

Inscription. The James River bateau, first used in the 1770s, was the primary means of transporting goods up and down the river between Richmond and points west until 1840, when the James River and Kanawha Canal was completed to Lynchburg. Crews of three men, often free or enslaved African Americans, performed the difficult and sometimes dangerous work of poling and steering the long, narrow boats. Largely unsupervised, bateaumen were entrusted with great responsibilities. They carried tobacco, grains, iron ore, coal, and other commodities to Richmond, helping to make the city a hub for industry and commerce. Traffic typically terminated at the Great Basin, built in 1800 1/5 mile northwest of here.

Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-120.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 37° 31.984′ N, 77° 26.021′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia.

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It is in Shockoe Slip. It is on Virginia Street 0.1 miles south of East Canal Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Virginia Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: New Turning Basin (a few steps from this marker); James River & Kanawha Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Use of Arms (within shouting distance of this marker); Atlantic Sturgeon (within shouting distance of this marker); Canal Walk / Historic Canals (within shouting distance of this marker); Pipeline Trail (within shouting

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 30, 2019

2. James River Bateaumen Marker

distance of this marker); Tobacco District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burnt District (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Use of Arms (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 30, 2019

3. James River Bateaumen Marker

Riverfront Canal Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 30, 2019

4. Riverfront Canal Walk

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.