Near Austinville in Wythe County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The New River
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2010
1. The New River Marker
In spite of its name, the New River is one of the oldest in the world and one of a few that flows north. Beginning in North Carolina, it flows through Virginia and into West Virginia. The New River was known as Wood’s River until settlers re-named it in the early 1700’s.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list.
Location. 36° 52.323′ N, 80° 52.612′ W. Marker is near Austinville, Virginia, in Wythe County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Fort Chiswell Road (U.S. 52) and Pauley Flatwoods (County Road 608). Marker is located near milepost 25 on the New River Trail State Park rail trail, overlooking the subject river, about ½ mile west of U.S. Highway 52. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austinville VA 24312, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named New River (approx. ¼ mile away); Jackson’s Ferry and Shot Tower (approx. 0.4 miles away); Shot Tower Historical State Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Shot Tower at Jackson's Ferry (approx. 0.4 miles away); History of the Shot Tower
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Oldest River in North America?. National Parks Conservation Association website entry:
The New River is generally regarded as the most ancient in North America, along with the Kanawha and French Broad Rivers. Although there is much debate on the subject, these three rivers together comprise a system of waterways that has been around for so long, it could well predate the continent as we know it. (Submitted on September 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Abraham Wood. Wikipedia entry:
Abraham Wood was an English fur trader and explorer of 17th century colonial Virginia. The first English expeditions to reach the southern Appalachian Mountains were sent out by Wood. In 1671, explorers Thomas Wood (possibly Abraham's son), Thomas Batts (Batte) and Robert Fallam reached the New River Valley and the New River. The New River was named Wood's River after Abraham Wood, although in time it became better known as the New River. (Submitted on September 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2010
2. The New River Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
