Gambles Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Overshot Waterwheel
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
1. Overshot Waterwheel Marker
No photographs of these waterwheels exist. Information from maps, insurance policies, and company records was used to reconstruct this waterwheel, as well as photographs of wheels of the same era.
After the James River and Kanawha canal was constructed in the 1780’s, industries began to use its water for power. Thomas Rutherfoord’s flour mill was the first, and insurance plans show the waterwheels it employed. Later, the Tredegar Iron Works built a spike mill in the same location.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 32.11′ N, 77° 26.738′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Gambles Hill. Marker could be reached from Tredegar Street, 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street. This marker is located outside the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Overshot Waterwheel (a few steps from this marker); Southern Firepower (a few steps from this marker); Historic Tredegar (within shouting distance of this marker); Toledo 1000-ton Press (within shouting distance of this marker); Gateway to the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Industrial Patterns (within shouting distance of this marker); Adapting Power (within shouting distance of this marker); Francis Turbine (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this marker. The background of the panel is a diagram displaying the locations of waterwheels throughout the Tredegar area. The caption reads, “Based on a map found in the carpenter’s shop during construction, this diagram shows the location of waterwheels from c.1799 to 1871 and the buildings they powered.”
These include: “Rutherford Flour Mill/J.R. Anderson & Co. Spike Mill c. 1799-1859; J.R. Anderson & Co. Rolling Mill c.1837-1869; Richmond Manufacturing Co. Cotton Mill c.1832-1850; Virginia Foundry Co. (Later J.R. Anderson) Foundry
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
2. Overshot Waterwheel Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Overshot Waterwheel".
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
3. Overshot Waterwheel
Apr 1865
4. Ruins of State Arsenal (overshot waterwheel)
Library of Congress [LC-B817- 7030]
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009
5. Ruins of Gallego Mills (overshot waterwheel)
Library of Congress [LC-B817- 7177]
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,108 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
