Central Office District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Haxall Millrace

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. Haxall Millrace Marker

Inscription. The first gristmill in Richmond was built on rocks in the river and approached by planks laid from one rock to another.

In the 19th century, fleets of schooners and brigs carried Richmond's flour to Brazil and around Cape Horn to San Francisco and Australia.

From Colonial times, the waterpower of the James was used to grind wheat into flour. This became even more effective when millraces, like the Haxall canal, were dug to divert water from the river for this purpose. Eventually, Richmond became one of the largest flour exporters in the world.

Erected by Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 37° 32.018′ N, 77° 26.292′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Central Office District. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Tredegar Street and South 7th Street. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk between S 10th Street and S 11th 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. Hydroelectric Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Newport Monument

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Christopher Newport Cross / Canal Walk (about 600 feet away); Electric Trolley (about 600 feet away); Ross' Mill Race (about 600 feet away); Tidewater Connection Locks (about 700 feet away); James River & Kanawha Canal (about 700 feet away); Gallego Mill Flume (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on October 31, 2009.)

2. James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on October 31, 2009.)

Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

2. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk

Richmond, Va. Haxall & Crenshaw's Flour Mill; Canal lock in foreground. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alexander Gardner, Apr 1865

3. Richmond, Va. Haxall & Crenshaw's Flour Mill; Canal lock in foreground.

Library of Congress [LC-B815- 880]

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,304 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.