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

James River & Kanawha Canal

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. James River & Kanawha Canal Marker

Inscription. The James River and Kanawha Canal was completed as far as Buchanan in 1854. The canal provided a continuous navigable waterway from Tidewater to Buchanan, a distance of 197 miles. Consisting of ninety lift locks and a total lift of seven hundred and twenty-eight feet, traffic on the canal flourished to its peak in the late 1850's. With the expansion of railroads the canal suffered heavily, and in 1880 was sold to the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad Company, who built tracks along the towpaths of the canal. That company was sold to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company, which is now CSX.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 37° 32.042′ N, 77° 26.14′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 12th Street and East Byrd Street. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk between S 12th Street and Virginia Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tidewater Connection Locks (within shouting distance of this marker); Gallego Mill Flume (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Electric Trolley (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Newport Cross / Canal Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Center of Industry in 18th and 19th Century Richmond (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Newport Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); 13th Street Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bateau Pole (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the left side of the panel is a map carrying the caption, "Left: Details from Maps and Profiles of the James River and Kanawha Canal and Its Connections drawn by E[dwuard] Lorraine, C.E., 1857. Courtesy of the Library of Virginia

On the bottom right of the panel is a color illustration carrying the caption, "Below: Illustration of the James River Canal near the mouth of the North River from Edward Beyer's Album of Virginia, 1858. Courtesy of the Library of Virginia

On the bottom left of the panel is a diagram carrying the caption, "Below

Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

2. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk

Left: Diagram based on Maps and Profiles of the James River and Kanawha Canal and Its Connections drawn by E[dwuard] Lorraine, C.E., 1857, showing total lift and lock locations (vertical bars) between Richmond and Buchanan.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on October 30, 2009.)

2. James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District. ational Register of Historic Places (Submitted on October 30, 2009.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

3. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk

Tidewater Connection Locks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

4. Tidewater Connection Locks

Nearby Historic Landmark Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

5. Nearby Historic Landmark Plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,726 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.