Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Road, River and Rail:
The Rise and Fall of an American Waterfront
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 12, 2024
1. Road, River and Rail: Marker
If you were standing here a century ago looking up the road to your right, you might have been able to take this picture. Beginning in the 1700's this road was a major route for immigrants moving from northern states to the Carolinas and Tennessee to find new opportunities. This area became a crossroads for commerce and that stimulated the creation of an industrial center here on Jordan's Point named after John Jordan who developed this area building stores, foundries, forges and mills.
The James River and Kanawha Canal arrived here in 1860. By 1880 it was replaced by railroads providing access to markets across the country. The Sanborn Map shows the height of development in the late 1800's. The Miller's House is the last remnant of a thriving, active area. Built about 1811 it served as housing for the family of the man who operated the mill that was across the street behind you. The house is now a museum dedicated to telling the story of this all but forgotten history.
Erected 2017 by Miller's House Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 37° 47.534′ N, 79° 25.78′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. It is on Moses Mill Road north of Jordan Point Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at Miller's House Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 834 Moses Mill Road, Lexington VA 24450, 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 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: The Rise and Fall of an American Waterfront (here, next to this marker); Iron Rails, Steam Locomotives, 90 years
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 12, 2024
2. Road, River and Rail: Marker
Marker is located on the door in the center of the photo.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Jordans Point (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
