Bridgewater in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk

Photographed by Linda Walcroft, February 8, 2024

1. The Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk Marker

Inscription. As you travel this path, which connects two halves of Bridgewater, be mindful of the path's namesake.

Roscoe E. Burgess, Sr. was a legend in this Town. He was handily elected to Council six times; he was tireless in service to community organizations, and he was one of the greatest baseball players ever to come from Bridgewater.

But his legend was built on something simpler and yet more grand. Roscoe was a kind, gentle human being. An African-American who was raised in the segregated South, his life was dedicated to bridging those contrived barriers which divide humanity. He built bridges by connecting with people individually, person-to-person and heart-to-heart, reaching nearly everyone in Town.

Let Riverwalk bear witness that we are a better and closer people because of Roscoe E. Burgess, Sr.

Roscoe E. Burgess, Sr.
1929 2013

Erected 2021.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Sports.

Location. 38° 22.814′ N, 78° 58.789′ W. Marker is in Bridgewater, Virginia, in Rockingham

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County. It is at the intersection of West Riverside Drive and South Grove Street, on the left when traveling north on West Riverside Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgewater VA 22812, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in 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: A different marker also named Bridgewater (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bridgewater (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor and Remembrance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Litten Water Gardens at Edgebriar Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. John G. Brown House

The Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 21, 2024

2. The Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk and Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Bridgewater Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sipe Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Alexander Mack Memorial Library (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgewater.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bridgewater (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Dedication ceremony held for Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk in Bridgewater (WHSV3). May 16, 2021 article and newsclip of the dedication of Riverwalk and marker.

Excerpt: Family and friends gathered in Seven Bridges Park in Bridgewater Sunday afternoon for the unveiling of the Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk commemorative marker.

(Submitted on March 1, 2024.)

Additional commentary.
1.
Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted February 16, 2024, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia.

Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk Marker and North River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Linda Walcroft, February 8, 2024

3. Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk Marker and North River

The Riverwalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Linda Walcroft, February 8, 2024

4. The Riverwalk

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2024, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2024, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 1, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.