Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Navigation of the White River
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 16, 2020
1. Navigation of the White River Marker
The first steamboat to navigate the White River to Batesville was the Waverly which arrived in 1831 with Capt. Phillip Pennywitt as master and Capt. Thomas Todd Tunstall as pilot. The steamboat provided major transportation for both freight and passengers for Batesville until the coming of the railroad from Diaz in 1883. The railroad terminal was in Batesville and the steamboat continued as principal carriers on the upper White River, although they were delayed frequently because of low water.The River and Flatboats Act of 1899 provided for ten locks and dams between Batesville and Buffalo Shoals. Lock and Dam No. 1 here was completed in 1903 and No. 2 and No. 3 were built before the project was dropped as the railroad was constructed up the river. The U.S. Army Engineers maintained the locks and dams until 1951. The property here was deeded to the City of Batesville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 35° 45.466′ N, 91° 38.184′ W. Marker is in Batesville, Arkansas, in Independence County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Governor Elisha Baxter (approx. 0.4 miles away); Col. Morgan Magness (approx. half a mile away); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. one mile away); Agricultural Wheel Political Platform 1887 (approx. one mile away); Batesville During The Civil War (approx. 1.1 miles away); Charles R. Handford House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Original Building, Arkansas College (approx. 1.2 miles away); Arkansas College (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Batesville.
Also see . . . Upper White River Lock & Dam Report. Report from the Historical American Building Survey, Engineering Board, from the 1960s, providing historical photos of the locks and dams, along with other details. (Submitted on July 26, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 16, 2020
2. Navigation of the White River Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 16, 2020
3. White River Lock and Dam No. 1
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
