Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Batteau Design

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021

1. Batteau Design Marker

Inscription.

"A batteau…is the most proper Vessel for water fencing by being flat bottom'd and will go in Shawl water.."
Anthony Whitting to George Washington, January 16, 1793

Although we do not have a complete inventory or detailed description of the boats in Washington's fleet, his writings often reference such a vessel. This batteau, constructed in 2016, was inspired by the schematics shown below, which were found in the archive of the Smithsonian Institution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 16, 1793.

Location. 38° 42.297′ N, 77° 5.374′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It can be reached from the intersection of George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Highway (Virginia Route 235), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: George Washington's Fisheries (here, next to this marker); Batteau Construction Project (here, next to this marker); Hemp (a few steps from this marker); Punt (a few steps from this marker); Sundries Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Visionary Farmer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Potomac Watershed (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Preserving the Viewshed (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021

2. Batteau Design Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 344 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.